Pork Fillet and Apple with a Cider Mustard Sauce and Rosemary and Garlic Potatoes
Tender pork fillet with a creamy cider and mustard sauce, sweet caramelised apple and crisp rosemary-and-garlic potatoes — a proper autumn dinner that feels special but is straightforward to cook. Pork, apple and cider are a match made in heaven.
Why this works
- Pork fillet cooked quickly and rested stays tender and juicy — it is a lean cut that dries out if overdone.
- A cider and wholegrain mustard sauce built in the same pan captures all the browned flavour.
- Caramelised apple brings sweetness that flatters both the pork and the sharp mustard.
Ingredient notes and swaps
- Pork tenderloin (fillet) — lean and quick-cooking; sear then rest for the best texture.
- Dry cider — for the sauce; it reduces to a savoury-sweet depth.
- Wholegrain and Dijon mustard — for texture and a gentle heat.
- A firm eating apple — one that holds its shape when caramelised.
- Rosemary and garlic — for the roast potatoes; a classic pairing with pork.

Pork Fillet and Apple with a Cider Mustard Sauce and Rosemary and Garlic Potatoes
FavouriteIngredients
Method
- Set the oven to 200 C
- Bring the Potatoes to a boil in salted water and then
- Drain and leave to steam for 10 minutes or so
- Scatter in a tray and add drizzle over the Oil
- Season and then scatter over the Rosemary Sprigs and Garlic cloves
- Cook in the oven for about 30 minutes, turning once or twice
- Once starting to brown and crisp at the edges remove
- Meanwhile, in a large, non-stick frying pan, cook the Apple in the Oil and half the Butter for 7 to 8 minutes
- Remove to a plate
- Add the Pork to the pan and cook for 3 minutes, adding a little more butter if needed, then season
- Remove to a plate
- Add the Shallots and remaining Butter to the pan and cook until soft
- Then add the Brandy, flame
- Add the Cider, Cream and Chicken Stock and warm through
- Finish with the Mustards, and season.
- Spoon the Pork in all the sauce and then to a plate and place the potatoes on the side.
Nutrition
Notes
Ensuring the potatoes are properly drained and allowed to steam dry is crucial. Excess moisture can prevent them from crisping up beautifully in the oven, leading to a softer, less appealing texture.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Tips for success
- Sear the fillet all over for colour, then finish gently and rest it well before slicing.
- Do not overcook the pork — a blush of pink in the centre is fine and keeps it juicy.
- Reduce the cider properly before adding the cream so the sauce has depth.
- Parboil the potatoes and roughen the edges for the crispest roasties.
Make ahead, storage and reheating
- Make ahead — parboil the potatoes ahead; cook the pork and sauce fresh.
- Storage — leftovers keep two days; the sauce may need loosening on reheating.
- Get ahead — the sauce base can be made ahead and finished with cream to serve.
What to serve it with
- With the rosemary potatoes and a green vegetable such as buttered cabbage or greens.
- A glass of the same dry cider you cooked with.
FAQ
Is pork fillet meant to be pink? A little blush in the centre is perfectly safe and keeps it juicy; cook to around 63C and rest.
Can I use pork chops instead? Yes — chops work well; adjust the timing as they are thicker.
Can I make the sauce without cream? Yes — reduce the cider and mustard with a little stock for a lighter, glossy sauce.
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Sear, rest and get the best from your pan
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