This Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin is super tasty and easy to make! With a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, it’s juicy and packed with flavor, perfect for a family dinner.
You’ll love how the oven does all the work while you sit back and enjoy the delicious smell filling your kitchen. Trust me, seconds will be a must! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This cut is lean and tender, making it perfect for quick cooking. If you’d like, you can substitute with chicken breast or a pork loin, but keep in mind that cooking times will vary.
Barbecue Sauce: You can use store-bought sauce for convenience, but homemade sauce can really elevate the dish. Try to choose a sauce that suits your taste—sweet, tangy, or spicy! If you’re avoiding sugar, look for sugar-free options.
Garlic and Onion Powder: These powders give a great flavor boost. If you prefer fresh, you can use minced garlic and finely chopped onion instead—just adjust the amounts as they are stronger when fresh.
Smoked Paprika: This spice adds a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even cayenne pepper can work, but you might miss out on that smokiness. Adjust the amount if using cayenne as it’s spicier!
Fresh Parsley: It’s great for adding a pop of color and freshness. You can swap it with other herbs like cilantro or chives, or simply omit it if you prefer.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sear on My Pork Tenderloin?
Searing the pork is key to locking in flavor and moisture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet till it’s hot—this helps achieve that golden-brown crust.
- Add a bit of oil and wait until it shimmers before placing the pork in the pan. This means it’s ready!
- Don’t rush! Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes without moving it around too much. This helps form a nice crust.
- If you don’t have a large enough skillet, sear in batches to avoid crowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead.
Taking these steps will ensure your pork turns out deliciously browned and flavorful every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasoning:
- 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, chopped (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious oven-baked BBQ pork tenderloin takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. Total time from start to finish is about 40 minutes, plus a little extra time to let the meat rest before slicing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure the tenderloin cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Make the Seasoning Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will be your flavorful seasoning rub.
3. Prepare the Pork Tenderloins:
Using paper towels, pat the pork tenderloins dry. This step is important for getting a nice sear. Now, take the seasoning mixture you made and rub it all over each tenderloin until they’re well coated.
4. Sear the Pork:
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the pork tenderloins in the skillet. Sear them on all sides for about 3-4 minutes each, or until they have a lovely brown crust.
5. Add BBQ Sauce:
Remove the skillet from the heat and brush the barbecue sauce generously over the top of the tenderloins. Make sure to coat them well for that tasty flavor!
6. Bake in the Oven:
Transfer the skillet back to your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). A meat thermometer is really handy for this!
7. Rest the Meat:
Once out of the oven, let the pork rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier bite.
8. Slice and Serve:
Now it’s time to slice the tenderloin into medallions. Drizzle any leftover barbecue sauce from the skillet over the top for extra flavor.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you’d like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy your deliciously baked BBQ pork tenderloin!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Yes! While pork tenderloin is ideal for this dish due to its tenderness, you can also use pork loin or pork chops. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
What Can I Substitute for Barbecue Sauce?
If you don’t have barbecue sauce on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing ketchup with a bit of honey, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Alternatively, use a homemade sauce by combining tomato sauce with spices like chili powder and brown sugar!
How to Store Leftover Pork Tenderloin?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in the oven or microwave. If the pork seems dry, try adding a splash of water or extra barbecue sauce before reheating.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can apply the seasoning rub and sear the tenderloins ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
