Roast Pork Tenderloin w/ Apple Sage Jus

by Dawn T in Rouxbe Videos

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Roast Pork Tenderloin w/ Apple Sage Jus

Roast Pork Tenderloin w/ Apple Sage Jus

by Dawn T in Rouxbe Videos

An inexpensive yet fancy family meal that everyone will surely love. Pork tenderloin brined for extra flavor and moisture. Served with a delicious apple, sage sauce.

Serves
8 to 10
Active Time
25 mins
Total Time
45 mins

Step 1: Trimming and Brining the Pork

Trimming and Brining the Pork
  • 3 whole pork tenderloins
  • 8 cups Water
  • 3/4 cup Kosher salt - can substitute with 1/3 cup table salt
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 15 whole black peppercorns
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 6 garlic cloves

To prepare the pork tenderloin, first remove the silver skin.
Next prepare the brine. Start by adding the salt and sugar to a bowl with 2 cups of hot water. Stir to dissolve. Then crush the garlic and add to the brine along with the peppercorns, bay leaves, and the remaining cold water. Then pour the brine over the pork tenderloin and place in the refrigerator for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Remove from brine, pat dry and place in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

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Step 2: Preparing to Roast

Preparing to Roast
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • approx. 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper

Preheat over to 375° degrees.
Place a frying pan on medium high heat and add the butter and oil. Season the pork tenderloins with freshly ground black pepper. Next add the tenderloins to the pan and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
When the pork is fully browned on all sides, transfer to a baking sheet and place in a pre-heated 375 degree Fahrenheit oven for approximately 20 minutes.

Step 3: Making the Sauce

Making the Sauce
  • 2 medium onions
  • 4 cups granny smith apple
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 cup white wine
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Water
  • 1/4 cup sage
  • 1 tsp olive oil (if needed)(optional)
  • 1 tbsp butter (if needed)(optional)

While the pork is cooking in the oven, slice the onions. Next peel, core and wedge the apples into 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch wedges.
Add oil and butter to the same pan used for the pork, once hot, add the onions and fry for a few minutes until they start to caramelize. Then add the apple and saute for another 2 minute or until the apples also start to caramelize. Then add the white wine, apple cider, chicken stock and simmer for about 5 minutes.
To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch and water, slowly add to the sauce, just add enough to get the desired consistency. You may not need all of the cornstarch mix or you may need a bit more.
Then add the seasoning and the butter, reduce heat to very low. You can hold this sauce in a double boiler until ready to serve. Add the chopped sage at the very end right before serving.

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Step 4: Finishing the Pork

Finishing the Pork
  • fresh cracked pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional)

The pork is ready when it is still a bit pink in the middle. To test for doneness, use a meat thermometer. For medium doneness, the pork should be between 135 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. For well done, cook the pork to 165 degrees. Let the pork rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and plating. Slice the pork perpendicular to the grain in half inch intervals. Place about 3 slices onto each plate and pour over some of the apple sage sauce.
Serving suggestion: Soft Herb Polenta and Sauteed Green Beans

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Notes

Brining the pork for 1 1/2 to 2 hours will make a world of difference for this dish, leaving the pork both flavorful and moist. It is however an optional step. I suggest trying it both ways to see for yourself.

The sauce is best with home made chicken stock but other low sodium pre-prepared chicken stock can be used but the sauce will be considerably lighter in color.

This pork tenderloin alone will be delicious without the sauce and can also be served with apple sauce or caramelized onions. So don't be intimidated to try this dish if you don't want to go to the effort of making the sauce. I promise though... it's really not that complicated.

As with any meat, resting is one of the most important steps. This pork tenderloin can rest in a low temperature oven (140-200) for up to 30 minutes and will only get more tender.

Comments

Una receta espectacular.....!!

Prepare esta receta, y esta muy buena, solo que no puse la hierba que se le agrega al final de la salsa de manzana, porque no la encontre en los ingredientes.
La acompane con unas rodajas de pinas que ase junto con la carne de cerdo.
Gracias, esta muy buena.

by Soraya S | June 08, 2007 | Permalink
Easy & Amazing!

I made this for a recent dinner party and it not only tasted fabulous, but the presetation was spectacular - everyone was wowed by it.

by Daria H | August 21, 2007 | Permalink
Make Ahead?

I love to entertain, but also like spendng time with my guests. If there are any steps that can be completed ahead of time, they would be appreciated. How about the sauce for instance, right up until the cornstarch? Could the tenderloins be seared and set aside for roasting later?

Thank you

by Glenda I | September 27, 2007 | Permalink
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Rouxbe Staff
Make Ahead Tips

The brining can be done 1 or 2 days in advance and yes the pork tenderloins can be seared ahead and then refrigerated. Just bring them to room temperature again before cooking them in the oven.
I don't think I would make the sauce ahead, as the apples and onions would suffer a bit. But you can slice the onions, but I would wait to slice the apples.
The polenta is a good one to make ahead. If you go to the recipe for polenta there are even tips for making it ahead.
The green bean recipe also has tips for making them ahead. You can blanch them and place into an ice bath and even prepare the mise en place for them.
I am all for having fun when guests arrive so I hope that helps.

by Dawn T | September 27, 2007 | Permalink
Scrumptious

My family loved this. I did not review any of the prep before comments, but plan to make this for a dinner party in a week, and didnt want the smell of the browning in the house. Now I will be able to prep the day before. Cant wait to serve this to my guests. Served with a garlic/chesey mashed potato(not on site) and the roasted carrots with balsamic vinegar(on site). Dinner was a hit, and my fiance wants me to stop working and just stay home in the kitchen. I would love to, but dont want to just eat mac and cheese. Thanks for this recipe and this site. I look forward to trying many new dishes, and entertaining many times over in my new kitchen, with this new found site.
S

by Sheila P | January 24, 2008 | Permalink
Pork Loin Roast?

