This Apricot Glazed Bacon Wrapped Cajun Pork Tenderloin combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the sweetness of apricot glaze. Wrapped in crispy bacon, the tenderloin is cooked to perfection, offering a delicious balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that will elevate your next dinner!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pork tenderloin (about 1.5 pounds)

• 8 slices of bacon

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 cup apricot preserves

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Directions

1. Prepare the Pork: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Rub the Cajun seasoning evenly over the pork tenderloin.

2. Wrap with Bacon: Wrap the pork tenderloin with the bacon slices, securing them with toothpicks if necessary.

3. Sear the Pork: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin on all sides until the bacon is crispy, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, mix together the apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.

5. Glaze the Pork: Brush the apricot glaze over the seared pork tenderloin. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).

6. Finish and Serve: Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve the pork with the remaining glaze from the skillet.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 375 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 7g

• Cholesterol: 75mg

• Sodium: 900mg

• Potassium: 460mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 13g

This dish offers a perfect balance of smoky bacon, spicy Cajun seasoning, and sweet apricot glaze for a flavorful, juicy pork tenderloin!

A Perfect Balance of Sweet, Salty, and Savory

One of the standout features of this dish is the balance between the smoky, salty bacon, the spicy Cajun seasoning, and the sweet apricot glaze. The Cajun seasoning, with its blend of bold spices, adds a kick to the tenderloin, while the bacon crisps up during cooking, providing a smoky and salty contrast to the tender meat. The apricot glaze ties it all together, infusing the dish with sweetness that complements the other flavors perfectly.

This combination of sweet, salty, and savory flavors makes the dish incredibly satisfying and enjoyable. The sweetness from the apricot preserves brings a light fruitiness that cuts through the richness of the bacon and seasoning, giving the pork tenderloin a well-rounded and balanced taste.

Why Pork Tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin is known for its mild flavor and tender texture, making it an ideal choice for a dish that features bold flavors. Unlike other cuts of pork that may be fattier or tougher, the tenderloin remains moist and tender when cooked properly, allowing the Cajun seasoning and apricot glaze to shine through. This cut of meat also cooks relatively quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal without requiring long hours of preparation.

The lean nature of pork tenderloin allows the bacon wrapping to provide the necessary fat and flavor, ensuring that each bite is both juicy and satisfying without being overly greasy. The result is a tender, flavorful dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious.

How to Make Apricot Glazed Bacon Wrapped Cajun Pork Tenderloin

Making this dish is a simple, straightforward process that requires just a few key steps. Here’s a breakdown of how to prepare this mouthwatering recipe:

1. Season the Pork: Start by preheating your oven and patting the pork tenderloin dry to ensure that the seasoning sticks. Rub the Cajun seasoning generously over the pork, ensuring it’s well-coated. This will give the tenderloin its signature spicy kick.

2. Wrap in Bacon: Lay the bacon slices over the seasoned pork tenderloin, securing them with toothpicks if necessary. The bacon will crisp up as it cooks, adding a savory, smoky flavor to the tenderloin.

3. Sear the Pork: Heat some olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and sear the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin on all sides. This step is crucial as it helps to crisp up the bacon and develop rich flavors through caramelization. Searing the pork also locks in the juices, keeping the tenderloin moist during roasting.

4. Prepare the Glaze: While the pork sears, mix together apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. This glaze will add the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements.

5. Glaze and Roast: Once the pork is seared, brush the apricot glaze generously over the bacon-wrapped tenderloin. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the pork until it reaches the desired internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures the pork remains juicy and cooked to perfection.

6. Rest and Serve: After roasting, let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is tender and moist. Serve the pork with the remaining glaze from the skillet for an extra burst of flavor.

Perfect Pairings for Apricot Glazed Bacon Wrapped Cajun Pork Tenderloin

While this dish is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can take your meal to the next level. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

1. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips complement the rich flavors of the pork while adding a sweet, earthy note.

2. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with pork tenderloin. The richness of the potatoes helps balance the spice and sweetness of the dish, creating a satisfying meal.

3. Coleslaw: A fresh, tangy coleslaw can provide a crunchy contrast to the tenderloin, adding brightness and texture to the meal.

4. Grilled Asparagus: For a lighter option, grilled asparagus with a squeeze of lemon adds a fresh and slightly bitter contrast to the richness of the pork.

5. Rice Pilaf: A simple rice pilaf with herbs can soak up the delicious apricot glaze and provide a neutral base for the pork’s bold flavors.

The Appeal of Apricot Glazed Bacon Wrapped Cajun Pork Tenderloin

This dish is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The crispy bacon adds texture and flavor, while the spicy Cajun seasoning and sweet apricot glaze create an irresistible balance that satisfies every taste. The combination of the tender, juicy pork tenderloin with the crunchy bacon and the savory-sweet glaze makes this dish perfect for special occasions or a weekend dinner. It’s easy to prepare, yet looks and tastes impressive enough to serve at a dinner party or holiday meal.

The versatility of the flavors also makes this dish adaptable for different preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning, and for those who love extra heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. The apricot glaze can also be made sweeter or tangier based on your personal taste, ensuring this dish can be customized to suit your liking.

Conclusion: A Flavorful and Easy Dinner Idea

The Apricot Glazed Bacon Wrapped Cajun Pork Tenderloin is a show-stopping dish that brings together a wonderful balance of flavors. The smoky bacon, spicy Cajun seasoning, and sweet apricot glaze come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this recipe offers the perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors, making it a memorable meal every time. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s sure to impress your family and guests alike, offering a flavorful, juicy pork tenderloin that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.