Hey y’all! If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s both impressively elegant and incredibly easy to whip up, look no further than this Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry-Orange Relish recipe. The juicy, tender pork pairs perfectly with the bright, tangy flavors of Cranberry and orange, creating a mouthwatering combo that’s guaranteed to wow your guests or add pizzazz to your weeknight dinner. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy family meal, this dish brings a touch of festive flair to any table. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry-Orange Relish
- Juicy, lean pork tenderloin pairs deliciously with the sweet-tart relish for a delightful flavor medley.
- Perfect for both special occasions and simple weeknight dinners.
- Quick and easy prep: ready in under an hour with minimal hands-on time.
- Great make-ahead option—the relish tastes even better the next day!
- Light, fresh ingredients—perfect for guests looking for something a little healthier.
Ingredients for Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry-Orange Relish
- 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 small shallot, finely diced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry-Orange Relish
Step 1: Prep the Pork Tenderloin
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Rub it evenly with olive oil, then season all over with salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Sear the Pork
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil, then sear the tenderloin for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crusty.
Step 3: Roast the Pork
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 15-18 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let the pork rest, tented loosely with foil, for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Step 4: Make the Cranberry-Orange Relish
While the pork cooks, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, diced shallot, cinnamon, and cloves in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Season with a pinch of salt. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Step 5: Serve
Slice the pork tenderloin and arrange on a platter. Spoon the cranberry-orange relish over the top or serve alongside. Enjoy!
Notes for the Best Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry-Orange Relish
- Let the pork rest before slicing to lock in those delicious juices. Learn why resting meat matters.
- If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw—just toss them straight into the saucepan.
- Double the relish and save leftovers for turkey sandwiches or cheese boards!
Variations for Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry-Orange Relish
- Spicy Relish: Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the relish for heat.
- Herbed Pork: Swap thyme for rosemary or sage for a fresh spin on the seasoning.
- Baked Relish: Bake the cranberries and orange segments together with a brown sugar crumble for a chunkier topping.
Required Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet or roasting pan
- Small saucepan
- Meat thermometer
- Zester or grater (for orange zest)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Storage Instructions for Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry-Orange Relish
- Store leftover pork and relish separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat pork gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying it out.
- The relish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before serving.
Serving Pairings for Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry-Orange Relish
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or wild rice for a hearty meal.
- Bright green veggies like steamed green beans or sautéed Brussels sprouts make it extra colorful.
- Pair with a crisp Chardonnay or a fruity Pinot Noir for a balanced dinner.
Pro Tips for Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry-Orange Relish
- Always use a meat thermometer for perfectly juicy pork—145°F is the golden number. See more at Foodsafety.gov.
- To easily zest an orange, use a microplane and avoid the bitter white pith.
- For more flavor, marinate the pork in the fridge for up to 4 hours in a mixture of orange juice, olive oil, and spices; learn more about marinating here.
Frequently Asked Questions: Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry-Orange Relish
- Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
- Yes, but soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first; the relish will be sweeter and less tart.
- Is pork tenderloin the same as pork loin?
- No, pork tenderloin is smaller and cooks faster. For this recipe, only use tenderloin for best results.
- Can I make the cranberry-orange relish ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Make it up to 2 days ahead; refrigerate in an airtight container and bring to room temperature before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs pork tenderloin, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 navel orange, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
-
1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the pork tenderloin dry and rub with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
-
2Place the seasoned pork tenderloin on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove from the oven, tent with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
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3While the pork roasts, combine cranberries, orange zest and juice, honey, and red onion in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 8–10 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in parsley.
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4Slice the rested pork tenderloin and serve with a generous spoonful of cranberry-orange relish on top.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
270cal
Protein:
27 gg
Fat:
7 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
25 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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