Pork – The Ardent Cook

I absolutely love pork, but it’s gotten a bad rap over the last few years as regenerative and sustainable meat production has grown in popularity and large-scale pork producers continue utilizing worst-practice methods of raising animals. Luckily, I’ve been able to source some delicious cuts of pork from local farms, natural markets in my area, and meat delivery services such as Butcher Box.

If you feel lost, I’d encourage you to do a quick web search of local meat purveyors in your area! Many local farmers have begun selling their products to stores in their area, so you may not have to travel far to get your hands on delicious, local, regeneratively-raised pork, perfect for making these Orange-Glazed Pork Tenderloins!

A quick glaze of fresh orange juice, honey, mustard, and loads of herbs is the perfect accompaniment to oven roasted pork. I hope you enjoy this recipe just as much as I do!

Ingredients needed to make Orange Glazed Pork Tenderloin

To make this delicious pork, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pork

Pork tenderloins
Avocado oil
Salt
Fresh thyme
Ground ginger
Fresh garlic
Black pepper

For the Orange Glaze

Navel oranges
Honey
Dijon mustard
Water
Tapioca or cornstarch
Crushed red pepper flakes
Fresh thyme
Fresh rosemary
Salt
Black pepper

Tools used to make Orange Glazed Pork Tenderloin

This pork recipe is easy to make and requires just a few kitchen basics. You’ll need the following items:

9×13 inch baking dish, or large rimmed sheet pan
Small saucepan
Measuring cups and spoons
Sharp chef’s knife
Cutting board
Instant read meat thermometer
Basting brush (optional, for brushing on glaze)

That’s it! In case you’re missing one of these items, I’ve linked to a few of the products I have in my own kitchen that never fail me.

How to make Orange Glazed Pork Tenderloin

I love this pork dish because you can sort of “set it and forget it,” as with most things you cook in the oven. It’s no-fuss and the glaze is delicious. You’ll start by combining a few ingredients to make a basic rub for the pork. Slather that on, add to your baking dish, and bake the pork until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

While the pork roasts, you’ll make the glaze. Combine all the ingredients except the orange zest into a small saucepan and cook over medium heat until the glaze bubbles. Turn the heat down and allow the glaze to bubble for 1-2 minutes, then remove from the heat. Remove the herb bundle and stir in the orange zest.

When the pork reaches temperature, pull it out and brush (or spoon) a layer of glaze over the pork. Place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, but watch it carefully- it can burn easily!

Let the pork rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing, and enjoy!

Looking for other easy main courses?

Try these recipes from The Ardent Cook!

Pork Chile Verde

Harissa Chicken Thighs

Mediterranean Grilled Strip Steak

Recipe Ingredients

For the Pork

2 pork tenderloins, each about 1.25lbs (usually two come in a pack)

1 tbsp avocado oil

1 tsp salt

6 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only

½ tsp ground ginger

2 cloves garlic, minced

Black pepper

For the Glaze

Juice of 4 navel oranges, approximately 1 cup

Zest of 1 navel orange

¼ cup honey

2 tbsp dijon mustard

¼ cup water

1 tsp tapioca starch (or cornstarch)

Pinch crushed red pepper flakes

3 thyme sprigs

2 rosemary sprigs

Salt, to taste

Recipe Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or rimmed baking sheet.
Combine the salt, fresh thyme leaves, ground ginger, minced garlic, and black pepper. Rub the pork tenderloins with the avocado oil, then evenly coat in the spice blend. Roast for approximately 20 minutes, pausing after about 15 minutes to add a layer of glaze (see below*)
Meanwhile, make the glaze. Combine all glaze ingredients except for the orange zest in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, then lower the heat and let simmer for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
At about 15 minutes* into the pork cooking time, remove from the oven and brush with the glaze. Return to the oven and cook for an additional 5 minutes or so, until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. To finish, brush with one more coat of glaze and place pork under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until slightly caramelized.
Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with additional glaze and enjoy!

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Pork Chile Verde is an easy and delicious way to infuse some flavor into your weekly meals. Made in either the Instant Pot or slow-braised in the oven or slow-cooker, this pork is delicious served in tacos, over nachos, alongside veggies or a crunchy salad, or as is. My own personal favorite way to eat this pork chile verde is to stir in some fresh or frozen corn, canned beans, diced zucchini, and some greens like spinach or kale for a flavorful pork stew topped with radishes and whatever cheese I’ve got on hand. It’s SO good and perfect for a cold winter meal. Read on for the recipe as well as three different methods to cook this chile verde (Instant Pot, slow-cooker, or oven)!

