Description
This Apple Sage Stuffed Pork Tenderloin recipe combines tender pork with a flavorful filling of apples, onions, fresh sage, and warm cinnamon, creating a deliciously savory and slightly sweet main dish perfect for any occasion. The pork is seared for a golden crust and then roasted to juicy perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Pork and Seasoning
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
Stuffing
- 1 apple, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup onions, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the pork tenderloin.
- Prepare Pork: Slice the pork tenderloin lengthwise to create a pocket for the stuffing, being careful not to cut all the way through the meat.
- Cook Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add Apple and Seasonings: Stir in the diced apple, chopped fresh sage, and ground cinnamon. Cook the mixture for an additional 2 minutes until aromatic.
- Combine Stuffing: Mix in the breadcrumbs and chicken broth into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Stuff Pork Tenderloin: Carefully fill the pocket in the pork tenderloin with the apple mixture, then secure the opening using toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the stuffing inside.
- Sear Pork: In an oven-safe skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed tenderloin on all sides until it develops a golden brown crust.
- Roast Pork: Transfer the skillet with the seared pork into the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before removing toothpicks or twine, slicing, and serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is perfectly cooked to 145°F (63°C) for juicy results.
- If you don’t have fresh sage, dried sage can be used but reduce the amount by half as dried herbs are more potent.
- The stuffing can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before assembling the pork.
- Letting the pork rest after roasting helps retain its juices and improves flavor.
- Ensure the pork tenderloin pocket is well sealed to prevent stuffing from leaking during cooking.
