Roasted Walnut Bourbon Pork Tenderloin
Fall flavors abound in this easy, simple bourbon pork tenderloin roasted with delicious spices and a bourbon walnut glaze.
I’m in my busy season of the year. Almost each week, I have a different conference or event to attend for work. I’m eagerly anticipating mid-October when things settle down for me, but until then, I’m traveling so much that I’ll probably only be able to share 1-2 recipes per week. So, I’m sharing this bourbon pork tenderloin, writing in a hotel room in Iowa!
We made this bourbon pork tenderloin last week and it was a godsend for me. I needed something that was warm and homey after traveling most of the week and eating hotel convention center food!
We rubbed the pork with spices, then seared and roasted it until there was an amazing crust, then threw it in the oven to finished roasting. I used the juices left in the pan to make the super awesome bourbon and walnut glaze! My husband took one bite of this bourbon pork tenderloin and said “Wow, this tastes like fall.”
Searing the pork first is an extra step, but it’s very important. Yes, it’s way easier to just throw the bourbon pork tenderloin in the oven. But, without a sear you’ll miss that delicious caramelized crust, and the juices from the pork will freely flow out as it cooks. We really want the juices to stay in, so that the pork doesn’t dry out!
Pumpkin spice and apples dominate fall recipes. I love pumpkin spice flavors as much as any other 30-year old chick, but sometimes the sheer quantity of fall desserts on the internet overwhelms me!
I like to serve this wonderful fall recipe with an equally amazing fall side dish! Try this Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash, or my yummy Caramelized Onion and Bacon Mashed Potatoes.
I love it that this savory bourbon pork tenderloin recipe reminds my family of fall, and would love to find a few more good fall recipes that aren’t dessert! If you have any, please share them with me!
Bourbon Walnut Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Fall flavors abound in this easy, simple pork tenderloin roasted with delicious spices and a bourbon walnut glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the spice rub:
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon white or black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup bourbon
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towel.
- In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, garlic powder, cayenne, cumin, pepper and salt. Gently rub onto pork tenderloin.
- In a large skillet, add olive oil and heat on medium-high heat until the oil is sizzling but not smoking.
- Add pork loin, allowing to sear for 3-4 minutes before rotating. Sear each side, about 12 minutes total.
- Transfer pork loin to roasting dish and place uncovered in oven for 15 minutes to finish cooking.
- While it's in the oven, make the glaze.
- Leave pork juices in skillet but adjust to medium-low heat.
- Add chicken broth to the skillet, then stir, scraping up any bits of pork left in the pan. Allow to simmer for one minute.
- Next, add the bourbon and brown sugar. Turn heat to medium-high and allow the sauce to reduce in the skillet for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add walnuts for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking.
- Allow the pork loin to rest at room temperature for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve cooked pork warm with bourbon glaze poured over the top.
Notes
- A larger pork loin (over 1 lbs) may need a few extra minutes of roasting in the oven.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 463Total Fat 20gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 124mgSodium 291mgCarbohydrates 11gFiber 1gSugar 8gProtein 47g
The nutrition for this recipe is calculated by an app and may be incorrect.
Want to try another awesome pork tenderloin recipe like this bourbon pork tenderloin? I recommend:
You had me at bourbon! Looks insanely delicious.
I know you’re in! Thanks lady.
Awesome idea! Sounds delicious and amazing and totally perfect for Fall!
Thanks lady!
For some reason I always forget about pork tenderloin but I really do love it!
Ditto! I always takes a killer sale for me to remember that yes, I do like it!
Whoa Michelle! Now this is my kinda dinner! I love using bourbon to cook (not so much drink!) But I am thinking this is an impressive dinner that needs to happen ASAP!
Thanks Meg!!!!
wow that glaze on top has me drooling!
It was delish…. thanks Krista!
Gurrrrrl, I LOVE the bourbon! This pork sends sooooo flavorful!
Oooooo me too! And we’re moving into cold weather season, a.k.a. bourbon season at our house!
Wow, what a crazy time of year for you! And what an amazingly delicious looking pork recipe. I’m always looking for new pork tenderloin recipes, so I’m bookmarking this one.
It is SO nuts! I’m about halfway through, though. Thanks!
What a lovely and unusual glaze for pork. I agree with you that the sear, which doesn’t take long, is essential – your photos show how wonderful the final product is with a good sear!
It makes all the difference! Thanks Laura!
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can’t wait to try the bourbon walnut glazed pork. Looks yummy and I think everyone in the house will actually eat it. ?.
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Fantastic recipe – thank you – I’ve made this many times for a crowd of hungry gastronomes- great comments every time!
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