Jack Daniels Glazed Pork Tenderloin a Tennessee Kiss

Jack Daniels Pork Tenderloin Recipe Tennessee Kiss

By Chef BakerSeptember 23, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Get Ready for a Tennessee Treat!

Ever craved a dish that's both fancy and dead simple? I have! And that's how the Jack Daniel's pork tenderloin recipe came to be.

Honestly, it's like a Southern hug on a plate!

This ain't your average pork dish. This is a flavour adventure! We are talking about a tender pork tenderloin slathered in a sweet, smoky Tennessee whiskey glaze .

Think brown sugar, a hint of spice, and that unmistakable Jack Daniel's kick. It's proper lush, innit?

The Lowdown on This Pork Perfection

This gourmet pork tenderloin recipe isn't some ancient family secret. It's inspired by classic Southern BBQ, but with a sophisticated twist. The glaze gives it that beautiful colour and flavour.

It is a cinch to make. Takes about an hour, including marinating time. Feeds about 4-6 hungry people.

Why You'll Love This Jack Daniel's Pork Tenderloin

The real magic? The flavour! The whiskey glaze for pork is epic. It balances sweet, smoky, and savoury notes perfectly.

Plus, pork tenderloin is lean, so you're getting a good dose of protein without all the guilt.

This easy pork tenderloin dinner is perfect for a Sunday roast or a special occasion. Serve it up and watch everyone's faces light up.

It is even better than a Jack Daniel's BBQ sauce recipe , I reckon!

Ready to gather your ingredients? Let's get cooking!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!

Okay, so you're ready to make my Jack Daniel's pork tenderloin recipe . Awesome! Let's talk about what you'll need. Don't worry, it's not crazy complicated. I promise.

Main Ingredients: The Star Players

Pork Tenderloin: You'll need 2 tenderloins, each about 1-1.5 lbs ( 450-680g ). Honestly, look for pork that's pink and firm. Avoid anything pale or slimy you know? Fresh is always best.
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp ( 15ml ) of olive oil for searing.
Salt & Pepper: 1 tsp ( 5g ) of salt and 1/2 tsp ( 2.5g ) of black pepper.
Jack Daniel's: This is key! You'll need 1/2 cup ( 120ml ) of good ol' Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey. Don't skimp! Although, alternatives to Jack Daniel's such as bourbon also work fine.
Ketchup: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ).
Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup ( 50g ) packed light brown sugar.
Apple Cider Vinegar: 2 tbsp ( 30ml ). Some people love apple cider vinegar pork .
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp ( 15ml ).
Smoked Paprika: 1 tsp ( 5g ). A smoked paprika pork recipe can be fantastic!
Garlic Powder: 1/2 tsp ( 2.5g ).
Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 tsp ( 1.25g ), optional for a little heat.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

The smoked paprika is essential! It gives that smoky southern BBQ pork tenderloin flavour that we all love. Worcestershire sauce adds depth.

The Tennessee whiskey glaze wouldn’t be the same without it! If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of cayenne pepper is great.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Baking Sheet: Pretty self explanatory.
Small Saucepan: For making that amazing whiskey glaze for pork .
Meat Thermometer: Seriously, get one if you don't have one. It’s the only way to make sure your pork isn’t overcooked. You want it to reach 145- 150° F (63- 66° C) . If you're after a gourmet pork tenderloin recipe then thermometers are essential..

Okay, now that we have everything ready, let's get cooking! I'm so excited for you to try this recipe. You are going to love it! This is a pork tenderloin recipe easy that even I can make.

Cooking Method: Unleash the Tennessee Magic

Fancy taking your pork game to the next level? I’m about to let you in on a little secret: Jack Daniel's Glazed Pork Tenderloin .

Oh my gosh, the flavour! It’s a savoury masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy. Seriously, even I can do it and I'm often called a disaster in the kitchen.

This pork tenderloin recipe easy is about to become your new go-to.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Like a Pro

First things first. Let's get organised. It's all about the mise en place . Grab your two pork tenderloins, about 1-1.

5 lbs each, and trim off any of that silver skin you know, that annoying membrane. Mix your spices.

Measure out your ingredients. Doing this makes life so much easier, trust me. Don't forget, pat the pork dry before seasoning with salt and pepper.

About a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper will do the trick.

step-by-step: From Hob to Heaven

Alright, let’s cook!

Mix up that killer Tennessee whiskey glaze in a saucepan. That's half a cup of Jack Daniel's , half a cup of ketchup, quarter cup of brown sugar, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, a teaspoon of smoked paprika, half a teaspoon of garlic powder and a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for that fiery touch!).
Simmer the glaze over medium heat for 10- 15 minutes . It needs to thicken up slightly.
Optional step : Marinate the pork with half the glaze for 30 minutes . This helps the flavours really sink in, but honestly, you can skip this if you're in a rush.
Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
Sear the pork in a hot pan for 2- 3 minutes per side to get a nice crust.
Bake for 15- 20 minutes , or until it hits 140° F ( 60° C) for medium.
Slather with the remaining glaze. Then bake for another 5- 10 minutes , until it’s a beautiful, sticky, caramelized masterpiece. Aim for 145- 150° F (63- 66° C) .
Rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This is key!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Pork

Don't overcook it! Pork tenderloin dries out super fast, so use a meat thermometer. Honestly, it's a game changer. If you don’t have one, now is the time to acquire one.

