This oven baked BBQ pork tenderloin is juicy and packed with flavor! Marinated in a tangy BBQ sauce, it’s easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or gathering.
I love how the oven does all the work while I relax. Serve it with some veggies or mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a meal everyone will enjoy. Yum! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This cut is lean and tender, making it perfect for quick cooking. If you don’t have tenderloin, pork loin or chicken breast can be good substitutes, but they may vary in cooking time.
Barbecue Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether it’s tangy or smoky. If you prefer homemade, mix ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices. You can also switch to a sugar-free version for less sweetness.
Olive Oil: Great for high-heat cooking, but you can substitute it with avocado oil or canola oil if needed.
Spices: Garlic and onion powders add flavor, but fresh minced garlic and chopped onions work too. Smoked paprika gives a lovely depth; if unavailable, regular paprika can work in a pinch, though you’ll miss the smoky flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley adds a nice touch, but feel free to use chives, cilantro, or even basil for garnish depending on your preference.
How Do I Get a Perfectly Sear on My Pork Tenderloin?
Searing adds flavor and gives your pork a beautiful brown crust. Here are some tips to achieve that:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the pork. This helps in getting a good sear.
- Pat the pork dry with paper towels; moisture prevents a good browning.
- Don’t crowd the pan; if your skillet isn’t big enough, sear in batches to keep the heat consistent.
After searing, brushing on the BBQ sauce adds a nice glaze that enhances flavor as it bakes. Just be sure to keep an eye on the internal temperature to ensure it stays juicy!
How to Make Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork:
- 1 to 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin
For the Spice Mixture:
- 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
For the BBQ Sauce:
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional:
- Fresh herbs (like parsley) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook, plus an additional 5-10 minutes for resting. In total, you’ll need about 40-45 minutes to have a delicious BBQ pork tenderloin ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your pork cooks evenly and comes out juicy and tender.
2. Mix the Spices:
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend will add fantastic flavor to your pork.
3. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin:
Take your pork tenderloin and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the seasonings stick better. Then, rub olive oil all over the pork to keep it moist and flavorful.
4. Season the Pork:
Now, sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the pork tenderloin. Make sure to cover it well so every bite is delicious!
5. Sear the Pork:
Heat a cast iron skillet or any oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, sear the pork tenderloin for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s beautifully browned. This will lock in the juices and flavor.
6. Add the BBQ Sauce:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Brush a generous amount of barbecue sauce over the top and sides of the pork tenderloin. This will create a tasty glaze as it bakes!
7. Bake the Pork:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for the best results!
8. Let It Rest:
When the pork is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making it more tender when you slice it.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the pork tenderloin and serve it drizzled with extra barbecue sauce. If you like, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Yes! While pork tenderloin is ideal for this recipe, you can also use pork loin or even chicken breast. Just note that cooking times might vary, so always check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for pork and 165°F (74°C) for chicken.
What if I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No problem at all! You can substitute olive oil with other oils like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil. These alternatives work well for searing and won’t alter the flavor too much.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover pork tenderloin can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, slice it and warm gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain moisture, or microwave for a quick option.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the pork in the spice rub and barbecue sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to sear and bake. This also enhances the flavor!
