Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Apricot-Glazed Roast Pork Tenderloin, beautifully complemented by the sweetness of prunes and figs. This exquisite recipe is sure to elevate your dinner to a whole new level. The tender and succulent pork tenderloin is coated with a delectable glaze made from apricot preserves, brandy, and paprika, adding a burst of flavors to every bite. With the rich fruitiness of dried figs and prunes, this dish becomes a true symphony of tastes. So, let’s gather our ingredients and embark on this culinary journey to create a masterpiece fit for a memorable meal.
SERVES 6
INGREDIENTS:
- ¼ cup dried figs, quartered
- ¼ cup dried prunes, halved
- ¼ cup brandy
- ½ cup apricot preserves
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 pork tenderloins, about 1½ pounds each
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and adjust an oven rack to the middle position. In a small bowl, combine the quartered figs, halved prunes, brandy, apricot preserves, and paprika. Stir the mixture together to create the glaze. Set aside for later use.
- Pat the pork tenderloins dry with a paper towel and season them on all sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish, then dredge the tenderloins in it, turning them to coat evenly. Set the coated tenderloins on a large plate.
- In a 12-inch ovenproof nonstick or cast-iron skillet, heat the vegetable oil over high heat until it shimmers. Add the pork tenderloins to the skillet, and cook them while turning occasionally, until they are well-browned on all sides, approximately 12 minutes. If the tenderloins don’t fit initially, curve them to fit as they will shrink and straighten as they cook. Transfer the browned tenderloins to a large plate, and set them aside.
- Pour the prepared glaze mixture into the skillet, and cook while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, for about 2 minutes. Return the pork tenderloins to the skillet, turning them to coat them thoroughly in the glaze. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven, and roast the pork for about 15 minutes, turning and coating it with the glaze every 4 minutes. The pork is ready when the thickest part registers 130°F on an instant-read thermometer. Remove the skillet from the oven, and transfer the pork tenderloins to a large plate to rest for 5 minutes.
- While the pork is resting, whisk the balsamic vinegar and unsalted butter into the glaze, creating a rich and flavorful sauce. Carve the pork tenderloins, and serve them with the luscious glaze drizzled over the top.
VARIATION:
Maple-Mustard-Glazed Roast Pork Tenderloin:
- For an alternative glaze, you can prepare a delightful Maple-Mustard-Glazed Roast Pork Tenderloin. Simply omit the figs, prunes, apricot preserves, paprika, and balsamic vinegar. Instead, combine ⅓ cup maple syrup and 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard with the brandy. Proceed as directed, finishing the glaze with the addition of butter. Carve the pork tenderloins, and drizzle them with the irresistible maple-mustard glaze for a unique and mouthwatering twist.
The Apricot-Glazed Roast Pork Tenderloin with Prunes and Figs is a culinary masterpiece that will delight your taste buds with a harmonious combination of flavors. The succulent pork tenderloins, coated with the delectable apricot glaze, are complemented perfectly by the sweetness of dried figs and prunes. This dish is ideal for a special dinner, impressing guests with its exquisite taste and presentation. Alternatively, you can try the Maple-Mustard-Glazed Roast Pork Tenderloin for a delightful variation, showcasing the delightful flavors of maple syrup and whole-grain mustard. Whichever glaze you choose, rest assured that these pork tenderloins will be a true delight for all. Enjoy this delicious culinary journey and savor every delightful bite!
