American · Dinner

Pork Tenderloin with Pears

A pork tenderloin browned and roasted with firm pear wedges, shallot, Dijon, thyme and cider vinegar, served with the pan sauce. Four servings in 40 minutes.

Not yet ratedThis recipe has no ratings yet 40 min total Serves 4 servings Easy
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Before You Start

Trim the silvery skin from the tenderloin; it shrinks in the heat and makes the meat curl.

If the pears are very soft, add them for the last 8 minutes of roasting.

Use a pan with a heatproof handle that goes in the oven.

Making Pork Tenderloin with Pears

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  1. Heat the oven to 200°C / 390°F (180°C / 355°F fan). Pat the tenderloin dry and season with the pepper.

  2. Heat the oil in a large ovenproof frying pan over medium-high heat and brown the pork for 8 minutes, turning it to colour all sides. Brush with the mustard and sprinkle with the thyme.

  3. Scatter the pears and shallot around the pork and roast for 15 minutes, until a thermometer in the thickest part reads 65°C. Lift the pork onto a board and rest for 5 minutes.

  4. Set the pan over medium heat, add the vinegar, stock and maple syrup and simmer for 3 minutes, scraping up the browned bits. Slice the pork and serve with the pears and sauce.

Why the Method Works

Pears work like apples with pork, only softer and sweeter. They melt into the pan sauce instead of holding their shape, which gives the sauce a gentle body without any cream or flour. Choose firm pears. Ripe pears collapse; firm ones keep their edges and soften at the right speed.

Brown the tenderloin all over first, for about 8 minutes, then slide the pan into the oven. A thermometer ends the guessing. Pork tenderloin is done at 65°C. Mustard and thyme go on the meat, and the pears and shallot cook in the juices around it.

Rest the tenderloin for 5 minutes before slicing, so that the juices settle. Slice it on the diagonal into rounds. Pears are a low-potassium fruit, and the only sweetener is one teaspoon of maple syrup. Spoon the pears and the sauce over the top. Serve with rice and green beans. Leftover slices are good in a sandwich the next day.

Leftovers, Reheating and Keeping

Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days, sliced and covered. Reheat in the sauce.

If You're Missing Something

  • Vegetable stock in place of the chicken stock makes this meat-free without changing the method, if that is what you need.

What to Serve Alongside

  • Steamed white rice
  • Steamed green beans
  • A cucumber salad

Questions and Answers

How long does Pork Tenderloin with Pears take to make?

About 40 minutes in total — 10 minutes of preparation and 30 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 4.

What are the key tips for making Pork Tenderloin with Pears?

Trim the silvery skin from the tenderloin; it shrinks in the heat and makes the meat curl. If the pears are very soft, add them for the last 8 minutes of roasting. Use a pan with a heatproof handle that goes in the oven.

What should I serve with Pork Tenderloin with Pears?

Steamed white rice; Steamed green beans; A cucumber salad.

How should Pork Tenderloin with Pears be stored?

Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days, sliced and covered. Reheat in the sauce.

Is Pork Tenderloin with Pears suitable for a special diet?

This recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free, kidney-friendly and low-carb. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.

How many calories are in Pork Tenderloin with Pears?

About 240 kcal per serving, with 27 g protein, 15 g carbohydrate and 8 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.

Pork Tenderloin with Pears Nutrition

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.

240Calories
27gProtein
15gCarbs
8gFat
3gFibre
9gSugar
150mgSodium
630mgPotassium
300mgPhosphorus

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Written and tested by Turab

One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.