Description
This oven-roasted balsamic pork tenderloin delivers an elegant, caramelized crust with a tangy-sweet glaze that clings to every slice. Juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy, it’s my go-to for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Aged balsamic, fresh rosemary, and a quick stovetop sear turn a simple cut into something memorable.
Ingredients
1 pork tenderloin (1 to 1.25 pounds)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for searing)
0.33 cup aged balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
1. Pat the pork dry thoroughly with paper towels.
2. Mix rosemary, garlic, salt, black pepper, and olive oil to make a rub.
3. Rub the mixture all over the pork tenderloin and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 400°F.
5. Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 4 minutes.
6. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.
7. Sear the pork on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
8. Transfer skillet directly to the oven.
9. Roast for 15–18 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 140°F.
10. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, simmer balsamic vinegar and brown sugar over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, until reduced by half.
11. Remove pork from oven and brush with the glaze.
12. Tent with foil and rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
13. Slice into 1-inch medallions and drizzle remaining glaze over top before serving.
Notes
Resting the pork is essential for juicy slices — don’t skip the 10-minute tent.
Use an aged balsamic vinegar labeled at least 6 years for best flavor balance.
Cast iron gives you the best sear; avoid nonstick for this recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven Roasted
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 tenderloin
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: balsamic pork tenderloin, cast iron pork, oven pork tenderloin