Pork Tenderloin with Orange Sauce

Ingredients:

– 1 pork tenderloin (approximately 1-1.5 pounds)
– Salt and black pepper (to taste)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– Zest of 1 orange
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

2. Season the pork tenderloin with salt and black pepper generously.

3. In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Once hot, sear the pork tenderloin on all sides until a nice crust forms, about 2-3 minutes per side.

4. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast the tenderloin for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius).

5. While the pork is roasting, combine the minced garlic, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and dried thyme in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

6. If a thicker sauce is desired, create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water, then stir into the sauce. Continue to simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

7. Once the pork is done, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute.