Apricot Filled Pork Tenderloin Recipe
🕒 Cook Time: 35 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 2 hours
🕒 Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
🥩 Recipe Category: Pork
🔥 Keywords: Meat, High Protein, Healthy, High In…, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
Description:
This flavorful main course is a great company offering. The tenderloin tastes wonderful and looks so pretty when it’s sliced to reveal the golden apricot center! 🍑
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 304.6
- Fat Content: 5.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 98.4mg
- Sodium Content: 496.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 31g
- Fiber Content: 2.3g
- Sugar Content: 27.4g
- Protein Content: 33g
- Servings: 6
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brown sugar | 2 tbsp |
| Ketchup | 1/3 cup |
| Dijon mustard | 1/4 cup |
| Onion, chopped | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Ground ginger | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Pumpkin pie spice | 1/8 tsp |
| Pork tenderloins | 2 |
| Apricots | 6 |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tenderloins:
- Make a lengthwise pocket cut three quarters of the way through each tenderloin.
- Pound the tenderloins with a meat mallet to flatten evenly.
-
Prepare the Apricots:
- Set aside three apricots for the marinade.
- Stuff the remaining apricots into the tenderloins, filling them to within 1/2 inch of the ends.
- Secure the tenderloins with toothpicks or kitchen string.
-
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a blender, combine the reserved apricots with the marinade ingredients: brown sugar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground ginger, black pepper, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Cover and process until smooth, then set aside 1/3 cup of the marinade.
-
Marinate the Tenderloins:
- Place the stuffed tenderloins in a greased baking dish.
- Pour the remaining marinade over the tenderloins.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, turning the meat occasionally to marinate evenly.
-
Bake the Tenderloins:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Drain the meat and discard the marinade.
- Drizzle the reserved 1/3 cup of marinade over the meat.
- Bake the tenderloins, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooked, let the tenderloins rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Remove the toothpicks or kitchen string.
- Slice the tenderloins into medallions, revealing the delicious apricot filling.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra marinade if desired.
Tips:
- For a sweeter taste, you can add a bit more brown sugar to the marinade.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of ground ginger or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
Notes:
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the pork with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to your desired doneness.
- The leftover tenderloin makes excellent sandwiches the next day, served cold or lightly reheated.
This Apricot Filled Pork Tenderloin recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight treat! 🍽️ Enjoy the tender pork with the burst of juicy apricots in every bite!
