Gluten-Free Pork Tenderloin with Apples

Gluten-Free Pork Tenderloin with Apples

Julia

This gluten-free pork tenderloin with apples is the perfect marriage of sweet and savory flavors, bringing together tender, juicy pork with caramelized apples and aromatic herbs. The dish celebrates the natural pairing of pork and fruit, a combination that has been cherished in European cuisine for centuries, particularly in French and German cooking traditions. The apples not only add a delightful sweetness but also help keep the lean pork tenderloin moist during roasting.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and elegance. Fresh rosemary and thyme infuse the meat with earthy, aromatic notes that complement the natural sweetness of the apples beautifully. As the pork roasts, the apples soften and caramelize, creating a natural sauce that's both sophisticated and comforting. This dish is naturally gluten-free, requiring no substitutions or modifications, making it an ideal choice for those following a gluten-free diet without sacrificing flavor or presentation.

Perfect for a weeknight family dinner or special enough for entertaining guests, this one-pan meal delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The pork tenderloin cooks relatively quickly, making it an excellent choice when you want something impressive but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete, satisfying meal that showcases the best of seasonal cooking.

Julia

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

50 minutes
None servings
385 calories
Fat 14.00g
Carbs 28.00g
Protein 38.00g

Ingredients

1.5 lbspork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin
3 mediumapples, cored and cut into wedges
3 tbspolive oil, divided
2 tbspfresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbspfresh thyme, chopped
3 clovesgarlic, minced
1.5 tspsalt
1 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
1 mediumonion, cut into wedges
1/2 cupchicken broth, gluten-free
2 tbsphoney
1 tbspDijon mustard, gluten-free

Equipment

Cutting board
Oven
Whisk
measuring spoons
measuring cups
paper towels
tongs
aluminum foil
meat thermometer
sharp knife
large oven-safe skillet
small mixing bowls

Clean Eating

This recipe embodies clean eating principles by using whole, minimally processed ingredients like fresh pork, herbs, apples, and olive oil. All components are recognizable in their natural state, with no artificial additives or refined ingredients.

Gluten-Free Diet

Naturally gluten-free, this recipe explicitly uses gluten-free chicken broth and contains no wheat, barley, rye, or other gluten-containing ingredients. The dish provides a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.

Low-Carb Diet

With only moderate carbohydrates from apples and onions, this recipe remains low-carb friendly. The focus on protein and healthy fats from pork and olive oil makes it suitable for those tracking their carbohydrate intake.

Paleo Diet

This recipe is perfectly Paleo-compliant, featuring grass-fed pork, fresh herbs, and whole food ingredients like apples and onions. It avoids all grains, legumes, and processed ingredients, focusing on nutrient-dense, unprocessed components that align with hunter-gatherer eating principles.

Primal Diet

Perfectly aligned with Primal Diet guidelines, this recipe features grass-fed pork, fresh vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats from olive oil. It excludes grains and processed foods while emphasizing nutrient-dense whole ingredients.

Instructions

1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2

Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. This helps achieve better browning.

1 min
3

In a small bowl, combine the chopped rosemary, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create a herb rub.

1 min
4

Rub 1 tablespoon of olive oil all over the pork tenderloin, then coat it evenly with the herb mixture, pressing gently so it adheres.

2 min
5
1 min

Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.

6
8 min

Once the oil is shimmering, add the pork tenderloin and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.

7

Remove the pork from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

8

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the apple wedges and onion wedges, spreading them in an even layer.

1 min
9

In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, honey, and Dijon mustard until well combined.

1 min
10

Pour the broth mixture over the apples and onions in the skillet.

11

Place the seared pork tenderloin on top of the apples and onions in the skillet.

12

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).

25 min
13

Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the pork to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

8 min
14
3 min

While the pork rests, place the skillet with the apples and onions over medium heat and let the liquid reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

15

Slice the pork tenderloin into 1/2-inch thick medallions and arrange on a serving platter.

2 min
16

Spoon the caramelized apples, onions, and pan juices over the sliced pork. Serve immediately.

1 min

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