Want even more flavour? Try a splash of Jack Daniel's BBQ sauce in the glaze for extra smokiness.

To go with the pork you could serve it with apple chutney for a lovely contrast in flavours. It's all about balance, innit?

So there you have it. A gourmet pork tenderloin recipe that's actually dead simple. Enjoy the taste of Tennessee. You deserve it.

Recipe Notes for Your Tennessee Masterpiece

Right then, before you dive headfirst into this Jack Daniel's pork tenderloin recipe , let's run through a few bits and bobs to make sure you nail it.

Honestly, this is one of those recipes that's easy enough for a midweek meal but fancy enough to serve to guests.

A total winner, if I do say so myself!

Plating Like a Pro & Perfect Pairings

Presentation matters, doesn't it? Slice that bourbon glazed pork tenderloin on the diagonal. Arrange it artfully on a platter. Garnish with some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.

A dollop of apple chutney recipe alongside the pork is chef's kiss . For sides, think creamy mashed sweet potatoes or some roasted asparagus.

A crisp Chardonnay wine pairing pork beautifully, or if you fancy something a bit stronger, a classic Old Fashioned cocktail recipe won't go amiss! Thinking on some Jack Daniel's cocktails ?

Storage Secrets

Got leftovers? You’re in luck! That means more whiskey glaze for pork for you, pal. Pop that pork tenderloin in the fridge within two hours of cooking.

It'll keep for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Freezing? That works too! Wrap it tightly in cling film and then foil. It will last for about 2-3 months.

Just remember to thaw it completely before reheating to get juicy southern BBQ pork tenderloin .

Tweaks and Twists

Fancy a bit of a change? No problem! For a gluten-free version, ensure your Worcestershire sauce and ketchup are gluten-free.

To dial up the heat on the smoked paprika pork recipe , add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze.

If you're not a massive fan of Jack Daniel's , you could sub it with another alternatives to Jack Daniel's like bourbon, or even rum for a slightly different vibe.

No worries if you haven't got apple cider vinegar pork sitting around either - just use white wine vinegar.

Nifty Nutrition Nuggets

Alright, let's keep it simple. A serving of this Jack Daniel's pork tenderloin recipe is around 350-400 calories. It packs a punch with 35-40g of protein, which is great for muscle building! You're looking at 15-20g of fat.

The carbs are about 15-20g, with 10-15g of sugar from the glaze. It's a fairly balanced meal. Remember this is a rough estimate, mind.

Don't rely on this for your diet plans, and use it as a general guideline.

So, there you have it! All the extra bits to help you become a gourmet pork tenderloin recipe whizz. Get stuck in, enjoy the process, and remember, cooking should be fun! Now go and make some Jack Daniel's food pairings magic happen!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Jack Daniel's glazed pork tenderloin ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Jack Daniel's glaze a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also marinate the pork tenderloin overnight for even more flavour. Just remember to bring the pork to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking for even cooking.

Like a good cup of tea, some things are just worth the wait!

What's the best way to store leftover Jack Daniel's glazed pork tenderloin?

Leftover pork tenderloin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying it out. A splash of water or broth when reheating can help retain moisture, ensuring it's just as delicious as when it was first served - almost like finding a tenner in your old coat!

I don't have Jack Daniel's, can I use another type of whiskey?

While Jack Daniel's provides a distinct flavour, you can certainly substitute with another bourbon or Tennessee whiskey. Each type of whiskey will impart a slightly different flavour profile, so feel free to experiment.

Using a different whiskey can be like switching from a pint of bitter to a craft ale - different but equally enjoyable!

How can I prevent the pork tenderloin from drying out when cooking?

The key to a juicy pork tenderloin is to avoid overcooking it! Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145-150°F (63-66°C). Resting the pork for 10 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavourful dish.

It's like letting a good wine breathe before serving, it makes all the difference.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for the Jack Daniel's in the glaze?

Yes, if you're avoiding alcohol, you can substitute the Jack Daniel's with apple juice or strong brewed tea. To mimic the smoky flavour of the whiskey, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the glaze.

It won't be exactly the same, but it'll still provide a lovely depth of flavour - a bit like swapping a full English breakfast for a veggie version!

What side dishes go well with this Jack Daniel's glazed pork tenderloin?

This pork tenderloin pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Mashed sweet potatoes, roasted asparagus, green bean casserole, or a simple side salad are all excellent choices. For a touch of sweetness, a dollop of apple chutney adds a delightful contrast to the smoky glaze.

Think classic pairings, like fish and chips or bangers and mash, these sides just work!