This oven-baked BBQ pork tenderloin is juicy and full of flavor. With a sticky, sweet barbecue sauce, it’s sure to be a hit at dinner!
I love how easy it is to prepare—you simply coat the tenderloin, pop it in the oven, and let it do the work. Who doesn’t love that kind of cooking magic? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This tender meat is perfect for quick roasting. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try chicken breasts, as they cook similarly. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or style—sweet, spicy, or smoky. For a lighter option, make a quick homemade sauce with ketchup, vinegar, and spices. You can also use marinades if BBQ sauce isn’t handy.
Olive Oil: This helps the seasonings stick to the meat and adds flavor. If you need a substitute, grapeseed oil or avocado oil work well too for high-temperature cooking.
Spices: I love using garlic powder and onion powder for convenience; they bring great flavor. If you have fresh garlic or onions on hand, feel free to use those instead! Just adjust the amounts as needed.
How Do I Get a Perfectly Searing on My Pork Tenderloin?
Searing adds color and flavor to the meat, making it even more delicious. To sear your pork tenderloin perfectly, follow these steps:
- Use a heavy skillet, like cast iron, to retain heat well.
- Preheat the skillet on medium-high. When it’s hot, add olive oil, then place the pork in.
- Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned; avoid moving it around too much to allow proper browning.
Don’t rush this step! A good sear can enhance the flavor of your dish significantly. Enjoy your cooking!
Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds pork tenderloin
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook in the oven. So, in total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes from start to finish, including resting time. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, turn your oven on to 400°F (200°C) so it can preheat while you prepare the pork. This will help ensure it cooks evenly once it goes in.
2. Prepare the Spice Rub:
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir it well, so all those flavors combine nicely.
3. Season the Pork Tenderloin:
Take the pork tenderloin and rub it all over with olive oil. Then, sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork, making sure to coat it well for maximum flavor!
4. Sear the Pork:
Heat a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is great for this!) over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the pork tenderloin and sear it for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned. This step adds extra flavor.
5. Add the BBQ Sauce:
After searing, brush the barbecue sauce generously over the top of the pork tenderloin. This will give it a sticky, flavorful glaze as it cooks.
6. Bake in the Oven:
Carefully transfer the skillet with the pork to your preheated oven. Bake it for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C). A meat thermometer is helpful for this!
7. Rest and Slice:
Once it’s done, take the skillet out of the oven and let the pork rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it juicy when you slice it.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the pork tenderloin and serve it with a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce on top. If you like, add some fresh herbs as a garnish to brighten up the dish. Enjoy your delicious oven-baked BBQ pork tenderloin!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pork tenderloin, you can use pork loin or boneless pork chops. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the cut, so always check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What Barbecue Sauce Works Best?
Choose a barbecue sauce based on your flavor preference! A sweet sauce works well for a traditional taste, while a smoky or spicy sauce can add a nice kick. Feel free to experiment with different styles or even homemade sauces!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can marinate the pork in the spice rub and barbecue sauce a few hours or even overnight in the fridge for extra flavor. Just sear and bake as directed when you’re ready to cook. Leftovers can be sliced and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days!
How to Reheat Leftover Pork Tenderloin?
The best way to reheat pork tenderloin is in the oven to keep it juicy. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C), place the sliced pork in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth or sauce to help retain moisture.
