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To make a great brown sugar bourbon pork tenderloin, you need a few key items: - 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 to 1.5 pounds) - 1 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup bourbon - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon black pepper You can boost the flavor with these optional ingredients: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper - Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Gather these tools before you start cooking: - A large mixing bowl - A whisk or fork - A baking dish or a grill - A meat thermometer - Aluminum foil for resting the meat These ingredients and tools will help you create a tasty brown sugar bourbon pork tenderloin. Make sure to have everything ready to enjoy the cooking process! {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the marinade, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup bourbon - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, bourbon, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic. Stir it well until the sugar dissolves. This mix will give your pork tenderloin a sweet and tangy flavor. Take your pork tenderloin and trim any fat. Now, place it in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the pork. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Make sure the pork is well coated. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least one hour, or up to overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs. You have a few options to cook your marinated pork tenderloin. 1. Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade and let it rest for a few minutes. Grill for about 20-25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 145°F. 2. Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the pork in a baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Again, check for the 145°F mark. 3. Searing: For a nice crust, you can sear the pork in a hot pan with oil for 3-4 minutes on each side. Then, transfer it to the oven to finish cooking. No matter which method you choose, let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps all the juices inside, making every bite tender and flavorful. The best cooking temperature for pork tenderloin is 145°F. This temp ensures the meat stays juicy. Always use a meat thermometer to check. Insert it into the thickest part of the tenderloin. If you cook it too long, the pork can dry out. I recommend removing it from heat at about 140°F. It will continue to cook a bit after you take it off. To get a perfect glaze, start with a good marinade. Use brown sugar and bourbon for that sweet kick. After marinating, save some of the marinade. Cook it in a pot until it thickens. Brush this glaze over the pork during the last few minutes of cooking. This gives the tenderloin a shiny, sweet layer. It makes the dish look and taste amazing. When serving brown sugar bourbon pork tenderloin, think about sides that balance the flavors. Here are some great options: - Roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts - Creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting touch - A fresh salad with vinaigrette for brightness - Rice pilaf to soak up the delicious glaze These sides complement the sweet and savory notes of the pork. Enjoy mixing and matching! Pro Tips Choose Quality Ingredients: Always opt for fresh and high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavor of your dish. Prep Ahead: Organize and prepare your ingredients before starting to cook. This makes the cooking process smoother and more efficient. Season Gradually: Season your dish in layers throughout the cooking process rather than all at once for better flavor integration. Let It Rest: Allow your cooked meats to rest before slicing. This helps retain juices and results in a more tender bite. {{image_2}} You can swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup. Both add a nice sweetness. Honey gives a floral note, while maple syrup brings a rich flavor. You can also try agave nectar for a lower-glycemic option. Each sweetener will change the taste a bit but still keep it delicious. Mix it up with spices! Try adding smoked paprika for a hint of smoke. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme work well too. These herbs add freshness to the dish. You can also try chili powder for a bit of heat. Just remember to balance flavors to keep it tasty. You can use this marinade on chicken or beef. For chicken, grill it for a smoky flavor. For beef, roast it slowly in the oven. Each cut needs a different cooking time. A meat thermometer helps ensure it cooks to perfection. This way, you enjoy the same great taste across different meats. To keep cooked pork tenderloin fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. It will last for three to four days this way. Ensure the lid fits tightly. This keeps out air and moisture. You want to prevent any spoilage. If you need to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the pork tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, put it into a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to squeeze out all the air. This helps avoid freezer burn. The pork will stay good for up to three months in the freezer. Label the bag with the date. This way, you know when to use it. When it's time to eat leftovers, reheating properly makes a big difference. For the best taste, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F. Place the pork in a baking dish. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Cover it with foil to trap steam. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until warm. You can also use a microwave. If you choose this method, use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir in between to ensure even warming. Enjoy your tenderloin like it was just cooked! Cooking pork tenderloin takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check. The internal temp should reach 145°F. Let the meat rest for five minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and flavorful. Yes, you can use chicken or beef. These meats will change the flavor. Chicken works well with the brown sugar bourbon glaze. Beef may need a longer cooking time. Adjust your cooking time based on the meat you choose. Serve this dish with roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. A fresh salad complements the rich flavors too. For a fun twist, try serving it with rice or quinoa. These sides balance the sweetness of the glaze. By now, you know how to prepare a great pork tenderloin. We covered key ingredients, cooking methods, and handy tips. I shared variations to keep your meals exciting. You learned about proper storage and reheating tips to save time later. With this knowledge, you'll impress your family and friends. Enjoy making delicious dishes and exploring new flavors. Happy cooking!

Vegetable Stir-Fry

A quick and healthy vegetable stir-fry packed with flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup sliced bell peppers
  • 1 cup carrot, julienned
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots; stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until tender.
  • Pour in soy sauce and toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
  • Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or protein.
Keyword healthy, stir fry, vegetables