Pork Tenderloin With Agrodolce Cherries

This Pork Tenderloin with Agrodolce Cherries is a wonderful mix of tender, juicy pork and a bright, tangy cherry sauce that’s both sweet and a little bit sour. The pork…

By Willow • February 8, 2026 • Reading time: 6 min

Save Recipe Print Recipe

Tip: save now, cook later.

This Pork Tenderloin with Agrodolce Cherries is a wonderful mix of tender, juicy pork and a bright, tangy cherry sauce that’s both sweet and a little bit sour. The pork is simple but full of flavor, while the agrodolce cherries add a pop of color and a delicious punch that really wakes up your taste buds.

I love making this dish when I want something special but not complicated. The balance between the rich pork and the lively cherry sauce feels fancy, but it’s actually pretty easy to pull together. I find the best cherries to use are fresh or frozen when cherries are out of season, and the sauce always surprises people with how well it complements the meat.

My favorite way to serve this is with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and some steamed green veggies. The smooth potatoes soak up the cherry sauce perfectly, making every bite so satisfying. If you give this recipe a try, I bet you’ll end up making it again and again—it’s just the right mix of simple and special that everyone enjoys.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pork Tenderloin: This cut is tender and cooks quickly. You can use pork loin if tenderloin isn’t available, but it takes a little longer to cook.

Cherries: Fresh cherries are great in season, but frozen cherries work well too. Just thaw and drain them before cooking to avoid extra water in the sauce.

Balsamic Vinegar & Honey: These create the sweet and sour “agrodolce” flavor. If you don’t have balsamic, try red wine or apple cider vinegar as a milder option.

White Wine or Chicken Broth: This adds depth to the sauce. Use chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version or skip it with a little extra water.

Shallot: Adds gentle onion flavor. Yellow onion is a good substitute if needed.

How Do You Make the Agrodolce Cherry Sauce Perfectly Every Time?

Making the cherry sauce is key to balance sweet, sour, and savory flavors. Here’s how to get it right:

• Sauté shallots gently so they soften but don’t brown—this keeps a mild onion taste.
• When adding cherries and liquids, simmer gently so cherries release their flavor and sauce thickens without burning.
• Adjust sweetness and acidity by tasting: more honey if too sour, more vinegar if too sweet.
• Add thyme and optional red pepper flakes for freshness and a little heat.
• Finish with butter for a glossy, rich sauce that coats the pork beautifully.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Ovenproof skillet – perfect for searing the pork and finishing it in the oven without extra dishes.
• Medium saucepan – ideal for simmering the cherry sauce evenly.
• Sharp chef’s knife – helps you trim the pork and slice it cleanly into medallions.
• Tongs – great for turning the pork while searing without piercing the meat.
• Meat thermometer – ensures your pork is perfectly cooked to safe, juicy perfection.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Try duck breast instead of pork for a richer, gamey flavor that pairs nicely with cherries.
• Add roasted garlic to the sauce for a mild savory twist.
• Include fresh rosemary with thyme to boost herbal notes in the sauce.
• Stir in chopped pistachios on top for a crunchy texture contrast.

Pork Tenderloin with Agrodolce Cherries

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 ½ to 2 pounds pork tenderloin
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, plus extra for garnish
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for slight heat)
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• ¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing sauce)

Time Needed

This dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes to cook, including roasting the pork and simmering the cherry sauce. Add a few minutes to rest the pork before slicing and serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare and Sear the Pork:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the pork tenderloin generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until it’s golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

2. Roast the Pork:

Move the skillet with the pork into the preheated oven. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Once done, remove the pork from the oven, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

3. Make the Agrodolce Cherry Sauce:

While the pork is roasting, heat a little olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and sauté until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the cherries, balsamic vinegar, honey, thyme leaves, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cherries start breaking down and the sauce thickens slightly, about 8-10 minutes.

Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick, and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until glossy. Stir in butter if using, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serve:

Slice the rested pork into medallions. Spoon the agrodolce cherry sauce over the pork and garnish with extra fresh thyme. Serve immediately, ideally paired with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a perfect balance.

Can I Use Frozen Cherries for the Agrodolce Sauce?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before cooking to avoid excess liquid in the sauce. Frozen cherries work great when fresh ones aren’t in season.

How Do I Know When the Pork Tenderloin Is Fully Cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should reach 145°F (63°C) for juicy, perfectly cooked pork. Let the meat rest before slicing to retain moisture.

Can I Make the Cherry Sauce Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove before serving with the pork to keep the flavors fresh.

What Can I Serve With This Dish?

This pork pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a simple green salad to balance the tangy-sweet cherry sauce.