Home Mains Whiskey Braised Pork Tenderloin with Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Whiskey-braised pork tenderloin served over creamy mashed sweet potatoes, topped with caramelized apples and onions.
2 hours 20 minutes Easy

Whiskey Braised Pork Tenderloin with Mashed Sweet Potatoes

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This Whiskey-Braised Pork Tenderloin is a refined yet cozy dish that boasts deep, rich flavors ideal for fall. The pork tenderloin shines as it becomes exceptionally tender and flavorful after a slow braise in a whiskey-infused broth. Accompanied by caramelized apples and sweet onions, and served atop creamy mashed sweet potatoes, this meal strikes a delightful balance between savory and sweet. The prolonged braising enhances the flavors, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Braising is a cooking technique that combines searing and slow cooking, allowing tough cuts of meat to develop more decadent flavors over time. While pork tenderloin is naturally tender, the extended braising in this recipe allows the flavors of whiskey, onions, garlic, and herbs to penetrate the meat deeply. After simmering, the pork becomes almost fall-apart tender, making it the perfect centerpiece for a comforting meal.

The braising liquid in this dish is infused with a combination of whiskey, broth, and Dijon mustard, giving the sauce a bold, tangy depth. A touch of maple syrup rounds out the flavors with subtle sweetness, perfectly complementing the natural sweetness of the apples and onions.

The apples and onions are vital in adding sweetness and texture to the dish. When sautéed until golden, they soften and release their natural sugars, enriching the sauce with subtle caramelized notes. The apples add a fruity brightness that complements the savory pork and enhances the complexity of the whiskey-based broth.

The dish is served over mashed sweet potatoes, which add a rich, buttery element to each bite. The sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the tender pork and tangy sauce. Their creamy texture balances the dish, making every forkful feel indulgent and satisfying.

The whiskey in this recipe isn’t just for show—it plays a vital role in building the sauce’s depth. When deglazing the pan, the whiskey lifts all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom, enriching the dish with subtle smoky and caramel notes. As the sauce simmers and reduces, the alcohol evaporates, leaving a rich flavor that harmonizes with the pork, apples, and onions.

This Whiskey-Braised Pork Tenderloin is versatile enough for special occasions and cozy family dinners. It feels elegant but approachable, and the longer braising time makes it ideal for leisurely cooking on weekends or holidays. The dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers taste just as delicious the next day after the flavors continue to meld.


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Whether hosting guests or simply treating yourself to a hearty dinner, this dish will surely impress. Each bite offers a complex combination of tender pork, sweet apples, savory onions, and creamy sweet potatoes, all brought together by the luxurious whiskey-infused sauce.

This recipe for Whiskey-Braised Pork Tenderloin with Mashed Sweet Potatoes exemplifies the magic of braising—allowing simple ingredients to develop bold flavors through time and patience. The balance of sweet and savory elements, paired with the sauce’s richness and the creamy texture of sweet potatoes, makes it a dish you’ll want to return to again and again. Whether enjoyed on a cozy evening at home or served to impress at a dinner party, this meal promises comfort and flavor in every bite.

Whiskey Braised Pork Tenderloin with Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Recipe by Kyle Taylor
5.0 from 1 vote
Course: MainsCuisine: New AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

2

hours 
Total time

2

hours 

20

minutes

Whiskey-Braised Pork Tenderloin with Mashed Sweet Potatoes features tender, slow-cooked pork infused with a rich whiskey sauce, served over creamy mashed sweet potatoes. The sweet apples and onions complement the savory pork, creating a perfect balance of flavors for a comforting, hearty meal.

Ingredients

  • Whiskey Braised Pork Tenderloin
  • 2 pounds pork tenderloin

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced

  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced

  • 2 apples, cored and sliced

  • 1 cup whiskey

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

  • 3 sprigs of thyme

  • to taste, salt and ground black pepper

  • For the Mashed Sweet Potatoes
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped

  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • to taste, salt and ground black pepper

Directions

  • Sear the Pork Tenderloin:
    Season the pork tenderloin with salt and ground black pepper. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until browned, 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
  • Sauté the Onions and Apples:
    In the same pan, sauté the onions for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add the apples and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Deglaze with Whiskey:
    Pour in the whiskey. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • Braise the Pork:
    Add the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and thyme. Stir to combine. Return the pork tenderloin to the pot, submerging it mostly in the liquid. Cover and braise on low heat for 90 minutes to 2 hours.
  • Rest and Thicken the Sauce:
    Remove the pork from the pot and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing or shredding. Simmer the sauce uncovered for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
  • Prepare the Mashed Sweet Potatoes:
    Boil the sweet potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain and mash with butter and heavy cream until smooth. Season with salt and ground black pepper.
  • Assemble and Serve:
    Spoon the mashed sweet potatoes onto plates. Slice or shred the tender pork and place it on top of the potatoes. Ladle the apples, onions, and sauce over the pork. Garnish with additional thyme.

One Comment

  1. Omg. This is perfect for fall.

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