Maple Dijon Glazed Pork Tenderloin is a simple and tasty dish featuring tender, juicy pork coated in a sweet and tangy glaze made from maple syrup and Dijon mustard. The combination gives the pork a lovely balance of flavors—just the right touch of sweetness with a little zing from the mustard that keeps every bite interesting.
I love making this recipe when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take forever. The glaze is super quick to whip up, and it caramelizes beautifully on the pork, giving it a nice shine and a slightly sticky texture that’s so satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that I know will please everyone at the table without any fuss.
My favorite way to serve this pork tenderloin is alongside some roasted vegetables or a simple green salad, so the flavors can really pop. It also makes great leftovers for sandwiches or wraps the next day. Whenever I make it, I always think about how easy it is to bring a little extra warmth and sweetness to the dinner table with just a few ingredients.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Pork Tenderloin
- This cut is lean and tender, perfect for quick roasting. If you can’t find tenderloin, pork loin chops work too, but they may need a bit longer to cook.
- Maple Syrup
- Genuine maple syrup gives a lovely sweet touch. If unavailable, honey or agave syrup are good stand-ins, though the flavor will be a little different.
- Dijon Mustard
- Dijon mustard adds tanginess and a bit of spice. Whole-grain Dijon adds texture and depth, but smooth Dijon or yellow mustard will work in a pinch.
- Garlic and Thyme
- Fresh garlic and thyme provide aroma and flavor. If fresh thyme isn’t available, dried thyme is fine; just use less as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Smoked Paprika
- This spice brings warmth and a subtle smokiness. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add nice flavor.
How Do I Get a Sticky, Caramelized Glaze on the Pork?
The key here is layering the glaze and timing the oven roasting correctly. Here’s how:
- Brush the glaze generously on the pork before roasting—don’t skimp!
- Halfway through cooking, brush on more glaze to build layers of flavor and create that sticky coating.
- Roasting at 400°F helps caramelize the sugars in the maple syrup without burning.
- Watch the pork carefully in the last few minutes to avoid overcooking the glaze—it should be shiny and slightly sticky, not burnt.
- Let the pork rest after roasting; this keeps it juicy and allows the glaze to set nicely on the surface.
This method gives you a tender pork with a flavorful, shiny glaze that tastes great and looks appetizing.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Oven-safe skillet or baking sheet – perfect for roasting the pork and catching any drips from the glaze.
- Pastry brush – helps you spread the maple Dijon glaze evenly over the pork for that sticky coating.
- Meat thermometer – so you can check the pork’s internal temperature and avoid overcooking.
- Mixing bowl – for whisking together the maple syrup, mustard, and spices easily.
- Sharp knife – to slice the tenderloin cleanly into medallions after resting.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap pork tenderloin for chicken breasts for a lighter, quicker meal that still works well with the glaze.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a spicy kick that pairs nicely with the sweet maple.
- Mix chopped fresh rosemary into the glaze instead of thyme for a piney, woodsy flavor twist.
- Top the sliced tenderloin with toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Maple Dijon Glazed Pork Tenderloin?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (1 to 1.5 lb) pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (preferably whole-grain Dijon mustard)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or thyme sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Time Needed to Prepare:
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and mix the glaze, plus 20-25 minutes to roast the pork tenderloin. Add another 5-10 minutes to let the meat rest before slicing. So in total, plan for around 35-45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Glaze:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot. While it’s heating up, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, olive oil, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This sweet and tangy glaze is going to give your pork that delicious flavor.
2. Prep the Pork Tenderloin:
Pat the pork dry with paper towels to help the glaze stick better. Place the tenderloin on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe skillet. Brush the glaze generously all over the pork, saving a little for later.
3. Roast and Glaze:
Put the pork in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, take it out and brush the remaining glaze over the top to build a beautiful caramelized coating. Keep roasting until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for that perfect juicy doneness.
4. Rest and Serve:
When done, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to keep it juicy and tender. Then slice the tenderloin into medallions. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if you like, and serve warm with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.
Can I Use Frozen Pork Tenderloin for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the pork tenderloin in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and ensures the glaze adheres properly.
Can I Make the Maple Dijon Glaze Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can mix the glaze a few hours or even a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Give it a good stir before brushing it on the pork.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover sliced pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to avoid drying it out.
What Are Good Side Dishes to Serve with This Pork Tenderloin?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad are all great options that complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the glaze.