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Flavorful Coffee Rubbed Pork Tenderloin Recipe with Easy Bourbon Glaze

coffee rubbed pork tenderloin - featured image

A quick and easy pork tenderloin recipe featuring a bold coffee rub and a sweet, warm bourbon glaze. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this dish delivers juicy, tender meat with a smoky crust and caramelized richness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin
  • 2 tablespoons finely ground coffee (freshly ground or store-bought, avoid instant)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for searing)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and trim any silver skin if needed.
  2. In a small bowl, combine ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Rub the coffee mixture all over the pork tenderloin, pressing gently but firmly. Let rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or refrigerate for a few hours or overnight for more flavor. Bring back to room temperature before cooking.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the pork tenderloin on all sides, about 2 minutes per side, until well-browned.
  6. Transfer the seared tenderloin to an oven-safe dish or keep in the skillet if oven-proof. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145°F (63°C). Check at 15 minutes to avoid overcooking.
  7. While the pork roasts, combine bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and soy sauce in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce for 7-10 minutes until thickened to a syrupy consistency.
  8. Remove pork from oven and transfer to a cutting board. Tent with foil and let rest for 10 minutes.
  9. Slice pork into medallions and drizzle generously with the bourbon glaze before serving.

Notes

Use freshly ground coffee for best flavor and crust. Rest the meat for at least 10 minutes after roasting to retain juices. If glaze thickens too much, add a splash of water or bourbon to loosen. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Searing is recommended for a flavorful crust but can be skipped if short on time.

Nutrition

Keywords: coffee rub, pork tenderloin, bourbon glaze, easy pork recipe, quick dinner, smoky pork, autumn recipe, crowd-pleaser