Orange-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Category: Main Course
Serves: 4
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Pork tenderloin | 1 kg |
Yellow onions | 100 g |
Celery | 60 g |
Carrots | 100 g |
Fresh rosemary sprigs | 4 |
Fresh thyme sprigs | 4 |
Orange juice | 1 large orange |
Garlic cloves | 1 |
Kampot pepper (or black pepper) | To taste |
Sea salt | 10 g |
Extra virgin olive oil | 20 g |
Vegetable broth | 150 g |
Instructions
This orange-glazed pork tenderloin recipe is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the richness of roasted pork with the zesty freshness of orange, creating a perfect balance for your taste buds. To begin preparing this dish, follow the simple yet detailed steps below:
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Prepare the Vegetables for Roasting
Start by cleaning and peeling the vegetables that will enhance the aroma of your roast. Wash and peel the celery and carrots, then set them aside. Next, peel the onion and cut it into rough chunks. The vegetables should be roughly chopped to allow for even cooking and the infusion of flavors. -
Prepare the Pork Tenderloin
Once your vegetables are prepped, it’s time to get the pork ready. Take the pork tenderloin and tie it up with cooking twine, inserting sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme between the knots. This will infuse the meat with herbal aromas as it cooks. Season the pork generously with sea salt and freshly ground Kampot pepper (or black pepper if you prefer), ensuring the seasoning adheres well to the meat. -
Searing the Pork
In a high-sided skillet or oven-safe pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the whole garlic clove, allowing it to infuse the oil with its aromatic flavor. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned pork tenderloin into the pan. Sear the meat on all sides until golden brown and crispy, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. -
Add the Vegetables and Broth
Once the pork is seared, add the chopped celery, onion, and carrots around the meat. Pour in the vegetable broth and the juice of one freshly squeezed orange. The citrus juice will give the dish its signature bright flavor, complementing the savory notes of the pork. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. -
Roasting the Pork
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) for a fan-assisted oven, or 220°C (428°F) for a traditional oven. Once the oven reaches temperature, transfer the skillet (or pan) to the oven. Roast the pork for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 70°C (160°F) for a well-cooked roast. During this time, the vegetables will soften, and the flavors will meld beautifully. -
Make the Sauce
After the pork is cooked, remove it from the oven and carefully take out the twine. Set the meat aside to rest while you prepare the sauce. In a separate high-sided container, pour in the cooking juices and vegetables from the pan. Using an immersion blender, blend everything together until smooth. If the sauce appears too thin, simmer it over medium heat until it thickens to your desired consistency. On the other hand, if it is too thick, you can add a little more vegetable broth to loosen it up. -
Serve the Pork
To serve, spread some of the sauce on a serving platter. Slice the pork tenderloin into even, thick slices and arrange it on top of the sauce. Drizzle more of the sauce over the pork, ensuring it’s well-coated. For an extra touch of freshness and color, garnish with thin slices of orange, which will complement the citrus notes already in the dish. -
Enjoy
Serve this elegant and flavorful Orange-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted potatoes or a light salad. This dish is perfect for a special family meal or even a celebratory dinner with guests. The combination of tender pork, vibrant vegetables, and the bright orange sauce will surely impress everyone at the table.
This Orange-Glazed Pork Tenderloin recipe brings out the best in simple ingredients by enhancing them with bold flavors and a touch of citrusy elegance. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and citrusy goodness with every bite.