Apple Cider Pork Sweet Potatoes

If you are craving a cozy dinner that brings together sweet and savory flavors, this apple cider pork with mashed sweet potatoes is the sort of dish that always warms my table on chilly evenings. Enjoying these tender pork medallions paired with creamy, cinnamon-scented sweet potatoes feels special but is simple enough for a weeknight.

I always think of the first cold night each autumn when I made this. I still remember the warm cider aroma drifting through the house and how quickly my family asked for seconds.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Pork tenderloin or loin medallions: This cut cooks up quickly and stays tender. Look for cuts with a little marbling and trim off excess fat if needed.
• Apple cider: Adds bright sweetness to both the pork marinade and pan sauce. Choose fresh cider for best flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
• Olive oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil gives the pork a golden crisp sear.
• Fresh garlic: Minced garlic infuses the marinade with savory depth. Use firm, plump cloves without sprouting.
• Fresh thyme: Fresh herbs bring earthy aroma but you can substitute dried thyme or rosemary if needed.
• Yellow onion: Slices of onion round out the sauce with sweetness. Select onions with dry, crackly skin and no soft spots.
• Butter: Adds creaminess to both the sauce and the sweet potatoes. I prefer unsalted butter for flavor control.
• Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, bright orange or red sweet potatoes for vivid color and natural sweetness.
• Heavy cream or whole milk: Adds richness to the mash. Use full-fat for best texture.
• Kosher salt and cracked black pepper: Layered seasoning highlights every component.
• Ground cinnamon: A pinch adds warmth to the sweet potato mash. Look for fragrant cinnamon with a vivid color.
• Cornstarch: Only if you need to thicken the sauce. Choose non-clumping cornstarch.

How to Make It

Marinate the Pork:

Combine pork medallions with half a cup of apple cider, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. Let it rest for at least fifteen minutes up to two hours for deeper flavor. Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge if marinating longer.

Cook the Sweet Potatoes:

Peel and cube the sweet potatoes. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the sweet potatoes and simmer about fifteen to twenty minutes until the pieces yield easily to a fork.

Drain and Steam Off:

Once the sweet potatoes are fork tender, drain them thoroughly. Return the pieces to the hot pot to steam off extra moisture for two or three minutes. This helps them mash up creamy instead of watery.

Sear the Pork:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the marinated pork in batches if needed. Do not overcrowd. Sear three minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Onion:

To the same skillet, add the sliced onion. Sauté over medium heat for about three or four minutes, stirring often, until softened and lightly golden. This will soak up the flavorful browned bits in the pan.

Deglaze and Simmer:

Pour in the reserved marinade and the remaining half cup of apple cider. Scrape up any fond from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.

Finish Cooking the Pork:

Return the seared pork pieces to the skillet. Cover and cook for ten to fifteen minutes until fully cooked. The pork should reach an internal temperature of one hundred forty five degrees Fahrenheit.

Thicken the Sauce:

If you prefer a heartier sauce, whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of water. Stir this slurry into the simmering liquid. Cook for two or three minutes until the sauce thickens noticeably.

Enrich the Sauce:

Stir in a tablespoon of cold butter, letting it melt smoothly into the sauce. This creates a glossy and rich finish.

Mash the Sweet Potatoes:

To the drained sweet potatoes, add two tablespoons of butter, a quarter cup of heavy cream, a sprinkle of salt, and a pinch of cinnamon. Mash everything together until ultra smooth and fluffy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve:

Spoon the creamy mashed sweet potatoes onto each plate. Top with the cider braised pork. Drizzle a generous amount of the pan sauce and finish with a scattering of fresh thyme if you have some.

My favorite part is adding a little ground cinnamon to the mash. It reminds me of Thanksgiving when my mother always snuck it in and no one could quite put their finger on what made her sweet potatoes taste so special. This always takes me right back to her kitchen.

Flavor Boosters

Sweet potatoes add fiber and vitamins to your plate. Let leftovers cool to room temperature before storing. Store pork and sweet potatoes in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to the mash if needed.

Serving Suggestions

This main course shines with extra roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or green beans. For a more festive dinner, add a crisp green salad and a crusty roll. A spoonful of pan sauce perks up almost any grain side you enjoy.

Creative Twists

Chicken breast or thighs can easily stand in for pork if someone does not eat pork. You can use regular potatoes instead of sweet or swap in dairy-free butter and milk for a lighter option. If you do not have apple cider, try a mix of low-sugar apple juice and a splash of lemon for tang.

Serve with extra sauce and fresh herbs on top for an elegant meal. You will want to make this recipe again as soon as colder weather returns.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What cut of pork works best in this dish?

Pork tenderloin or boneless pork chops are ideal for this preparation, providing tenderness and quick cooking time.

→ Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, but sweet potatoes offer a subtle sweetness that pairs especially well with apple cider flavors.

→ How do I thicken the apple cider sauce?

Mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir into the simmering sauce to reach your desired consistency.

→ Is it necessary to marinate the pork?

Marinating enhances the flavor, but for a quicker meal you can reduce or skip marinating time; results may be milder.

→ What sides go well with apple cider pork?

A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans complement the flavors and add freshness to your plate.