This Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin is the perfect dish for a cozy dinner at home. It’s packed with flavor from the sweet and tangy barbecue sauce that caramelizes beautifully while cooking.
Making this dish is super easy! Just slather the sauce on the pork, pop it in the oven, and relax while it cooks. I love to serve it with some roasted veggies for a tasty and colorful meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This cut is lean and tender, perfect for baking. If you can’t find pork tenderloin, chicken breast or even a beef tenderloin can be used, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite brand for a personal touch. Homemade is great, too! You can substitute with honey mustard or teriyaki sauce if you want a change in flavor.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a nice flavor, but you can use vegetable oil or canola oil if you prefer something more neutral in taste.
Spices: The garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika are essential for depth of flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika or chili powder work well. Always adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance!
Fresh Parsley: Great for garnish. If you’re out, try cilantro or green onions for a fresh touch!
How Do I Get a Perfectly Sear on My Pork Tenderloin?
Searing is a great step to lock in flavor and moisture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet. A cast iron skillet is ideal because it holds heat well.
- Add olive oil and let it shimmer but not smoke; this indicates it’s hot enough.
- Carefully place the tenderloins in the pan. Don’t overcrowd them—this helps achieve a good brown crust.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side without moving them around. This helps develop that crust.
Remember not to rush this step; a good sear means a better flavor! Enjoy your cooking!
Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Tenderloin:
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to bake. In total, you can have this delicious oven-baked BBQ pork tenderloin ready in about 35-40 minutes, including resting time. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your tenderloin cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This blend will give your pork a warm, smoky flavor that’s absolutely delicious!
3. Season the Tenderloins:
Take your pork tenderloins and pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps the seasonings stick better. Rub each tenderloin with olive oil, then generously coat them with the spice mixture, making sure to cover all sides.
4. Sear the Tenderloins:
In a large oven-safe skillet, like one made of cast iron, heat up a little olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the tenderloins to the skillet and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step seals in the juices for a tender, flavorful meat!
5. Add Barbecue Sauce:
Once the tenderloins are seared nicely, brush a generous amount of barbecue sauce all over them. Make sure they are well covered for maximum flavor!
6. Bake in the Oven:
Carefully transfer the skillet with the tenderloins into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C). This will ensure your pork is juicy and perfectly cooked.
7. Rest the Tenderloin:
When the pork is done baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the tenderloins rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices, making the pork even more tender.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the pork tenderloin and serve it up with additional barbecue sauce if you like. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a bit of freshness!
Enjoy your delicious oven-baked BBQ pork tenderloin!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pork tenderloin, you can use pork loin as a substitute. Just keep in mind that pork loin may require a longer cooking time due to its larger size. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
What if I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No problem at all! You can easily make your own barbecue sauce by mixing ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of mustard. Adjust the ingredients to your taste, and you’ll have a delicious homemade alternative!
How to Store Leftover Pork Tenderloin
Store any leftover pork tenderloin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave, but to keep it juicy, consider warming it in a skillet over medium heat with a little broth or water.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Definitely! To add some heat, you can incorporate cayenne pepper or chili powder into the spice mix. Alternatively, look for a spicy barbecue sauce to use for an extra kick. Adjust the amount to your spice preference!
