This Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin is juicy and full of flavor! With a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce, it’s super easy to make dinner special without much fuss.
The best part? It fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering smell! I love serving it with some veggies or rice. It makes any weeknight feel like a special occasion.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloins: Look for tenderloins that are uniform in size for even cooking. If you’re trying to avoid pork, chicken breast or turkey tenderloin can be good substitutes, keeping the flavor variations in mind.
BBQ Sauce: Choose a BBQ sauce that you enjoy! You can use homemade or store-bought. If you prefer a lower-sugar option, go for a sugar-free BBQ sauce, or make your own using tomato sauce and spices.
Olive Oil: While I love olive oil for this recipe, you can swap in vegetable oil or avocado oil. Both work well for searing and have high smoke points.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds depth, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika will work too! You can also use chili powder for a bit of heat.
Brown Sugar: This is optional, but I find it adds a nice balance. For a healthier option, you can use honey or maple syrup in smaller amounts.
How Do You Get a Perfect Sear on Pork Tenderloin?
Getting that golden brown sear is key to making your pork tenderloin flavorful. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Use a cast-iron skillet for great heat retention. If you don’t have one, any heavy-bottomed skillet will do.
- Preheat the pan until it’s hot but not smoking; this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add a little oil just before placing the pork in. Make sure it coats the bottom of the skillet.
- Don’t crowd the pan; if needed, sear one tenderloin at a time to avoid steaming instead of searing.
- Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side without moving it around. This allows a nice crust to form.
By following these tips, you’ll set the stage for a juicy and flavorful pork tenderloin! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Tenderloin:
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 40 minutes in total. You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare the tenderloins and 20-25 minutes for baking in the oven. Don’t forget to let the tenderloins rest for about 5-10 minutes after cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the pork.
2. Prepare the Seasoning Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar if you want a touch of sweetness. This mixture is what will give your tenderloins tons of flavor!
3. Coat the Pork Tenderloins:
Take the seasoning rub you just made and spread it all over the pork tenderloins. Make sure to coat them evenly so every bite is flavorful!
4. Sear the Pork:
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the pork tenderloins in the skillet and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned. This step adds a great texture and flavor.
5. Add BBQ Sauce:
Remove the skillet from heat. Pour half of the BBQ sauce over the tenderloins, making sure they are well coated. This will infuse even more flavor as they bake.
6. Bake in the Oven:
Now, carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the tenderloins for about 20-25 minutes, or until their internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This ensures they are cooked perfectly!
7. Rest the Pork:
Once the pork is cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, making the pork more tender and juicy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the pork tenderloin and serve it with the remaining BBQ sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious, homemade BBQ pork tenderloin!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you can’t find pork tenderloin, pork loin or pork chops can work, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Adjust the baking time based on the thickness of the meat, ensuring it reaches 145°F (63°C) internally for safe consumption.
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute the BBQ sauce with a marinade of your choice, or even a homemade mix of ketchup, vinegar, and spices for a quick alternative. Just adjust the seasoning to suit your flavor preferences!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil until warmed through, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
Can I Make This Recipe on the Grill?
Yes, you can! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat instead of searing on the stovetop. Grill the tenderloins for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until they reach the proper internal temperature. Just add the BBQ sauce during the last few minutes to prevent burning!
