This Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin is juicy and full of amazing flavors. It’s super easy to make, and the sweet BBQ sauce takes it to a whole new level of yum!
My favorite part? The smell wafting through the house while it bakes! It always makes everyone curious and hungry—just like magic! 🍽️
Cooking this dish is a breeze! I love to serve it with some fresh veggies or a simple salad. It’s a tasty meal that brightens up any weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This lean cut is perfect for roasting. If you need a substitute, boneless chicken breasts can work well. Just remember to adjust cooking times since chicken cooks faster.
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite flavor. For a different twist, try using teriyaki sauce or chimichurri. These can give a great zing to your dish while keeping it exciting!
Olive Oil: A staple for cooking, but if you’re out, avocado oil or canola oil are good substitutes. They both have high smoke points, perfect for searing.
Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder bring flavor without chopping. Feel free to swap them for fresh garlic and onion if you prefer. Just use about a clove of garlic and half a small onion, chopped, instead.
How Do I Get a Perfectly Sear on My Pork Tenderloin?
Searing the pork is important to develop a delicious crust and lock in moisture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the pork; a drop of water should sizzle when it hits the pan.
- Pat the pork dry before rubbing it with olive oil—it helps the spices stick and promotes browning.
- Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until a golden brown crust forms. Avoid moving the pork too much during this time.
Following these steps will ensure that your tenderloin is juicy and full of flavor! Remember, it’s all about that initial sear.
How to Make Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice of flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional:
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to cook in the oven, plus a few minutes for the pork to rest after baking. So, in total, you’ll be looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish for a mouthwatering dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important for cooking the pork evenly!
2. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin:
Next, dry the pork tenderloin with paper towels. This will help the spices stick better and gives it a nice crust when cooked.
3. Mix the Spices:
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This spice mix will add great flavor to your pork!
4. Season the Pork:
Rub the olive oil all over the pork tenderloin, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over it, ensuring it’s nicely coated.
5. Sear the Pork:
Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the pork tenderloin and sear it for 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s beautifully browned. This adds an extra layer of flavor!
6. Brush with BBQ Sauce:
Once the tenderloin is seared, brush half of your barbecue sauce over the top of the pork. This gives it a flavorful glaze while it bakes.
7. Bake in the Oven:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
8. Add Extra Sauce:
In the last 5-10 minutes of baking, take the pork out and brush the remaining barbecue sauce over it for an extra burst of flavor!
9. Rest the Pork:
Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside for a more tender bite!
10. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice the pork tenderloin into medallions and garnish with fresh herbs if you like. Serve it up with extra barbecue sauce on the side for dipping!
Enjoy your delicious Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Pork for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While pork tenderloin is ideal for this recipe, you can substitute it with pork loin or pork chops. Just adjust the cooking time, as they may require a bit longer or shorter to reach the proper internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What If I Don’t Have Barbecue Sauce?
No worries! You can make a quick homemade BBQ sauce using ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Mix them in a bowl until smooth, and then use as you would store-bought BBQ sauce. Experiment with the ratios to find your favorite flavor!
How to Store Leftover Pork Tenderloin
Store any leftover pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave, ensuring not to overcook it to keep it tender.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the pork with the spices and olive oil a day ahead. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to sear and bake it. For the best flavor, do this a few hours before cooking if you can!
