Save Bring a burst of color and a balance of flavors to your dinner table with this One-Pan Honey Balsamic Pork Tenderloin. The combination of sweet honey and tangy balsamic vinegar creates a luscious glaze that perfectly complements the succulent pork and the natural sweetness of caramelized rainbow carrots. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and elegant weekend meals.
Save With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce, you can create a high-quality dinner that looks as good as it tastes. The rainbow carrots add a vibrant visual appeal that makes this meal feel like a special occasion every time you serve it.
Ingredients
Pork
- 1 ½ lbs (680 g) pork tenderloin, trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Glaze
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves)
Vegetables
- 1 lb (450 g) rainbow carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Step 2
- Place the rainbow carrots on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, and toss to coat. Arrange carrots in a single layer along the sides of the pan, leaving space in the center for the pork.
- Step 3
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Rub all over with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Place the pork in the center of the baking sheet.
- Step 4
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and thyme. Brush half of the glaze over the pork tenderloin.
- Step 5
- Roast for 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and brush the remaining glaze over the pork.
- Step 6
- Return to the oven and roast for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and the carrots are tender and caramelized.
- Step 7
- Transfer the pork to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with the roasted carrots and pan juices.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked perfectly. Removing it at exactly 145°F (63°C) prevents the meat from becoming dry. Ensure the carrots are cut to a similar size to promote even roasting.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If rainbow carrots are unavailable, standard orange carrots or parsnips work beautifully in this dish. For a deeper herbal flavor, experiment with fresh rosemary or sage in place of thyme.
Serviervorschläge
Drizzle the remaining pan juices over the sliced pork for extra moisture. A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs and a glass of light red wine, such as Pinot Noir, will perfectly round out this meal.
Save This One-Pan Honey Balsamic Pork Tenderloin with Rainbow Carrots is a reliable, delicious way to bring a wholesome dinner to the table with very little effort. Enjoy the perfect harmony of tangy and sweet in every bite.
Cooking Guide
- → What temperature should pork tenderloin be cooked to?
Pork tenderloin should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption while remaining juicy and tender. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the meat.
- → Can I use regular carrots instead of rainbow carrots?
Absolutely. Regular carrots work perfectly fine in this dish. The rainbow carrots add visual appeal, but regular carrots will provide the same sweet flavor and tender texture when roasted.
- → How do I know when the pork is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Once it reads 145°F (63°C), the pork is properly cooked. The exterior should have a nice caramelized glaze, and the juices should run clear when pierced.
- → Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can whisk the glaze ingredients together up to a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before brushing onto the pork.
- → What sides pair well with this pork?
Mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or wild rice complement the flavors beautifully. A simple green salad with vinaigrette or sautéed greens like kale or spinach also work well alongside this main dish.
- → Can I substitute the pork tenderloin?
Pork chops work well with the same glaze and cooking method, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on thickness. Chicken thighs are another option that pairs nicely with honey balsamic flavors.