Whole 30 Whole30 Smoked Paprika Pork Tenderloin with Apples
Pork tenderloin is one of those cuts that looks impressive on the table but comes together faster than most weeknight dinners, and this smoky, apple-kissed version is genuinely hard to beat. The spice rub — smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder — builds a deeply savory crust during the sear, and the whole thing finishes in a hot oven in about 15 minutes. What makes this dish feel special is the pan sauce: chicken broth and apple cider vinegar deglaze all those caramelized bits from the skillet, reducing into something glossy and bright that ties the pork and golden apple wedges together beautifully. Every ingredient here is compliant with the program's rules — no added sugar, no off-limits additives, just whole foods doing exactly what they're supposed to do. It serves four, so it's a solid choice for a family dinner or meal prep that actually feels like a treat rather than a compromise. A scatter of fresh thyme over the platter at the end is optional, but it adds a little herby freshness that really pulls the whole dish together.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the pork
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 lb)
- 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the apples and pan sauce
- 2 medium apples (such as honeycrisp or fuji), cored and cut into ½-inch wedges
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
For serving
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, and 3/4 tsp kosher salt. Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels, then rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides.
- 2
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the tenderloin and sear, turning every 1–2 minutes, until browned on all sides, about 5–6 minutes total.
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