| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 500 | 20g | 5g | 25g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 1g | 60g | 0.4g |
One dish that holds a special place in my heart is the tantalisingly flavorful Black Pepper and Garlic Pork Tenderloin. Crafting this recipe always takes me back to my roots; a beautiful blend of West Coast freshness mixed with American comfort. The key, of course, being balance- something that this dish achieves superbly.
Flavours that Dance on Your Palate
The recipe starts with high-quality pork tenderloins, kissed with olive oil, tantalising garlic, and robust black pepper. These simple, yet powerful ingredients elevate this dish from mundane to memorable. Adding the brown sugar introduces a level of sweetness that plays off the pepper beautifully, while the balsamic vinegar brings the much-needed tang to balance it all out.
What makes the Black Pepper and Garlic Pork Tenderloin a standout, is the ingenious blend of high-quality protein from the tenderloin and the heart-healthy fats from the olive oil (source). The garlic and balsamic vinegar infuse it with antioxidants, enriching your meal with a ton of health benefits, from heart disease prevention to anti-inflammatory properties.
A Feast for the Senses
If you adore comfort foods with a pinch of health-conscious California freshness, this recipe might remind you of a honey baked ham or a slow-roasted turkey, but with a lighter, zestier kick. It’s perfect for those cosy family gatherings, or simply when you are yearning for a taste that comforts and delights.
Imagine serving it alongside some of your favorite sides: a warm, roasted beet salad with goat cheese, or a light, crisp Sauvignon Blanc (source). Honestly, there is no wrong way of enjoying this wholesome dish.
As a mom to three amazing children, who, I might add, are my harshest food critics, this Black Pepper and Garlic Pork Tenderloin has earned the seal of approval time and time again. It’s a wonderful fusion of my West Coast roots, and heart-warming comfort food, that truly is the best of both worlds.
What You’ll Need
- 2 (1 pound) pork tenderloins
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Then place the pork tenderloins into a roasting pan or a large baking dish.
Step Two
Heat the olive oil in a small pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and slightly browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Step Three
Add the black pepper and salt to the pot with the olive oil and garlic. Mix well to create a paste, then remove from heat.
Step Four
Use a brush or your fingers to spread the garlic and pepper paste over the pork tenderloins, making sure to cover all sides.
Step Five
Place the pork in the preheated oven and cook for 20 minutes. In the meantime, prepare the glaze.
Step Six
Combine the brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Mix until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step Seven
Mix the cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry. Once the brown sugar and vinegar mixture is heated, add the cornstarch slurry. Stir until the glaze thickens.
Step Eight
After the pork has cooked for 20 minutes, remove from the oven and brush the glaze over the top. Return to the oven and continue cooking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).
Step Nine
Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Black Pepper and Garlic Pork Tenderloin!
