Lean, moist, and incredibly succulent, this recipe for oven-baked barbeque pork tenderloin features tenderloin seasoned with a delightful combination of sweet, warm, and savory spices, all smothered in a rich BBQ sauce. This mouthwatering dish is a favorite way to cook pork tenderloin at Hook’d Up Bar and Grill. While David usually grills meat with BBQ sauce, there are times when the grill isn’t practical due to the weather. That’s when this oven-baked version comes to the rescue.
What Exactly is Pork Tenderloin?
Pork tenderloin is a lean, narrow, boneless cut of meat that is located next to the pork loin, running alongside the backbone and surrounded by the pork loin on three sides. This cut contains very little fat, making it a healthy choice for meat lovers.
Necessary Ingredients for Perfect Oven-Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin
To create a fantastic dish of oven-baked BBQ pork tenderloin, you will need the following ingredients:
- Pork Tenderloin: Two one-pound tenderloins (not pork loin), which always turn out tender and delicious even without trimming the silverskin.
- Pork Dry Rub: Use our all-purpose pork dry rub or your favorite pork rub.
- Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil or your preferred oil for lubricating the skillet.
- BBQ Sauce: Any barbecue sauce of your choice. You can even try Hook’d Up Bar and Grill’s own signature BBQ sauce.
The 5 Steps to Achieving Amazing Oven-Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin
Follow these simple steps to create a truly amazing dish of oven-baked BBQ pork tenderloin:
Step #1: Creating a Flavorful Dry Rub
Begin by creating a flavorful dry rub to enhance the taste of the meat. The dry rub creates a coating on the moist surface of the pork that transforms into a flavorful seared crust when cooked. In a small bowl, combine all the dry rub ingredients, ensuring an even distribution. Rub the mixture generously onto the meat, covering it completely.
Step #2: Searing the Meat for Maximum Flavor
To enhance the flavor and texture of the pork, searing is crucial. Contrary to popular belief, searing does not seal in moisture. Instead, it caramelizes the surface of the meat, resulting in a beautiful color and intense savory flavor. Heat a heavy skillet, such as cast iron, aluminum, or stainless steel, over high heat. Do not use a non-stick surface skillet. Add a small amount of oil to the skillet, and when it ripples, it’s time to add the meat. Sear the pork on all sides until it develops a rich brown crust.
Step #3: Choosing the Right Skillet
The choice of skillet plays a significant role in the outcome of your dish. Opt for a heavy skillet that can withstand high heat, such as cast iron, aluminum, or stainless steel. Avoid using coated or non-stick surface skillets, as they may not tolerate the high oven temperature required to finish cooking the meat.
Step #4: Adding Oil for Lean Cuts of Meat
For lean cuts of meat like pork tenderloin, adding a small amount of oil to the skillet is essential. Preheat the skillet over high heat until it’s extremely hot. When it’s ready, add the oil, making sure it warms up without burning. Look for ripples in the oil, indicating the right temperature to add the meat. Be cautious as the oil may spatter.
Step #5: Letting the Meat Sear Undisturbed
Once the meat is added to the skillet, resist the urge to move it around. Allow the meat to lock onto the skillet and develop a flavorful crust. Don’t worry if it initially sticks to the pan; after a minute or two, it will release. Let the tenderloin sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until it browns evenly.
Baking the Pork Tenderloin to Perfection
Once the meat is evenly browned on all sides, it’s time to finish cooking it in the oven. Place the skillet with the tenderloin inside a preheated oven and bake until the pork reaches an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees F, as measured by an instant-read meat thermometer. This typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
Adding BBQ Sauce for an Extra Flavor Boost
For a saucier experience, pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the tenderloin during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking. This step ensures that your pork tenderloin is generously coated with the delicious flavors of BBQ sauce.
Letting the Meat Rest Before Serving
Once the pork is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and place it on a carving board. Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicy and tender slices of pork.
Serving Suggestions for Oven-Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin
At Hook’d Up Bar and Grill, we love serving our oven-baked BBQ pork tenderloin with delicious sides such as Brussels sprouts and macaroni and cheese. This combination creates a memorable meal that will leave you satisfied.
Tips to Mastering BBQ Pork Tenderloin
Here are a few tips to ensure your BBQ pork tenderloin turns out perfectly:
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To enhance the flavor of your dry rub, consider rubbing the meat ahead of time to allow the flavors to penetrate deeper. Rub the tenderloin with the pork rub at least an hour before cooking. While not necessary, marinating the meat with the rub in advance is highly recommended if time permits.
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Never skip the searing step! Searing may appear optional, but trust us, it’s not. This crucial step kickstarts the flavor-building process and takes only a few minutes. Stand by the stove and enjoy the wonderful aromas that will fill your kitchen.
This oven-baked BBQ pork tenderloin recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite among your family and friends. We would love to hear your feedback if you decide to give it a try. Leave us a comment and a star rating below, as we value your opinion and appreciate your time.
See you soon at Hook’d Up Bar and Grill!
