Bacon Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin is a savory-sweet dish that combines the richness of bacon, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the tenderness of pork tenderloin. It’s a simple yet delicious recipe, perfect for a dinner that feels special.
Here’s a recipe for you:
Bacon Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients:
- 1-2 pork tenderloins (about 1 to 1.5 lbs each)
- 6-8 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme (or fresh thyme, if preferred)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (optional, for a little tang)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin:
Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Season the pork with salt, pepper, and dried thyme (if using fresh thyme, set it aside for later).
3. Make the Brown Sugar Glaze:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and balsamic vinegar (if using). Mix well to form a thick glaze.
4. Wrap the Pork in Bacon:
Lay the bacon slices out flat on a cutting board. Place the pork tenderloin in the center of the bacon slices. Wrap the bacon around the pork, securing it with toothpicks or simply tucking the ends underneath the pork.
5. Sear the Pork:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin for about 2-3 minutes per side, until the bacon gets slightly crispy and golden.
6. Coat with Brown Sugar Glaze:
Once the pork is seared, remove the skillet from the heat. Brush the brown sugar glaze over the entire bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin, ensuring it’s coated well.
7. Roast in the Oven:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the pork tenderloin for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The bacon should be crispy, and the glaze should have caramelized slightly.
8. Rest the Pork:
Once done, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for a tender, juicy result.
9. Serve:
Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions and serve. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Optional Add-Ons:
- Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Sauce: You can drizzle any leftover glaze or even a little balsamic reduction over the top before serving.
Enjoy!
This Bacon Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin is sweet, savory, and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for a weekend dinner, special occasions, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something amazing!