Can this recipe be adapted for a pork loin roast? I bought one at the store the other day because it looked fantastic and was at a good price, but I'm at a loss as to what to do with it.

by Cecily W | April 11, 2009 | Permalink
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Rouxbe Staff
Re: Pork Loin Roast

You sure could use this recipe for the roast. The only difference would be that the cooking time will just be a bit longer. Cook the loin to the same temperature as the pork tenderloin and make sure to let it rest for at least 15 minutes or so before slicing it.

I think this would be a great thing to do with the pork loin, as pork and apples are the best of friends!

Hope this helps - dawn

by Dawn T | April 11, 2009 | Permalink
apple cider?

I'm in Canada, so to me apple cider is an alcoholic beverage (think Strongbow) - but I know that it means something else in the States. Which version are you looking for in this recipe? and if you're using the US meaning, can I substitute apple juice? many thanks

by Michelle K | September 15, 2009 | Permalink
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Rouxbe Staff
Re: Which Apple Cider to Use

This recipe is referring to the apple cider that is like strong apple juice (not like Strongbow cider)...and yes you sure could use apple juice instead.

by Dawn T | September 15, 2009 | Permalink
Brining Ahead

When brining a day or two in advance, does the pork remain in the brine or do you brine for 2 hours then remove the pork, pat dry and store in the fridge? Thanks for the clarification!

by Dimitra A | October 21, 2009 | Permalink
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Rouxbe Staff
Re: Brining Ahead

Definitely do not leave in the brine. Remove it and store in the refrigerator. For more details and to learn the basics of brining, watch the lesson on How to Brine.

Good luck!

by Dawn T | October 21, 2009 | Permalink
Family and Guest Favourite

This pork tenderloin recipe is definitely one of my favourites. It never fails to WOW our family and guests alike. Thanks so much for sharing your expertise with us all. Your recipe site is a winner. Go Canada Go!
Helen B

by Helen B | October 24, 2009 | Permalink
What red wine would you recommend with this?

The recipe looks great - what would be a suitable red? I'm thinking Pinot Noir - but I would love to hear your thought and if you have any specific suggestions.

Thank you,

Matthew

by Matthew B | December 22, 2009 | Permalink
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Rouxbe Staff
Re: Red Wine

Hi Matthew,

I am no pro with wine selections, but I do love to drink it! :) I often turn to my trusty book called “What to Drink with What You Eat" by Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page. It breaks down the wines that pair well with particular foods and highlights the grapes that go best. For this dish, they recommend a light-bodied Pinot Noir or Zinfandel. Your instincts were right. Hope this helps! Happy Cooking!

by Kimberley S | December 23, 2009 | Permalink
Pedantic ingredient question

Step 3: "While the pork is cooking in the oven, peel, core and slice the onions. Next peel and wedge the apples into 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch wedges."

Are onions and apples reversed in these two sentences?

The pork is brining now. I'm excited for my christmas dish!

by Marc D | December 25, 2009 | Permalink
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Rouxbe Staff
Re: Pedantic Ingredient Question

Sorry about that...the order is correct (as per the video); however the words were a bit mixed up. The text has been fixed now...slice the onions and then peel, core and wedge the apples.

Thanks for keeping us on our toes :-)

Enjoy your dinner and don't forget to let the pork rest before you slice it. Happy Cooking!

by Dawn T | December 25, 2009 | Permalink
Sage in the sauce

I would like to make this recipe tomorrow but find I haven't got any sage - is there a substitute for the sage?

by Amanda B | January 01, 2010 | Permalink
Rouxbe User Photo
Rouxbe Staff
Re: Sage in the Sauce

There is no true substitute for sage as it has a very unique taste; however if you find any you can either just leave it out or maybe use a bit of fresh thyme instead.

by Dawn T | January 01, 2010 | Permalink
Re: sage in the sauce

Thanks Dawn!

by Amanda B | January 01, 2010 | Permalink
Most delicious pork ever!

My first brining experience - and wow! I will be doing it again for sure!

What is the difference between brining and marinating?

by Amanda B | January 12, 2010 | Permalink
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Rouxbe Staff
Re: Most delicious pork ever!

So glad that you liked the pork. Brining really does make a difference. To answer your question, the significant difference between a marinade and brine is that salt is the key element of a brine. Brining also involves osmosis to exchange the liquid from the brine with the moisture inside the meat. Marinating on the other hand uses acidity to break down (denature) the texture of the meats surface.

For more information on brining I suggest watching the cooking school lesson on How To Brine. Cheers!

by Dawn T | January 12, 2010 | Permalink
it's all in the brine

most excellent recipe...had friends over and we killed the pork...added smoked mozarella to the polenta...great flavor combination with the apples and the pork...ate with a wonderful bottle of albarino...made for a good night...

by Matthew M | March 03, 2010 | Permalink
Yummy!

I am embarrassed to say that I did so many things differently, yet my pork turned out wonderful! Went to the supermarket a couple of hours ago and bought butterfly pork steaks for dinner. I didn't have time to brine the pork, merely seasoned it with salt and pepper and pan fried the pork using the flip often method which I learned from this website. Couldn't find fresh sage and cider vinegar, hence I had to make do with whatever ingredients I had on hand, i.e. half a bottle of white wine, chicken stock, onions and Fuji apples. And to my amazement, it turned out well! The pork was tender and juicy and the sauce was slightly tangy and light. I am sure this dish will taste phenomenal with brining and the addition of fresh sage and vinegar. Will definitely prepare it again when I get hold of all the ingredients listed in the recipe!:)

by Siew eng Y | March 06, 2010 | Permalink

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