Easy Apricot Glazed Pork Recipe | Juicy, Sweet & Savory Meal

If you’re craving something sweet, savory, and wonderfully simple, this Easy Apricot Glazed Pork might just become your new weeknight hero. Think of tender, juicy pork kissed with a glossy apricot glaze that’s bright, tangy, and just a touch spicy. It comes together quickly, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and feels special enough for company—even on a Tuesday night. Expect balanced flavors, effortless steps, and a dish that plates beautifully with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a hungry family, this recipe brings warm, satisfying comfort to the table without keeping you in the kitchen all evening.

Why This Apricot-Glazed Pork Belongs in Your Weeknight Rotation

There’s a lot to love about this dish, but the biggest win is its simplicity. You get big flavor from small effort: a handful of everyday ingredients transform into a glossy glaze that makes the pork taste restaurant-worthy. The apricot preserves offer gentle sweetness, which pairs perfectly with tangy vinegar, savory soy, and aromatic garlic and ginger. It’s extremely flexible—you can use pork tenderloin for speed, or swap in pork chops if that’s what you have. And because the glaze comes together in one bowl, clean-up stays easy. This is the kind of meal that feels generous and comforting without requiring complicated steps or long cook times.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Easy Apricot Glazed Pork

• Pork tenderloin (1.5 pounds / 680 g) – Naturally lean and quick-cooking, it stays tender and takes on flavors beautifully.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper – Simple seasoning that enhances the meat and balances the sweetness of the glaze.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon) – Helps with a golden sear and adds a touch of richness.
• Apricot preserves (1/2 cup) – The star of the show; delivers fruity sweetness and gives the glaze its glossy finish.
• Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon) – Cuts through the sweetness and adds a gentle sharpness that keeps flavors lively.
• Soy sauce or tamari (1 tablespoon) – Adds savory depth and umami; balances fruitiness with a salty backbone.
• Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar (1 tablespoon) – Brightens the glaze and keeps it from tasting heavy.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Infuses the glaze with aromatic savoriness.
• Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, finely grated) or 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger – Brings a warm zing and pairs beautifully with apricot.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional) – A gentle heat that makes each bite more interesting.
• Fresh thyme or rosemary (1 teaspoon, chopped, optional) – Adds an herbal note that feels refined without extra work.
• Water (1 tablespoon, as needed) – Loosens the glaze if it feels too thick to brush.
• Garnish: chopped parsley or sliced scallions – Fresh color and a light, crisp finish.
• Serving ideas: lemon wedges, rice, couscous, or roasted potatoes – Simple sides that soak up extra glaze.

How to Make It: A Step-by-Step Guide to Apricot Glazed Pork

1. Preheat and prep. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Drying helps the meat sear properly, which adds flavor and keeps the surface from steaming.
2. Stir together the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk the apricot preserves, Dijon, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and herbs (if using). If the preserves are very thick, microwave the mixture for 10–15 seconds or stir in a splash of water to loosen to a brushable consistency.
3. Season the pork. Sprinkle the tenderloin all over with 1–1.5 teaspoons kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. This may seem generous, but some will remain in the pan, and proper seasoning makes the flavors pop.
4. Sear for color and flavor. Heat an oven-safe skillet (cast iron is great) over medium-high. Add the olive oil. When the oil shimmers, lay in the pork and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned all over. Color equals flavor; don’t rush this step.
5. Glaze and roast. Turn off the heat. Brush the tenderloin generously with about half of the apricot glaze. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 12–16 minutes, depending on thickness, until the center hits 145°F (63°C) on an instant-read thermometer.
6. Rest and finish the glaze. Move the pork to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest 5–10 minutes to retain juices. Meanwhile, place the skillet back over low heat and add the remaining glaze. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, stirring up browned bits. If the glaze seems too thick or sticky, stir in 1–2 teaspoons water to reach a silky, spoonable consistency.
7. Slice and serve. Cut the pork into 1/2-inch slices. Arrange on a warm platter and spoon the glossy apricot glaze over the top. Garnish with parsley or scallions and serve with lemon wedges and your chosen sides.

Planning the Cook: Timing & Preparation Details

One of the beauties of this recipe is how quickly it comes together. Here’s what to expect so you can plan your meal smoothly:

• Prep time: 10–15 minutes (mixing glaze, seasoning, and heating the skillet).
• Searing: 6–8 minutes total to brown all sides of the tenderloin.
• Roasting: 12–16 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on your oven and the thickness of the tenderloin.
• Resting: 5–10 minutes so the juices redistribute and the texture stays succulent.
• Total time: About 35–45 minutes, start to finish.

Your cue that it’s ready: The internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), and the glaze looks glossy and lightly sticky. After resting, the meat should be slightly pink in the center—this is normal for pork tenderloin and keeps it juicy.

Cook Like a Pro: Tips for Winning Results

• Use a thermometer. It’s the most reliable way to nail doneness. Pull at 145°F (63°C); the temperature will rise slightly as it rests.
• Dry the pork well before searing. Moisture prevents browning. A dry surface gives you that coveted golden crust.
• Warm the glaze if needed. A few seconds in the microwave makes apricot preserves easier to brush and helps it cling evenly.
• Don’t over-reduce the glaze. Sugars can scorch quickly. Keep the heat low and add a splash of water if it thickens too much.
• Finish with acid. A quick squeeze of lemon just before serving brightens and balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Resting is non-negotiable. Those 5–10 minutes let juices settle so every slice stays moist.
• Scale smartly. Cooking two tenderloins? Sear in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, then roast together on a sheet pan.
• Make it your own. Swap Dijon for grainy mustard, use peach or orange marmalade instead of apricot, or add a whisper of smoked paprika for depth.

Nutrition at a Glance: Nutritional Snapshot

These values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes. Calculations below assume 4 servings from 1.5 lb pork tenderloin and the full amount of glaze:

Note: If you use less glaze on the plate or choose low-sugar preserves, the carbs and calories will decrease.

Your Questions, Answered: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pork chops instead of tenderloin?

Yes. Choose 1-inch thick bone-in or boneless chops. Sear 2–3 minutes per side in an oven-safe skillet, brush with glaze, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 6–10 minutes more, depending on thickness. As with tenderloin, aim for 145°F (63°C) internal temperature and rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Can I make the glaze ahead?

Absolutely. Mix the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Warm gently before using so it spreads easily. You can also cook the pork up to a day ahead; slice and reheat gently with a splash of water or chicken broth and extra glaze to keep it moist.

What should I serve with apricot glazed pork?

It’s delicious with steamed jasmine rice, buttered couscous, or roasted baby potatoes. For vegetables, try garlicky green beans, sautéed spinach, or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. The bright, fruity glaze pairs especially well with lightly bitter greens and fresh herbs.

Wrapping It Up: Final Thoughts

Cooking at home doesn’t have to feel complicated to be rewarding. This Easy Apricot Glazed Pork proves that a few thoughtful ingredients, a hot pan, and a little care can deliver something that feels special any night of the week. The glaze brings a cheerful balance of sweet and tangy; the pork stays tender and satisfying; and the whole meal invites people to linger at the table for just one more bite. Whether you’re feeding family or treating yourself, this is a recipe that offers comfort, color, and confidence—and maybe even a new tradition for your weeknight lineup. Enjoy every slice, and don’t forget to pass the extra glaze at the table.