Sweet-Savory Apricot Glazed Bacon Wrapped Cajun Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Succulent cajun pork tenderloin meets its match with an irresistible apricot glaze that dances across smoky bacon-wrapped perfection.
Sweet and spicy notes intermingle in this mouthwatering dish that promises culinary excitement.
Wild flavors burst through each tender slice, creating a memorable dining experience.
Regional spices infuse the meat with robust character while apricot’s gentle sweetness provides unexpected complexity.
Crispy bacon adds delightful texture and salty undertones that complement the pork’s natural richness.
Professional chefs and home cooks alike will appreciate how simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.
You cannot resist diving into this remarkable meal that celebrates bold southern cooking traditions.
Prepare to be amazed by a recipe that transforms ordinary ingredients into an unforgettable dinner sensation.
Why Apricot Glazed Cajun Pork Tenderloin Wows a Crowd
Ingredients Checklist for Apricot Glazed Pork
Meat Base:Seasoning Blend:Glaze Components:Supplementary Items:Making Bacon-Wrapped Cajun Pork Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare Cooking Surface
Set oven to 400F. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil and place wire rack on top for optimal bacon crispiness.
Step 2: Season Pork Tenderloin
Step 3: Create Bacon Blanket
Step 4: Enhance Flavor Through Searing
Heat oven-safe skillet on medium-high heat
Sear bacon-wrapped tenderloin on all sides for 2-3 minutes to develop rich caramelized exterior
Step 5: Whisk Tangy Apricot Glaze
Combine in mixing bowl:Blend ingredients until smooth consistency achieved
Step 6: Bake With Glorious Glaze
Transfer pork to baking dish
Brush generously with prepared glaze
Bake 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145F
Reapply glaze midway through cooking
Step 7: Crisp Bacon Finish
Switch oven to broil
Cook 2-3 minutes until bacon edges turn golden brown
Monitor closely to prevent burning
Step 8: Rest And Serve
Allow meat to rest 5 minutes
Slice tenderloin
Drizzle remaining glaze over top
Serve immediately while warm and juicy
Tips to Perfect That Glaze and Pork Combo
Store and Reheat Cajun Pork Like a Pro
Sides That Suit Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Spin-Offs for Apricot Glazed Cajun Pork
FAQs for the Bold Pork Lover
The Cajun seasoning adds a bold, spicy kick that complements the sweet apricot glaze, creating a complex flavor profile that makes the pork tenderloin exciting and delicious.
Bacon adds extra flavor, helps keep the pork tenderloin moist, and creates a crispy exterior that provides amazing texture and richness to the dish.
Yes, you can prepare the apricot glaze up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before using.
Searing is optional but recommended as it helps develop a deep, golden-brown color and locks in additional flavor before baking, creating a more complex taste and appealing appearance.
Print
Apricot Glazed Bacon Wrapped Cajun Pork Tenderloin Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Succulent Cajun pork tenderloin wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with sweet apricot preserves creates a mouthwatering flavor explosion. Spicy, sweet, and perfectly balanced, this dish promises a memorable culinary experience you won’t soon forget.
Ingredients
Meat:
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1–1.5 pounds / 680–680 grams)
- 8–10 slices of bacon
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Glaze Ingredients:
- ¼ cup apricot preserves
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Seasoning:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400F (200C) and setting up a foil-lined baking sheet with a wire rack for optimal bacon crisping.
- Meticulously dry the pork tenderloin and thoroughly massage Cajun seasoning across its entire surface.
- Create a bacon weave by laying strips slightly overlapping to form a rectangular base. Position the seasoned pork centrally and carefully encase it within the bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
- Activate a medium-high heat skillet and strategically sear the bacon-wrapped tenderloin on all surfaces for 2-3 minutes, developing a rich caramelized exterior.
- Craft the glaze by vigorously whisking apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar, garlic powder, and paprika into a harmonious blend.
- Transfer the seared meat to a baking vessel, liberally coating with prepared glaze. Roast for 25-30 minutes, periodically brushing with additional glaze, until internal temperature reaches 145F (63C).
- Enhance the bacon’s texture by implementing a brief high-heat broil for 2-3 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
- Allow the tenderloin to rest for 5 minutes, permitting juices to redistribute. Slice and garnish with remaining glaze, serving immediately while warm.
Notes
- Choose thick-cut bacon to ensure a crispy, golden exterior that wraps perfectly around the pork tenderloin, preventing dryness and adding rich flavor.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by using a homemade blend or store-bought mix, allowing customization for heat-sensitive palates.
- Pat the pork completely dry before seasoning to help the Cajun spices adhere better and create a more flavorful crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee precise doneness, preventing overcooking while maintaining juicy, tender meat.
- Swap apricot preserves with other fruit preserves like peach or mango for a unique flavor variation that complements the Cajun spices.
- Leftovers can be sliced and added to salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls for a quick protein-packed meal the next day.
- For a lower-carb option, replace honey with a sugar-free alternative or reduce the amount of glaze used.
- Consider marinating the pork in the glaze mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the depth of flavor and tenderness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Jessica Martinez
Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography
Education
Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)
Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.
She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.