Description
This Pork Tenderloin in Dijon Cream Sauce is a tender, flavorful dish featuring succulent pork seared to a golden brown and roasted to perfection. The creamy Dijon mustard sauce, infused with garlic, onion, and fresh thyme, adds a rich and tangy complement to the pork. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pork Tenderloin
- 1 pound pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it is ready for roasting the pork later.
- Season Pork: Season the pork tenderloin generously with salt and pepper on all sides to enhance its natural flavor.
- Heat Oil: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
- Sear Pork: Carefully add the pork tenderloin to the skillet and sear it for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and flavorful. Remove the pork and set aside temporarily.
- Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and softened.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the sauce’s aroma.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and intensify flavor.
- Add Cream & Mustard: Lower the heat to medium. Add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and thyme to the skillet. Stir well, then simmer for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Return Pork: Place the seared pork tenderloin back into the skillet and spoon some sauce over the top to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Roast Pork: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
- Rest Pork: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork rest for about 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute for tender, juicy slices.
- Serve: Slice the pork tenderloin and serve it topped with the creamy Dijon sauce, garnished with fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to avoid transferring the pork to a different dish for roasting.
- Allowing the pork to rest before slicing helps retain its juices, resulting in a more tender texture.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper according to taste before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a little longer before adding the pork back to the skillet.
- Fresh thyme enhances the flavor better than dried, but dried thyme is a convenient substitute.