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Savory Cherry Cola Glazed Pork Tenderloin

cherry cola glazed pork tenderloin - featured image
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A quick and easy pork tenderloin recipe featuring a sticky sweet cherry cola glaze that balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors for a juicy, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 to 1.5 pounds / 450–680 grams), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cherry cola
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce, preferably low sodium
  • 2 tablespoons (25 grams) brown sugar, packed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) ground black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine cherry cola, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and rice vinegar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Stir frequently and let it reduce until thick and syrupy, about 15-18 minutes. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon.
  3. Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels, then season all sides with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt if desired.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the tenderloin and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Spoon half of the cherry cola glaze over the tenderloin, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, spooning the remaining glaze over the pork halfway through cooking. The pork is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F (63°C).
  6. Remove the pork from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes.
  7. Slice the tenderloin into medallions and drizzle with any extra glaze from the pan.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 145°F for perfect doneness. Simmer glaze gently to avoid burning. If glaze thickens too much while resting, warm gently with a splash of water to loosen. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. Optional red pepper flakes add a spicy kick. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be frozen.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork tenderloin, cherry cola glaze, sticky sweet glaze, easy pork recipe, weeknight dinner, savory pork, sweet and tangy glaze

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/savory-cherry-cola-glazed-pork-tenderloin-recipe-easy-sticky-sweet-glaze/