Drunken Pork Tenderloin

Earlier this week, I mentioned the fantastic deals on pork at Costco, especially on pork tenderloin. If you missed that post, be sure to check it out because it includes a giveaway (giveaway has ended) for a Costco gift card and more. Pork tenderloin is not only easy to cook, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Today, I’m excited to share a beloved family recipe: Drunken Pork Tenderloin. This dish has become a comfort food staple in our home and a hit with everyone who tries it. My husband and Taylor request it often, and it always receives rave reviews. Originally nameless, this recipe is now called Robyn’s Drunken Pork Tenderloin because it uses a whole bottle of red wine. But don’t worry, it doesn’t taste overwhelmingly alcoholic. If you prefer, you can adjust the wine quantity or substitute it with red wine vinegar for a milder flavor. Thanks to TheMotherhood.com and Costco for inspiring me to share this family favorite. I hope it becomes a comforting dish for your family too! You can find more pork recipes on my blog as well.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Drunken Pork Tenderloin is the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication. It’s a dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for entertaining guests. The wine-infused gravy adds a rich flavor that complements the tender pork beautifully, creating a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Rectangular baking dish
• Meat thermometer
• Wooden spoon
• Whisk
• Cutting board

Ingredients

• 2 lb (or so – I use one package which has two pieces in it) pork tenderloin
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large white onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bottle red wine of choice (Moscato, merlot, burgundy, zinfandel, or whatever wine you have on hand)
• 1 package brown gravy mix

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the pork from its packaging and trim off any silver skin.
3. Season the pork with garlic powder, salt, and pepper on all sides.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on each side for about 3 minutes until nicely browned. Transfer the pork to a rectangular baking dish.
5. Add the sliced onions to the same skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes.
6. Carefully pour in about 1/4 of the wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up the flavorful browned bits.
7. Add the remaining wine to the skillet and bring to a boil. Simmer for 3 minutes.
8. Pour the onion and wine mixture over the pork in the baking dish.
9. Bake in the oven for approximately 35-40 minutes, until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
10. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for about 10 minutes.
11. Pour the liquid from the baking dish back into the skillet and whisk in the brown gravy mix. Cook on medium heat for about 3 minutes until thickened.
12. Slice the pork into 1/4-inch thick pieces and serve with onions, topped with the red wine gravy.

Tips for Success

Make sure to let the pork rest before slicing to ensure it stays juicy. Also, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid overcooking the tenderloin.

Additional Tips or Variations

This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, but you could also serve it with rice, quinoa, noodles, or orzo. Don’t forget some fresh bread to mop up the delicious sauce!

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of meat? While this recipe is designed for pork tenderloin, you could try it with chicken breast or beef tenderloin. Adjust cooking times as needed.

What if I don’t have red wine? You can substitute with red wine vinegar or even grape juice for a non-alcoholic version.

How long can I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Drunken Pork Tenderloin as much as we do. It’s a dish that brings warmth and flavor to the table, perfect for sharing with family and friends. If you try it, please share your experience in the comments below. Happy cooking!