Looking for a showstopping weeknight dinner idea? Try this easy apricot glazed bacon wrapped Cajun pork tenderloin recipe made with homemade spice blend for a quick and delicious family favorite, save for later

Apricot Glazed Bacon Wrapped Cajun Pork Tenderloin

Introduction

The combination of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors in this Apricot Glazed Bacon Wrapped Cajun Pork Tenderloin recipe will elevate your dinner game without requiring exotic ingredients or complicated techniques. By leveraging everyday ingredients like pork tenderloin, bacon, apricot jam, and Cajun seasoning, you can create a dish that’s both impressive and accessible. The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of flavors and textures, making it perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in with family and friends.

Why This Works

Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The sweetness of the apricot glaze pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the bacon and the spice of the Cajun seasoning, all of which complement the tender pork beautifully.
Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation, this dish is relatively easy to prepare, requiring minimal advanced cooking techniques.
Impressive results with minimal effort: The combination of bacon wrapping and apricot glazing gives the dish a gourmet feel without needing hours of preparation or cooking time.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include a pork tenderloin, thick-cut bacon, apricot jam, Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. For the apricot glaze, you’ll also need some soy sauce and olive oil. Practical substitutions could include using honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile, or adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your desired level of spiciness. If you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can reduce the amount of apricot jam or balance it with a bit more soy sauce.

Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, prepare your ingredients. Chop the garlic if using fresh, measure out your spices, and lay out the bacon slices.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the Cajun seasoning, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create your spice blend. Rub this blend all over the pork tenderloin, making sure to coat it evenly.
Step 3: Wrap the bacon slices around the pork tenderloin, securing them with toothpicks if necessary. Place the bacon-wrapped tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Bake the pork tenderloin in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes,! or until the bacon starts to crisp. While the pork is baking, prepare the apricot glaze by mixing the apricot jam, soy sauce, and a drizzle of olive oil in a small saucepan. Bring the glaze to a simmer over medium heat and let it reduce slightly until it thickens.
Step 5: After the initial 20 minutes of baking, brush the apricot glaze all over the pork tenderloin. Return the tenderloin to the oven and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare. Let the pork rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Handy Tips

Make sure to not overlap the bacon slices as you wrap them around the pork to ensure even cooking and crisping.
If you find that your apricot glaze is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of water or olive oil. Conversely, if it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it further.
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Heat Control

For this recipe, it’s crucial to maintain the oven at 400°F (200°C) for even cooking. When applying the apricot glaze, make sure to brush it on evenly to prevent burning. The ideal internal temperature for the pork tenderloin is 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, with a three-minute rest time before slicing. Always check the temperature in the thickest part of the meat, avoiding any fat or bone.

Crunch Factor

The crunch in this dish comes from the crispy bacon wrapping. To achieve the perfect crunch, ensure that the bacon is cooked until it’s golden brown and crispy. If you prefer a chewier bacon, you can cook it for a slightly shorter time. The texture contrast between the crunchy bacon, the sweet and sticky apricot glaze, and the tender pork makes this dish particularly appealing.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

For easier cleanup, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil before placing the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin on it.
Letting the pork tenderloin sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking can help it cook more evenly.
Consider using a cast-iron skillet in the oven for a crispy crust on the bottom of the pork tenderloin, in addition to the bacon wrapping.

Storage Tips

Leftover pork tenderloin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it in the oven at a lower temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) until warmed through.
It’s not recommended to freeze the cooked pork tenderloin, as the texture and quality may degrade. However, you can freeze the raw pork tenderloin before cooking, and then thaw and cook it as needed.
For the apricot glaze, you can store any leftovers in a jar in the fridge for up to a week and use it as a glaze for other meats or as a dipping sauce.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this dish, perhaps for a dinner party or holiday gathering, you could package the sliced pork tenderloin in a decorative tin or a wooden crate, accompanied by a jar of the apricot glaze and some crusty bread or crackers for serving. Add a ribbon or a gift tag with the recipe and cooking instructions for a thoughtful touch.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Different spices: Experiment with various spice blends, such as Chinese five-spice or Indian garam masala, to give the pork tenderloin a unique flavor profile.
🌟 Creative toppings: Consider adding some caramelized onions, roasted bell peppers, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top of the pork tenderloin before serving.
🌟 Ingredient swaps: You could substitute the pork tenderloin with a beef or lamb tenderloin for a different meat flavor, or use different types of jam, like quince or orange marmalade, for the glaze.

Troubleshooting

Texture problems: If the pork tenderloin turns out too dry, it may have been overcooked. Try reducing the cooking time or using a meat mallet to pound the tenderloin to an even thickness before cooking.
Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find apricot jam, you could use a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard as a substitute glaze, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Over/undercooking signs: Always check the internal temperature of the pork to avoid undercooking. If the bacon is getting too crispy before the pork is cooked through, cover the dish with foil to prevent burning.

FAQs

Can I freeze it? It’s best not to freeze the cooked pork tenderloin, but you can freeze the raw tenderloin before cooking.
Is it gluten-free? This recipe should be gluten-free, depending on the ingredients used in the Cajun seasoning and the soy sauce. Always check the labels of your ingredients to confirm.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe for a larger gathering. Just ensure you have enough oven space and adjust the cooking time slightly if necessary.

Conclusion

This Apricot Glazed Bacon Wrapped Cajun Pork Tenderloin is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors, it’s perfect for special occasions or a quick weeknight dinner. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and ingredients to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the process of creating something delicious and memorable.

Cajun Pork Tenderloin with Apricot Glazed Bacon