Smoking Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is an affordable, flavorful, and versatile cut of meat. It’s perfect for those hectic weeknight dinners and makes plenty of leftovers. Plus, it pairs well with a variety of flavors and sides, so it’s easy to make smoked pork tenderloin a go-to meal that your family will enjoy over and over again.
Where does pork tenderloin come from?
The pork tenderloin is cut from the back of the pig along the spine. Since the muscles around the pork tenderloin are used for posture rather than movement, it is a naturally tender cut of meat.
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Top Pork Tenderloin Recipes
One thing we love about Traeger pork tenderloin is its versatility. Whether you want to let the flavor of the meat take center stage or are looking for a flavor a little off the beaten path, we have a collection of pork tenderloin recipes to choose from.
Grilled Lemon Pepper Pork Tenderloin
Experience the wood-fired difference with this grilled lemon pepper pork tenderloin. Tenderloin on a Traeger means you can count on juicy, perfectly cooked pork every time. Add a zesty lemon pepper marinade, plus pure hardwood flavor, and you’ll be in hog heaven.
Maple Bourbon Reverse-Seared Pork Tenderloin
Simple pork tenderloin gets a triple hit of whiskey flavor--in the wood, the rub, and the BBQ sauce, the latter two courtesy of our new partnership with the Vermont-based WhistlePig distillery. Tangy mustard and sweet maple round out the flavor. For best results, season the tenderloin at least a few hours before smoking.
How to season pork tenderloin
When it comes to seasoning pork tenderloin, we recommend using a marinade. You can buy a pre-marinated pork tenderloin, but those often rely on more salt and preservatives than a homemade marinade. One of our favorite smoked pork tenderloin marinades has apple juice, honey, our Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub, brown sugar, thyme leaves, and black pepper. But pork tenderloin is a versatile meat that holds a lot of flavors well including garlic powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, garlic, lemon, soy sauce, and more.
How long to cook pork tenderloin
If you’re smoking your pork tenderloin at 225 degrees Fahrenheit, you can expect it to take up to three hours to reach an internal safe temperature of 145 degrees. If you’re grilling over higher heat, it could take as little as 15 minutes to reach that safe temperature. Remember, it’s about the internal temperature of the meat, not the time on the Traeger.
Best Wood Pellets for Smoking Pork Tenderloin
While there are certainly other flavors of wood pellets that will complement pork tenderloin, cherry is a personal favorite of the experts at Traeger.
With Traeger Cherry pellets, naturally enhance pork tenderloin with a subtly sweet, fruity flavor.
Recommended Smoked Pork Tenderloin Rub
Looking for something easy to season your pork tenderloin? Our Pork & Poultry blend was crafted by our experts with your favorite white meat in mind.
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All Tenderloin videos
Pork Tenderloin Recipe
Prep Time: 5 mins.
Cook Time: 3 hrs.
Effort: 1/5
Ingredients -
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons thyme leaves
- 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
- Two (1½ pound each) pork tenderloins, silverskin removed
Preparations -
- Combine apple juice, honey, Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub, brown sugar, thyme leaves, and black pepper in a bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Add the pork loin to the bowl with the marinade, turning to cover. Seal the bowl with plastic wrap or combine all ingredients in a large, resealable bag. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.
- When ready to begin cooking, preheat Traeger to 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. Use Super Smoke, if available, for added flavor.
- Place the pork tenderloin directly on the grill grate and smoke for 2½ to 3 hours.
- Once pork tenderloin reaches 145 degrees internally, remove from your Traeger and let it rest for five minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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What should I serve with pork tenderloin?
Your smoked pork tenderloin is the star of your dish, but the supporting cast is important, too. Here are a few of our favorite sides to serve with a classic pork tenderloin.