This Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin is juicy and full of flavor! It’s coated in a tasty barbecue sauce and cooked to perfection, making it a great meal for any night. Yum!
It’s super easy to make, too! Just season, slather on the sauce, and bake. I love serving it with mashed potatoes, and my family can’t get enough of it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This is the star of your dish! Fresh pork tenderloin is juicy and tender. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute turkey tenderloin or even chicken breasts, but keep in mind the cooking times will vary.
BBQ Sauce: You can use store-bought BBQ sauce for convenience. If you prefer homemade, mix ketchup with vinegar, brown sugar, and spices. For a healthier option, opt for low-sugar or sugar-free BBQ sauce. I personally enjoy a sweet and tangy BBQ flavor!
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the spices stick. If you don’t have olive oil, feel free to use avocado oil or even grape seed oil. Both have high smoke points and will work well for searing.
Spices: The garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add great flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika or even chili powder can substitute, but will change the flavor profile slightly. I love the smoky taste it provides!
How Do I Sear the Pork Tenderloin Perfectly?
Searing the pork is crucial to lock in moisture and add flavor. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a hot skillet and add a bit of olive oil. Heat should be medium-high.
- Once the oil shimmers, gently lay the pork tenderloin in the pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear one piece at a time if necessary.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Don’t move the meat too much; let it form a nice crust.
- Once done, proceed to add the BBQ sauce and bake in the oven for perfectly cooked tenderloin.
Taking your time to sear well makes a huge difference! Enjoy your cooking!
Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each)
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake. You’ll have a total of around 35-40 minutes before you’re enjoying this delicious BBQ pork tenderloin!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your pork gets perfectly cooked and juicy.
2. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This tasty blend will give your pork tons of flavor!
3. Prepare the Pork Tenderloins:
Take your pork tenderloins and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the oil and spices stick better. Next, rub the tenderloins all over with olive oil, making sure they’re evenly coated.
4. Season the Tenderloins:
Now, take your spice mixture and rub it all over the pork tenderloins, ensuring you cover them evenly. This will add delicious flavor to every bite!
5. Sear the Pork:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned tenderloins in the skillet and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re nice and browned. This step helps to lock in the juices!
6. Add BBQ Sauce:
Pour half of the BBQ sauce over the seared tenderloins. Remember, you’ll save the other half for later to keep it fresh. Spread it evenly for extra flavor!
7. Bake the Tenderloins:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) for tender and juicy meat.
8. Finish and Rest:
Once baked, take the skillet out of the oven. Brush the remaining BBQ sauce over the tenderloins for a lovely glaze. Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps keep it juicy!
9. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice your tenderloin and serve with any extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every delicious bite of your oven-baked BBQ pork tenderloin!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pork tenderloin, you can substitute pork loin or pork chops, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary. Pork loin is larger and may take longer to cook, while pork chops are thinner and will cook faster. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce on Hand?
No worries! You can easily make a quick BBQ sauce using ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and some spices. Mix 1 cup of ketchup, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and a dash of garlic powder and onion powder for a tasty substitute!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the pork and warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove with a little bit of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
Can I Marinate the Pork Tenderloin Overnight?
You can definitely marinate it! Simply mix the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper with the BBQ sauce and coat the pork. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to infuse those delicious flavors before cooking.
