Savory Harmony: A Recipe for Pork Tenderloin with Bacon and Apples
Imagine a dish that combines the richness of pork tenderloin, the crunch of crispy bacon, and the sweetness of caramelized apples. This mouthwatering recipe is sure to impress your dinner guests, yet it’s simple enough to prepare on a weeknight.
Gather Your Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 to 5 slices thin-cut bacon (about 4 ounces)
- 2 pounds Pink Lady apples, or other firm, sweet apples
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning the tenderloin
- Freshly ground black pepper
Preparing the Pork Tenderloin
Preheat your oven to 500°F and position a rack at the top. Coat the tenderloin with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, then season with salt and a generous amount of pepper. Wrap the bacon slices around the tenderloin in a spiral, ensuring the meat is completely covered. Place the tenderloin on a baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes, or until the bacon starts to render.
Preparing the Apples
While the tenderloin is roasting, core the apples and slice them into 6 wedges each. In a large bowl, combine the apple wedges, remaining 3 teaspoons of olive oil, measured salt, and pepper. Toss the mixture until the apples are well coated.
Roasting to Perfection
Scatter the apple wedges around the tenderloin, making sure they don’t touch each other or the pork. Roast for an additional 10 minutes, or until the bacon is light brown, the underside of the tenderloin is browned, and the meat reaches 150°F on a digital thermometer. The apples should be knife-tender at this point.
Finishing Touches
Switch the oven to broil mode and cook the tenderloin for a few more minutes, or until the apples begin to brown, the bacon is golden brown, and the pork reaches 155°F to 160°F. Let the tenderloin rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
This recipe yields 3 to 4 servings and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare, with only 5 minutes of active cooking time. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
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