Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Caper Pan Sauce + Basil Truffle Mashed Potatoes

Restaurant flavor, homemade comfort. This is a go-to meal when you want to serve something elegant yet simple. The pork is juicy and herby with a tangy-salty glaze, and the mashed potatoes are next-level creamy with a touch of truffle and fresh basil. A perfect pairing.

Ingredients

Pork Tenderloin + Balsamic Caper Pan Sauce

• 1–1.5 lb pork tenderloin
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp dried rosemary
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• ½ tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup beef broth
• ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 tbsp capers
• 1 tbsp butter
• Salt + pepper to taste

Basil Truffle Mashed Potatoes

• 2.5–3 lb Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 3 tbsp butter
• ⅓ cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp truffle oil

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Instructions

1. Boil the potatoes
Place chopped potatoes in a large pot. Cover with water, salt generously, and bring to a boil. Cook until fork-tender, then drain and return to the pot.

2. Prepare mashed potatoes
Add butter, coconut milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mash until creamy. Stir in basil and truffle oil. Set aside and keep warm.

3. Prep and sear pork
Pat pork tenderloin dry. Mix rosemary, thyme, onion powder, salt, pepper, and crushed garlic in a small bowl. Rub mixture onto pork. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear pork on all four sides until golden (about 1–2 minutes per side).

4. Roast the pork
Transfer the skillet to a 450°F oven and roast for 12 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 145°F. Remove from oven and let rest under foil.

5. Make the pan sauce
Place the skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat. Add beef broth and balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a low boil and reduce by half (3–5 minutes). Stir in capers, butter, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

6. Serve
Slice the pork, plate it with a generous scoop of mashed potatoes, and spoon the pan sauce over the top.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad and a glass of sparkling water with lemon if you’re keeping it fresh. Perfect for date nights or elevated family dinners.