Description
This bold and flavorful pork tenderloin is wrapped in crispy bacon, seasoned with spicy Cajun rub, and brushed with a sweet apricot glaze. It’s juicy, elegant, and surprisingly easy to make—perfect for special dinners, holiday meals, or anytime you want to wow your guests with a showstopping entrée.
Ingredients
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1 pork tenderloin (about 1.25–1.5 lbs)
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2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
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10–12 slices bacon (regular cut)
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3/4 cup apricot preserves
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2 tsp Dijon mustard
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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Fresh parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the Pork: Trim silver skin from pork tenderloin and pat dry. Rub with Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
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Wrap with Bacon: Lay bacon slices overlapping on a board. Place pork on top and roll bacon around it, tucking ends underneath. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
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Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine apricot preserves, garlic, and Dijon mustard. Heat over low until melted and smooth. Set aside.
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Sear the Tenderloin: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear pork on all sides (about 1–2 minutes per side) until bacon begins to crisp.
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Glaze & Roast: Brush pork generously with apricot glaze. Transfer skillet to preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and roast for 20–25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
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Rest & Serve: Remove from oven, glaze again, and let rest 5–10 minutes. Slice into medallions and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Glaze once before baking and again after for deeper flavor.
Substitute peach or orange preserves if needed.
If you don’t have an oven-safe pan, transfer pork to a baking dish after searing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Keywords: pork tenderloin, bacon wrapped pork, apricot glaze, cajun pork