This Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin is juicy and full of flavor. The sweet and tangy BBQ sauce makes every bite enjoyable and perfect for family dinners or gatherings!
I love how easy it is to make—just pop it in the oven and let it do its thing! Plus, the leftovers are great in sandwiches. Trust me, they won’t last long! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloins: The star of this dish! Look for tenderloins that are well-trimmed. If you can’t find pork, chicken tenderloins or turkey can work as substitutes, but adjust cooking times since they may vary.
BBQ Sauce: Sweet or smoky BBQ sauce brings a nice depth of flavor. You can swap for homemade BBQ sauce or even a different flavor like mustard-based sauce if you want something tangy!
Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps with searing. If you’re out of olive oil, canola or vegetable oil works just fine. I prefer using oils for their neutral taste.
Spices: The garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika give the tenderloin great flavor. Feel free to experiment with other spices like cumin or chili powder if you want to switch things up.
Fresh Parsley: Not only does it add color, but it also gives a fresh taste. If you don’t have parsley, fresh cilantro or chives can be a nice alternative!
How Do I Get a Perfectly Seared Pork Tenderloin?
Getting that beautiful sear is key for flavor! Start with a hot skillet to create a nice crust. Here’s how to do it:
- Pat the pork dry with paper towels to remove moisture; this helps it brown better.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high until it’s hot. Add the olive oil and let it heat up for a minute.
- Carefully place the pork in the skillet, cook for 2-3 minutes per side until it has a golden-brown crust.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; if your skillet is too full, the meat will steam instead of sear. It’s all about taking your time for the best results! Happy cooking!
How to Make Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice, preferably sweet or smoky)
Seasonings:
- 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
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BBQ pork tenderloin will take about 10 minutes for prep and 25-30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you should expect to spend around 40 minutes from start to finish. Simple and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is important to ensure the pork cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden-brown color.
2. Prepare the Pork Tenderloins:
Take the pork tenderloins and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. Place them on a cutting board and get ready to add some flavor!
3. Season the Pork:
In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this tasty spice mixture all over the pork tenderloins, making sure they’re evenly coated for the best flavor.
4. Sear the Tenderloins:
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the pork tenderloins. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned. This step locks in the juices and adds a yummy crust.
5. Add the BBQ Sauce:
Brush the BBQ sauce generously over the seared pork tenderloins. This sticky goodness will make your pork extra tasty as it bakes in the oven!
6. Bake the Pork:
Now, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the pork for about 20-25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature – it should reach 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked pork.
7. Rest the Pork:
Once it’s done baking, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the pork rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps keep the juices inside the meat.
8. Slice and Serve:
Slice the pork tenderloin into medallions and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if you love that flavor. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley to make your dish look bright and inviting!
Enjoy your tender and flavorful BBQ pork tenderloin!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork tenderloin is the best choice for this recipe, you can also use pork loin or pork chops. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; thinner cuts will cook faster, so be sure to check the internal temperature regularly.
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute BBQ sauce with teriyaki sauce, honey mustard, or even a homemade sauce made of ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar. Adjust the quantities to match your taste preference and make sure it’s sweet and tangy!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pork in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice the pork and warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra BBQ sauce to keep it moist.
Can I Marinate the Pork in Advance?
Yes, you can! Marinate the pork tenderloins in the spice rub and BBQ sauce for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This will enhance the flavor even more. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before searing for more even cooking.
