Tested and Perfected by Food and Wine
Pork Tenderloin with Port and Prunes
© Melanie Acevedo

Pork Tenderloin with Port and Prunes

Contributed by Quick From Scratch Herbs & Spices
  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 4
  • •FAST

Coriander, which goes particularly well with pork, port, and prunes, gets a chance to shine with all three here. The spice coats the tenderloins as they roast and joins the wine and fruit in a sweet sauce for a subtle, interesting dish that couldn't be quicker or easier to prepare.

Plus: More Pork Recipes and Tips

  1. 2 pork tenderloins (about 3/4 pound each)
  2. 2 1/2 teaspoons ground coriander
  3. 3/4 teaspoon salt
  4. 1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper
  5. 1 1/2 tablespoons cooking oil
  6. 1/2 cup port
  7. 1/2 cup canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock
  8. 20 pitted prunes
  9. 2 tablespoons butter
  1. Heat the oven to 400°. Season the tenderloins with 2 teaspoons of the coriander, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and the pepper.
  2. In a large ovenproof frying pan, heat the oil over moderately high heat. Add the tenderloins and brown on all sides, about 3 minutes. Put the pan in the oven and cook until the tenderloins are just done to medium, about 15 minutes. Transfer the tenderloins to a carving board and leave to rest in a warm spot for about 5 minutes.
  3. Pour off all the fat from the pan. Put the pan over moderate heat and add the port. Bring to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pan to dislodge any brown bits. Add the broth, prunes, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Boil until reduced to approximately 1/2 cup, about 3 minutes. Whisk in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon coriander and the butter. Slice the tenderloins and serve topped with the prunes and sauce.

Suggested Pairing

A light-bodied or subtly flavored red wine would fade away next to the intense fruity flavors of this dish. Fortunately, lusty red Zinfandels are widely available and will work perfectly.