Many people may not think of chocolate as an ingredient for savory dishes, but I am here to tell you that it is a game changer. Combining sweet and savory has always intrigued me, and with this Chocolate-Glazed Pork Tenderloin, I can assure you that the flavors come together beautifully. In this tutorial, I will guide you through the steps to create this unique dish that will impress your friends and family.
Chocolate-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
A unique and flavorful pork tenderloin glazed with a rich chocolate sauce, offering a delightful twist on a classic dish.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 45 min
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 pound)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine cocoa powder, brown sugar, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper. Rub this mixture over the pork tenderloin.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until browned.
- In a separate bowl, mix chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic. Pour this mixture over the pork in the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with the chocolate glaze from the skillet.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 calories
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 35g
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Facebook PinterestFirst, let’s gather the ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:
- 1 pound of pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips (70% cacao works best)
- 1/4 cup of chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder (optional for a kick)
Once you have everything ready, it’s time to prepare the pork tenderloin. I always start by preheating my oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the pork cooks evenly and gets that nice brown exterior.
Next, I take the tenderloin and season it generously with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, I sear the pork on all sides for about 3-4 minutes until it is golden brown. This step is crucial because it locks in the juices and adds flavor.
After searing, I transfer the tenderloin to a baking dish and pop it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). While the pork is roasting, I start working on the chocolate glaze.
In the same skillet I used for the pork, I lower the heat and add the chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, and honey. I let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Then, I gradually add the dark chocolate chips, stirring constantly until they completely melt and combine with the sauce. If you like a little heat, now is the time to add the chili powder.
Once the tenderloin is finished roasting, I remove it from the oven and brush a generous amount of the chocolate glaze over it. To finish, I return the pork to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, letting the glaze caramelize just a bit.
After it’s done, I take out the tenderloin and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into medallions. The contrast between the rich chocolate glaze and the tender pork is amazing. I love to serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Now that you have the steps, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try this Chocolate-Glazed Pork Tenderloin. It’s a dish that will surprise and delight, sure to become a favorite in your repertoire!
