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Dinner · Part 1 of 3: Ingredients

Glazed Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Tenderloin

A golden-brown roasted pork tenderloin with a glossy brown sugar and garlic glaze, garnished with fresh thyme in a pan.
Prep
Cook
Total
Serves
4
Includes 5 min resting

Discover how to elevate a humble pork tenderloin with a sticky, savory-sweet glaze that infuses every bite with flavor. This recipe is the ultimate solution for a quick dinner that feels sophisticated yet remains incredibly easy to prepare in your home kitchen.

The secret to perfectly cooked pork tenderloin lies in the balance of a high-heat roast and a flavorful glaze. This recipe uses a simple combination of brown sugar, garlic, and soy sauce to create a rich, glistening coating that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

The result is a tender, succulent roast that is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Whether you are hosting a small dinner or just looking for a reliable, delicious weeknight meal, this pork tenderloin is designed to deliver consistent, impressive results every single time.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings · serves 4

Main

  • 1 1/2 lb pork tenderloin, trimmed

Glaze

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

Garnish

  • fresh thyme, for serving
Contains: gluten, soy

Why this recipe works

The method of roasting at a high temperature ensures the exterior of the pork tenderloin caramelizes quickly while the interior remains juicy and tender. This prevents the lean meat from drying out, which is a common issue when cooking pork for too long or at lower temperatures.

Ready to start cooking right away??? Jump to Part 2 ? Step-by-Step Method ?

Using a glaze made from sugar and soy sauce creates a beautiful, glossy finish that adheres to the meat during the roasting process.

The garlic provides a savory aromatic foundation that cuts through the sweetness of the sugar, creating a complex flavor profile that appeals to a wide variety of palates.

Notes and substitutions

When selecting a pork tenderloin, look for one that is uniform in size to ensure even cooking. If the tenderloin has a thin tail end, you can tuck it under the main body of the roast to ensure it does not overcook before the thicker parts are ready.

If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can simmer the soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat for a few minutes before brushing it onto the pork.

This concentrates the flavors and creates a more syrupy consistency that clings exceptionally well to the meat.

  • brown sugar: honey or maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile
  • soy sauce: tamari for a gluten-free alternative

Equipment

  • roasting pan
  • small mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • tongs
  • meat thermometer

Coming up in Part 2: the method

  1. Mixing the glaze · 1 stepPrepare the glaze
  2. Roasting the tenderloin · 1 stepRoast the pork
  3. Final rest and service · 1 stepRest and serve

Up next · Part 2 of 3

3 steps · 25 min of cooking · what to look for at each stage

Step-by-step instructions (Part 2)