Pork Tenderloin with Apples

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbpork tenderloin$11.39
• 2 eachGranny Smith apples, sliced$2.35
• 1 eachyellow onion, sliced$1.51
• 1 tbspolive oil$0.33
• 1 tspkosher salt$0.02
• 0.5 tspblack pepper$0.10
• 1 tspfresh thyme$0.20
• 1 tbspDijon mustard$0.25
• 2 tbspunsalted butter$0.39
• 0.5 cupapple cider$1.01
• Total for 4 servings$17.55

Most of the cost is pork tenderloin ($11.39) and granny smith apples, sliced ($2.35). With oil, spices and staples already at home, the shop drops to about $16.95. Prices are estimated for the amount used, at average US grocery prices (November 2026).

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels, trim any excess silverskin, and season all over with the kosher salt, black pepper, and half of the fresh thyme.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork tenderloin and sear until browned on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes total. Transfer the pork temporarily to a plate.
3. Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced yellow onion, sliced apples, and remaining thyme; sauté until the onions and apples begin to soften and take on color, 4 to 5 minutes.
4. Brush the seared pork tenderloin evenly with the Dijon mustard. Nest the pork directly on top of the sautéed apples and onions in the skillet, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
5. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, until the pork reads 145°F (63°C) in the centre on a meat thermometer.
6. Transfer the pork to a cutting board to rest for 5 minutes. Return the skillet with the apples and onions to the stovetop over medium heat, pour in the apple cider, and scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom.
7. Simmer the cider until slightly reduced, 2 to 3 minutes, then remove from heat and swirl in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter until emulsified and glossy.
8. Slice the rested pork tenderloin into 1/2-inch thick medallions and serve warm with the warm sautéed apples, onions, and pan cider sauce spooned over the top.