This Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin is juicy and full of flavor! With a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, it makes an easy dinner that everyone will enjoy.
Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes. I love to serve it with some rice and veggies for a complete meal. Perfect for busy weeknights! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloins: This cut is lean and tender, perfect for quick cooking. If you can’t find them, you can use chicken breasts or pork chops, but cooking times may vary. I find that pork tends to stay juicier.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite sauce for the best flavor! You could also try homemade BBQ sauce for a personal touch. If you want a lighter option, choose a sugar-free or low-calorie version.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for searing because of its flavor. However, feel free to swap in canola oil or avocado oil, which have higher smoke points and won’t alter tastes much. I prefer olive oil for its richness.
Spices: Garlic and onion powders are convenient, but fresh garlic and onion could add more depth. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or chili powder.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley or cilantro are great garnishes, adding a fresh touch. If those don’t appeal to you, chives or green onions are nice alternatives.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Seared Pork Tenderloin?
Getting a good sear on the pork tenderloin sets the stage for flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the pork. This helps create that golden-brown crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear one tenderloin at a time if needed.
- Only flip the pork once it naturally releases from the pan. This will help avoid tearing the meat.
Following these steps will give you that delicious crust that seals in the juices!
How to Make Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 to 1.5 pounds each)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite type)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley or cilantro) for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking, giving you a total of about 40 minutes to enjoy this delicious dish from start to finish. You’ll love how simple it is to make a flavorful BBQ pork tenderloin!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your pork cooks evenly and comes out tender and juicy.
2. Mix the Spice Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will be the spice mix that adds awesome flavor to your pork.
3. Prepare the Pork:
Take your pork tenderloins and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the spice mixture stick better. Next, rub the pork all over with olive oil, then sprinkle and rub the spice mixture evenly across both tenderloins. You’re building great flavor!
4. Sear the Pork:
Now it’s time to sear the pork. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Place the pork tenderloins in the skillet and sear them on all sides until they are browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This helps to lock in all the juices.
5. Add Barbecue Sauce:
Once your tenderloins are nicely seared, pour half of the barbecue sauce over them, making sure to coat them evenly. This is where the true BBQ flavor starts to shine through!
6. 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). Use a meat thermometer for the best results!
7. Glaze and Rest:
After baking, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Brush the remaining barbecue sauce over the tenderloins for that delicious sticky glaze. Let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes to keep it juicy.
8. Slice and Serve:
Finally, slice the pork tenderloin into medallions and serve them up! If you like, drizzle some extra barbecue sauce on the side. Top with fresh herbs for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pork tenderloin, you can substitute it with chicken breast or beef tenderloin. Just be mindful of differing cooking times; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), while beef can be cooked to your preferred doneness.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No problem! You can simplify the seasoning by using a pre-made barbecue spice rub or even just salt and pepper. If you have other spices you enjoy, like cumin or chili powder, feel free to add them for extra flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pork tenderloin ahead of time! Season the pork and marinate it in the barbecue sauce for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Then, just sear and bake as directed when you’re ready to cook!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave or warm them gently in a skillet over low heat. You can add a little splash of barbecue sauce to keep the meat moist while reheating!
