This Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor! It’s coated in a tasty BBQ sauce that caramelizes nicely in the oven, making every bite delicious.
It’s super simple to make, too! Just season, slather with sauce, pop it in the oven, and wait for the magic to happen. Perfect for a family dinner or impressing guests!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This cuts down to a tender, flavorful meat. Each tenderloin weighs about 1 pound; feel free to use one larger cut if it’s available. If you’re looking for a substitute, chicken breasts can work, but they’ll cook differently!
BBQ Sauce: Go for your favorite brand, but if you’re out, homemade BBQ sauce is an easy option. Mix ketchup, apple cider vinegar, and honey to create a simple version. You can also swap it for teriyaki sauce for a fun twist.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the seasoning stick. If you don’t have olive oil, feel free to use vegetable oil or melted butter instead. Just keep in mind that butter can brown faster.
Garlic & Onion Powder: These two give great flavor. If you only have fresh garlic or onion, mince them finely and use about a clove of each per teaspoon.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a nice smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, regular paprika with a dash of chili powder can work in a pinch!
Brown Sugar: This is optional but helps balance the BBQ sauce’s tanginess. You can omit it if you prefer less sweetness or use honey for a healthier alternative.
How Do I Get a Perfect Sear on Pork Tenderloin?
Searing the pork before baking is key to locking in moisture and enhancing flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet! Heat it on medium-high until it’s hot enough that a drop of water sizzles.
- Add olive oil and let it heat briefly before adding the tenderloins.
- Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until a nice brown crust forms. Avoid moving the pork around too much to ensure an even sear.
Once seared, your pork will be in great shape to finish cooking in the oven! Happy cooking!
Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pork Tenderloin:
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each)
For The Seasoning:
- 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 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
For The BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ pork tenderloin takes about 35-40 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes on prep and searing, followed by 20-25 minutes baking in the oven. Plus, a short 5 minutes for resting before slicing. Easy and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat 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:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar if you’re using it. This will be the tasty seasoning for your pork!
3. Season the Pork:
Take the pork tenderloins and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. Rub the olive oil all over the pork, then sprinkle the dry seasoning mixture on all sides, coating them evenly.
4. Sear the Pork:
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the pork tenderloins in the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are beautifully browned.
5. Add BBQ Sauce and Bake:
Now comes the fun part! Brush half of the BBQ sauce over the seared pork tenderloins. Then, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for the best results!
6. Finish and Serve:
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven. Brush the remaining BBQ sauce over the tenderloins and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices in. Finally, slice the tenderloins into medallions and serve them warm with any leftover BBQ sauce drizzled on top. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you can’t find pork tenderloin, you can use pork loin or even pork chops. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked to 145°F (63°C).
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the sliced pork in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No problem! You can make a simple marinade using ingredients like ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, and a bit of Worcestershire sauce. Mix them together and brush over the pork during cooking for a delicious alternative!
Can I Marinate the Pork Overnight?
Yes, marinating the pork tenderloins overnight is a great way to infuse flavor! Just combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a resealable bag with the pork, and let it sit in the fridge. Remember to add the BBQ sauce just before cooking for the best texture!
