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Flavorful Coffee-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin Recipe with Easy Cherry Glaze

coffee-rubbed pork tenderloin - featured image

A juicy pork tenderloin with a rich, smoky coffee crust balanced by a sweet-tart cherry glaze, perfect for an easy yet impressive dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat and silver skin
  • 2 tablespoons ground coffee (medium grind, not espresso)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and trim any silver skin or excess fat using a sharp knife.
  2. In a small bowl, mix ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  3. Rub the spice blend generously all over the pork tenderloin, pressing it into the meat. Let rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place an oven-safe skillet on the stove over medium-high heat.
  5. Add 1 tablespoon of high smoke point oil (avocado or vegetable) to the skillet. Sear the tenderloin on all sides until a deep brown crust forms, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  6. Transfer the skillet with pork to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  7. While pork roasts, combine cherries, balsamic vinegar, honey, lemon juice, salt, and cinnamon (if using) in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until reduced and thickened, about 10-12 minutes.
  8. Remove pork from oven and transfer to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and rest for 5-10 minutes.
  9. Slice the tenderloin into 1/2 inch thick medallions. Drizzle cherry glaze over slices or serve on the side.

Notes

Use medium grind coffee for best texture; avoid espresso or instant coffee. Rest pork after cooking to lock in juices. If glaze thickens too much, add a splash of water to loosen. Meat thermometer is recommended to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: coffee rub, pork tenderloin, cherry glaze, easy dinner, smoky pork, sweet glaze, quick recipe