This Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin is a treat! It’s juicy, tender, and coated in your favorite barbecue sauce, making it a hit at dinner.
As I pop it in the oven, I get excited thinking about the yummy smell filling my kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to make, so you can focus on sides—or dessert! 😊
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: Choose tenderloins around 1-1.5 pounds for juiciness. If pork isn’t your thing, you can substitute chicken breast or turkey breast, adjusting cooking time as needed since they cook faster.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar version, opt for a sugar-free sauce or make your own mixture with tomato sauce and spices. Personalize it with flavors like apple or hickory smoke!
Olive Oil: Essential for the spice rub and searing, but you can replace it with canola oil or melted coconut oil if that’s what you have on hand. Both work well for the cooking process.
Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. You can use fresh garlic and onion instead, just remember to adjust the amounts, as their fresh versions can be stronger. Smoked paprika gives a nice smokiness; feel free to replace it with regular paprika if you prefer.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This is optional but adds a lovely tang. If you don’t have any, lemon juice can serve as a great replacement!
How Do I Ensure My Pork Tenderloin is Perfectly Cooked?
A big concern with pork tenderloin is cooking it just right to avoid dryness. Follow these steps for success:
- Prep the Meat: Always pat the tenderloins dry. This ensures a good sear. Searing them before baking adds flavor and locks in juices.
- Monitor Temperature: Use a meat thermometer! Cook until the internal temperature hits 145°F (63°C) for juicy pork. Check it in the thickest part of the tenderloin.
- Resting Time: Don’t skip resting! Let the pork sit for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps redistribute juices, preventing dryness.
Following these tips will help you serve a flavorful and moist BBQ pork tenderloin every time!
How to Make Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Tenderloin:
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1-1.5 pounds total)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional for extra tang)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or cilantro)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for cooking, plus some resting time. Overall, you’ll spend about 40 minutes to enjoy a tasty Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, grab a baking dish or a cast iron skillet to use for the pork tenderloins.
2. Make the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will be your flavorful spice rub!
3. Season the Pork:
Pat the pork tenderloins dry with paper towels. Then, take the spice mixture and rub it all over the tenderloins. Make sure they are well-seasoned for the best flavor!
4. Sear the Tenderloins:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. When it’s hot, carefully add the pork tenderloins. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are nicely browned. This step adds extra flavor!
5. Bake the Pork:
Now, transfer the seared tenderloins to your prepared baking dish or skillet. Brush a generous amount of barbecue sauce all over them, saving some sauce for later to glaze.
6. Cooking Time:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. The pork is ready when its internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Glaze the Tenderloins:
In the last 5 minutes of baking, take out the pork and brush on some extra barbecue sauce for a sticky glaze. It’ll make them even more delicious!
8. Rest Before Slicing:
Once the cooking time is up, remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps keep the juices in!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
After resting, slice the tenderloin into medallions and serve with any remaining barbecue sauce on the side. If you like, garnish with fresh herbs for a nice touch. Enjoy your delicious Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use pork loin or pork chops instead of tenderloin. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary, so always check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for doneness.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like a little heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the spice rub. You could also use a spicy barbecue sauce or add sliced jalapeños to the tenderloins before baking for an extra kick!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or oven to avoid drying out the meat. Adding a little splash of barbecue sauce during reheating keeps it juicy!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Sure! You can season the pork and apply the spice rub a few hours beforehand or even overnight in the fridge for more flavor. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.
