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Flavorful Spring S Pork Recipe with Easy Spicy Cajun Glaze

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A quick and easy pork tenderloin recipe featuring a sweet and spicy Cajun glaze that caramelizes beautifully, locking in juicy flavor with a subtle kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin or pork loin (choose pork tenderloin for a more tender result)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (around 375°F). Sear the pork for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Mix the Cajun glaze ingredients in a bowl: whisk honey, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
  5. Brush a generous layer of the glaze over the seared pork using a basting brush.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the oven (or place the pork on a baking tray if your skillet isn’t oven-safe). Roast for 12-15 minutes, checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer aiming for 145°F (63°C).
  7. Halfway through roasting (around 7 minutes), brush on another layer of the glaze.
  8. Once done, remove pork from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
  9. Slice pork into medallions and spoon any leftover glaze from the pan over the slices before serving.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and ensure juiciness. Apply the glaze in layers during roasting for a sticky, flavorful crust. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level. Let the pork rest before slicing to retain juices. If glaze thickens too much, add a splash of water or apple cider vinegar to loosen it.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork tenderloin, Cajun glaze, spicy pork, quick pork recipe, backyard BBQ, easy dinner, sweet and spicy glaze