Smoked Pork Tenderloin - Everything You Need to Know

 smoked pork tenderloin

Hey BBQ fans! Are you ready to learn all about the delicious and juicy smoked pork tenderloin? This cut of pork is perfect for smoking or grilling and is sure to impress your taste buds. With the help of a smoker or grill, like a Traeger smoked pellet grill, you can easily achieve that mouthwatering smoky flavor. Just make sure to season the meat with a flavorful rub and remove the silver skin before cooking to ensure maximum tenderness.

Want to learn more about how to prepare the perfect smoked pork tenderloin? Keep reading to become a BBQ master!

Tools You Need to Get Started

Smoker and wooden cutting board

Of course, we can't start our journey to becoming a top-notch home chef without the right tools! If you're ready to take your cooking skills to the next level and tackle your favorite cut of meat, there are a few essential tools that you need to have on hand.

  • First and foremost, you'll need a sturdy wooden cutting board to keep your workspace clean and to prevent any unwanted accidents.
  • A sharp knife is also a must-have tool to help you trim and slice your cut of meat with ease. Dull knives can be dangerous and can make it harder to achieve the desired cuts.
  • A meat thermometer is another important tool that every home chef should have in their arsenal. This will help you ensure that your meat is cooked to the perfect temperature, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and giving you the confidence to create amazing dishes every time.
  • Don't forget about your pellet smoker, pellets or wood chunks! This will be our main arsenal in achieving juicy pork tenderloin. 

Ingredients You Need to Get Started

raw tenderloin

Now that you have the essential tools to start cooking, it's time to gather the ingredients you need to create a delicious smoked pork loin. To give your meat that irresistible smoky flavor, you'll need hickory pellets for your grill or smoker.

Next, you'll want to prepare a rub for your pork loin. A simple yet delicious rub can be made by combining brown sugar, black pepper, and your choice of additional spices. This will give your meat a sweet and spicy flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the smokiness from the grill.

And don't forget the BBQ sauce! Whether you choose to slather it on during cooking or serve it on the side, a good BBQ sauce will take your smoked pork loin to the next level. You can opt for a store-bought sauce or make your own using your favorite ingredients.

How to Make Smoked Pork Tenderloin

Here's a step-by-step process to make a delicious smoked pork tenderloin:

  1. Preheat your smoker or grill to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. While the smoker is preheating, prepare a dry rub for your pork tenderloin by mixing your desired spices together.
  3. Rub the mixture generously over the entire pork tenderloin.
  4. Once your smoker is at the right temp, place the pork tenderloin directly on the grate and close the lid.
  5. Cook the pork tenderloin until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This can take approximately 1.5-2 hours depending on the size of the tenderloin.
  6. Once the pork tenderloin reaches an internal temperature that you desire, remove the pork tenderloin from the grill.
  7. Let the tenderloin rest for a few minutes before slicing to ensure maximum juiciness and tenderness.
  8. Place the sliced pork tenderloin on a serving platter and enjoy!

DIY Smoke Pouch

If you don't have a pellet smoker, you can easily create a DIY smoke pouch using aluminum foil. To do this, simply place your desired wood chips in the center of a sheet of aluminum foil and fold the foil to create a pouch. Use a fork or toothpick to poke several small holes in the top of the pouch to allow smoke to escape. Then, place the smoke pouch on the grates of your grill or smoker and cook as directed. This will infuse your pork tenderloin with delicious smoky flavor.

Smoked Apple Cider Pork Tenderloin - Must Try Smoked Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Smoked apple cider pork tenderloin is a flavorful and mouth-watering dish that you simply must try. Smoking a pork tenderloin brings out the natural flavors and tenderness, creating a sumptuous meal that will be the star of any gathering. In this recipe, we will infuse the tenderloin with a delicious apple cider marinade and smoke it low and slow for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The apple wood chips used in this recipe provide a subtle, fruity undertone that pairs beautifully with the tender, smoky pork. So, let's dive right in and discover how to make pork tenderloin like never before!

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs pork tenderloin
  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • Apple wood chips for smoking

Instructions:

  1. Begin by combining the apple cider, brown sugar, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and minced garlic in a medium-sized mixing bowl. This mixture will serve as your marinade, and it will infuse the pork tenderloin with a delicious apple cider flavor.

  2. Place the pork tenderloin in a large Ziploc bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over it. Ensure that the tenderloin is fully coated, and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results.

  3. While the pork is marinating, prepare your spice rub by combining the smoked paprika, onion powder, dried rosemary, black pepper, kosher salt, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground mustard, and ground allspice in a small bowl. Mix well, and set aside.

  4. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If you've tried this recipe before or have experience with many other smoker recipes, you'll know that low and slow is the key to a perfectly smoked pork tenderloin. Soak your apple wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes before placing them in the smoker.

  5. Remove the pork tenderloin from the marinade, and pat it dry with paper towels. Apply the spice rub generously all over the tenderloin, ensuring that it is evenly coated.

  6. Place the pork tenderloin in the smoker, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), which should take about 2-3 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the correct temperature is achieved.

  7. Once the pork has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This is an essential step, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the tenderloin, ensuring a moist and tender final product.

  8. Slice the smoked apple cider pork tenderloin and serve it with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the unique smoke flavor and the satisfaction of having cooked a delicious meal that everyone will love.

This smoked apple cider pork tenderloin recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish, and it's perfect for those who love to experiment with new flavors. The apple cider marinade and apple wood chips provide a subtle yet tantalizing fruity aroma, while the low and slow cooking method ensures that the tenderloin remains juicy and tender. The combination of smoked paprika and other spices in the rub creates a beautiful crust that enhances the overall flavor of the pork.

This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. For instance, you could substitute the apple cider with pear or peach cider for a slightly different flavor profile. Additionally, you can experiment with different wood chips, such as cherry, hickory, or mesquite, to achieve varying levels of smokiness and flavor complexity.

Don't hesitate to pair this smoked apple cider pork tenderloin with a variety of side dishes. Some great options include garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh garden salad. The tenderloin also pairs wonderfully with a crisp, refreshing glass of white wine or a light beer.

FAQs

How Long Should You Smoke Pork Tenderloin

To smoke a pork tenderloin, place the tenderloins directly on the grate of your smoker or grill and smoke until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. This can take approximately 2 1/2-3 hours, depending on the size of the tenderloin and the cook time of your smoker or grill.

What Temperature Should You Smoke Your Tenderloin

When smoking a pork tenderloin, it's recommended to smoke it at a temperature between 225-250 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow the meat to cook low and slow, resulting in a tender and juicy final product. Pork tenderloin is one of the most popular cuts of meat for smoking, and can be easily prepared on a Traeger smoker or other types of smokers.

Conclusion

Haven't tried the Traeger smoked pork tenderloin yet? You're missing out on a mouthwatering and easy-to-prepare dish that's perfect for any occasion. With the right tools, ingredients, and technique, smoking a pork tenderloin can be a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner, this versatile cut of meat can be customized to suit your tastes and preferences.

So, next time you're in the mood for some smoky, savory goodness, fire up your Traeger smoker or grill and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that will leave you and your guests satisfied and impressed.

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