Ingredients needed to make Pork Chile Verde

To start this recipe, you can choose between making your own salsa verde or using a store-bought ones. Both options are great, but I will say that the homemade salsa verde is next-level. Using just a few fresh ingredients, your broiler, and a blender, you can have homemade salsa verde in under 15 minutes. It’s AMAZING. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the salsa verde:

Fresh tomatillos
Poblano peppers
Jalapeno peppers
Yellow or white onion
Garlic
Cilantro

For the pork:

Pork tenderloin
Avocado oil
Chicken broth
Ground cumin
Dried oregano
Fresh lime juice
Salt
Pepper
Radishes
Cilantro

Tools used to make Pork Chile Verde

Depending on which method you choose to make this chile verde, and whether you choose to make your own salsa, the tools required to execute this dish will vary. Luckily, there isn’t anything out of the ordinary required! I’ll list the tools needed if you make the recipe exactly as written, including the homemade salsa verde. Here’s the list:

For the salsa verde:

Rimmed sheet tray
High-speed blender

For the pork:

Sharp chef’s knife
Instant pot, slow cooker, or large Dutch oven with a lid
Tongs
Two forks, for shredding meat

How to make Pork Chile Verde

This recipe looks and sounds a bit more complicated than it looks. You’ll begin by preparing your vegetables to roast under the broiler. Remove the husks from your tomatillos, halve and seed the peppers, remove the skin and quarter the onion, and peel the garlic cloves and add to a sheet tray. Drizzle all over with avocado oil, then place on the top rack directly under the broiler. Let them roast approximately 10-12 minutes until the skins are charred and the vegetables have begun to release their juices and soften. Add everything to a high-speed blender with a pinch of salt and pureé until smooth.

Once you’ve made your salsa, you’ll want to prepare the pork for searing. Cut it into roughly 2-inch pieces and heat some avocado oil in your cooking vessel of choice. My preferred method is the Instant Pot for time’s sake, but using a slow cooker or Dutch oven works great as well. Be sure to see the full slow cooker instructions in the recipe below, as you’ll need to sear the meat in a different pot before adding to the slow cooker.

Sear the meat in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Once all the meat is seared, add it back to the pot and cover with the salsa verde and chicken broth. Stir in the cumin, oregano, and a pinch each of salt and pepper, and let it cook!

You’ll know the meat is finished when it is falling apart and easily shreds using two forks. Serve this pork inside tacos or over nachos, with added veggies for a quick stew, or scooped onto a fork and devoured as is.

Looking for other easy and flavorful protein options?

Try these recipes from The Ardent Cook!

Harissa Chicken Thighs

Gorgonzola-Stuffed Chicken with Delicata Squash

Mediterranean Grilled Strip Steak

Recipe Ingredients

1 pound fresh tomatillos, husks removed, quartered

2 large poblano peppers, halved and seeded

2 jalapeño peppers, halved and seeded

1 yellow onion, skinned and cut into 6 wedges

4 cloves garlic, skinned

1 cup cilantro leaves and stems, packed

2.5-3 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces

2 Tbsp avocado oil

2 cups chicken broth

1 tsp ground cumin

1 Tbsp dried oregano

Juice of 1 lime

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh radishes, thinly sliced (optional, for serving)

Additional cilantro, for serving

Recipe Instructions

For the salsa verde

Prepare vegetables as directed and add to a large rimmed sheet tray. Drizzle with avocado oil and broil on high on the top rack of the oven for 10-12 minutes, or until skins are black and blistered and vegetables are beginning to soften and release their juices.
Add to a high-speed blender with a pinch of salt and blend until smooth. Adjust seasonings as needed to taste. Set aside. Alternatively, one 16oz jar of store-bought salsa verde may be substituted.

Instant Pot Method (preferred)

Prepare pork as directed and season all over with salt. Turn the Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat avocado oil. Working in batches, sear the pork on all sides.
Add all of the seared pork back into the IP and top with the salsa verde, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Close the lid and place vent to “sealing” position, then cook on manual high pressure for 35 minutes. Allow for 10-15 minutes of natural pressure release, then quick release the remaining steam before opening the lid.
Shred the pork using two forks. Stir in the fresh lime juice and taste the chile verde for salt and pepper, then add to taste. Top with thinly sliced radishes and cilantro, or add to tacos, nachos, a stew, or enjoy with eggs in the morning.

Slow-Cooker Method

Prepare pork as directed and season all over with salt. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides, working in batches as necessary to avoid crowding the pan.
Transfer the seared pork to the slow-cooker and top with the salsa verde, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Cook on low for 5-6 hours, or on high for 2.5-4 hours. The meat is finished when it is falling apart and easily shreds using two forks.
Shred the meat, then stir in the fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with thinly sliced radishes and cilantro, or add to tacos, nachos, a stew, or enjoy with eggs in the morning.

Oven Method

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare pork as directed and season all over with salt. Heat avocado oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides, working in batches as necessary to avoid crowding the pan.
Add all of the seared pork to the Dutch oven and top with the salsa verde, chicken broth, cumin, oregano, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Cover and bake for 1.5-2.5 hours, checking periodically, until the pork is falling apart and easily shreds using two forks.
Shred the meat, then stir in the fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with thinly sliced radishes and cilantro, or add to tacos, nachos, a stew, or enjoy with eggs in the morning.