This Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin is juicy and packed with flavor. Coated in tangy BBQ sauce, it’s simple to make and perfect for dinner any night!
The way the sauce caramelizes makes it hard to resist. I might eat too much, but who could blame me? 🤷♀️
I love serving it with some roasted veggies. It’s an easy meal that feels special and satisfying, without spending hours in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This cut is lean and tender. If you’re looking for alternatives, pork loin can work, but it may need longer cooking time. Chicken breast can be used too, though keep an eye on the cooking time, as chicken cooks faster.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe. If you’re health-conscious, opt for a low-sugar or homemade sauce. You can also substitute with teriyaki or honey mustard for a different flavor twist.
Olive Oil: While olive oil is excellent for its flavor, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil if that’s what you have on hand. They all work well for searing.
Spices: The blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika adds great flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works, or try chili powder for some heat. Adjust quantities according to your taste!
How Do I Ensure My Pork Tenderloin is Perfectly Searing?
Searing the pork tenderloin is vital for flavor. It locks in juices and provides a nice crust. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start with a dry piece of meat. Patting it with paper towels helps achieve that nice brown crust.
- Ensure your skillet is hot before adding oil. You want to hear a sizzle when the pork hits the pan.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If you’re cooking more than one piece, sear them in batches.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until all sides are nicely browned.
Taking your time with this step makes a big difference in flavor!
How to Make Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice, homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake. You’ll want to let the tenderloin rest for 10 minutes after baking, so your total time is about 50 minutes from start to finish. Simple and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s hot enough to cook the pork tenderloin evenly.
2. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mix will add great flavor to your pork!
3. Season the Pork:
Take the pork tenderloin and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps to get a nice sear. Next, rub the spice mixture all over the meat, covering it completely for the best flavor.
4. Sear the Pork:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the pork tenderloin and sear it on all sides until it’s nicely browned, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Bake the Pork:
After searing, transfer the pork tenderloin to a baking dish. Brush it generously with your favorite barbecue sauce, making sure it’s well-coated. Then, place it in the preheated oven.
6. Cook Until Done:
Bake the pork in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until its internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this! The pork should be juicy and tender.
7. Let It Rest:
Once cooked, take the pork out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps keep it juicy when you slice it.
8. Slice and Serve:
After resting, slice the pork tenderloin into pieces. You can drizzle more barbecue sauce on top if you like. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute pork tenderloin with pork loin or even chicken breast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so always check for the appropriate internal temperature—145°F for pork and 165°F for chicken.
What If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No worries! You can easily make a simple barbecue sauce by mixing ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and your favorite spices. Taste and adjust to your liking—it’s a great way to customize the flavor!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place the slices in the microwave or warm them in a skillet over low heat. Adding a splash of barbecue sauce can help keep the meat moist!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the pork with the spice rub and barbecue sauce a day in advance. Just cover it and let it sit in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, sear and bake as directed—this will enhance the flavors even more!
