When the weather turns cooler and we crave something warm, comforting, and just a little bit indulgent, there's nothing quite like a succulent pork tenderloin drizzled with a creamy, tangy mustard sauce. This recipe for Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Mustard Sauce is the perfect way to make a cozy weeknight meal feel a little extra special, without spending all day in the kitchen.
It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s rich in flavor, yet simple enough to prepare on a busy evening. The pork comes out perfectly tender, and the creamy mustard sauce—made with Dijon, whole-grain mustard, and a splash of cream—adds just the right amount of richness and tang. Paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies, this dish is comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard (or use more Dijon if you prefer)
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, but adds a nice tang)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Mustard Sauce
1. Prep the Pork Tenderloin:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat your pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Seasoning it well at this stage ensures the pork is flavorful from the outside in.
2. Sear the Pork:
Next, heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork tenderloin and sear it for about 3–4 minutes on each side until it’s beautifully golden brown. This step helps to lock in all the flavor and moisture.
After searing, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Roast the pork for 15–20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you prefer your pork a bit more well-done, feel free to leave it in the oven for a few extra minutes. Once done, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into medallions. Resting the pork allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it juicy and tender.
3. Make the Creamy Mustard Sauce:
While the pork is roasting, it's time to make the mustard sauce. In the same skillet (don’t clean it out, the leftover fond from searing the pork adds tons of flavor), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. You want the onion to become fragrant and translucent, not brown.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic. Now, stir in the Dijon mustard and whole-grain mustard, letting them cook for about a minute to really release their flavors.
Next, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the broth to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes to reduce slightly. This is where the magic happens—those little brown bits from the pork are packed with flavor that’s going to infuse the sauce.
After the broth reduces a bit, stir in the heavy cream and thyme, and let the sauce simmer for another 3–4 minutes until it thickens up. If you want to balance out the richness of the sauce, a splash of apple cider vinegar adds just the right amount of brightness.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, it’s time to serve! Slice the rested pork tenderloin into medallions and arrange them on a plate. Spoon the creamy mustard sauce over the top, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try it with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up that rich sauce. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans make a great accompaniment, adding color and a bit of crunch to balance out the tender pork and creamy sauce.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Tender and Juicy Pork: Pork tenderloin is one of those cuts that’s both easy to cook and incredibly tender when done right. When seared and roasted, it stays moist and flavorful.
- Creamy Mustard Sauce: The sauce is the star of the show here! The combination of Dijon and whole-grain mustard adds just the right amount of heat and tang, while the cream creates a silky, luxurious texture. It’s the perfect match for the pork.
- Quick and Easy: Despite looking and tasting like something from a restaurant, this recipe comes together in under an hour. It’s the ideal choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or even a special weekend meal.
- Versatile: You can adjust the mustard to your preference (add more Dijon if you like it sharp, or stick to whole-grain for texture). Plus, the sauce works great with other proteins too—try it with chicken or beef for a quick flavor boost.
Final Thoughts:
There’s something inherently cozy about a meal that’s both comforting and a little indulgent, like this Pork Tenderloin with Creamy Mustard Sauce. The tender pork, the velvety sauce, and the rich flavors come together to create a dish that’s perfect for everything from family dinners to a special date night at home.
If you’re craving a simple, yet elegant dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this recipe is for you. And the best part? It’s easy enough to make any night of the week!
Let me know how it turns out if you give it a try—I'm sure it’ll become one of your go-to cozy meals too!
If you like this recipe, check out some of my other favorite cozy dishes, like Slow-Cooked Pork and Apple Stew or One-Pan Roasted Chicken with Vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings!
Happy cooking!