This easy oven-baked BBQ pork tenderloin is juicy and packed with flavor! It gets a tasty glaze from your favorite BBQ sauce that perfectly caramelizes while cooking.
I love how simple it is to make—just rub the tenderloin with spices, smother it in sauce, and pop it in the oven. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure! 🍖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloins: These are the stars of the dish! They’re lean and tender, perfect for a quick roast. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can swap pork for chicken tenderloins or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make your own! Homemade sauce allows you to control sweetness and spice. If you’re out of BBQ sauce, try a mix of ketchup, vinegar, and a dash of hot sauce for a quick substitute.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a wonderful smoky flavor without needing a grill. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works too, but consider adding a tiny bit of liquid smoke if you want to keep that flavor.
Fresh Herbs: While optional, they brighten up the dish. Parsley or cilantro works well, but feel free to use whatever herbs you have—basil or even green onions will bring freshness to your plate!
How Do I Get the Perfect Sear on My Pork Tenderloin?
Searing is a key step to lock in flavors and create a tasty crust. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the oil—it should shimmer.
- Place the pork in the skillet without overcrowding. You want all sides to touch the hot pan.
- Let the pork sit for 3-4 minutes without moving it around. This way, you get even browning.
- Turn to sear each side. You might need tongs for a good grip, so you don’t lose that nice crust.
Patience is your friend here! The longer you let it sear, the better the flavor. Happy 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 favorite brand or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take around 40 minutes total: about 10 minutes for prep and 25 minutes for cooking, plus some time for resting. You’ll be enjoying your delicious BBQ pork tenderloin in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating Your Oven:
First things first, set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C). This way, it will be nice and hot when you’re ready to bake the pork.
2. Seasoning the Pork:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Once everything is mixed, take this spice mixture and rub it evenly all over the pork tenderloins. Make sure to coat them well!
3. Searing the Tenderloins:
Now, grab an oven-safe skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned pork tenderloins into the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned. This step gives the pork a great flavor!
4. Adding BBQ Sauce:
After browning the tenderloins, brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce all over them. Make sure to save some BBQ sauce for serving later.
5. Baking in the Oven:
With the BBQ sauce on, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the tenderloins for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). A meat thermometer is super helpful here!
6. Resting the Meat:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the pork tenderloins rest for about 5-10 minutes—this allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat nice and juicy.
7. Slicing and Serving:
Finally, slice the pork tenderloins into medallions and serve them up with the reserved BBQ sauce on the side. If you want to add a fresh touch, sprinkle some chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro over the top. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork for This Recipe?
Yes! If you don’t have pork tenderloin, you can use pork loin or even pork chops. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary, so ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
What if I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No worries! You can substitute olive oil with vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted butter. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but all will work well for searing the pork.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the pork tenderloins in the spice mixture and BBQ sauce a few hours ahead or even overnight for extra flavor. Just remember to let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the slices in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, or you can microwave them gently.
