BBQ smoked bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin is smothered in BBQ sauce and a layer of smokey bacon. The pork is cooked on a pellet grill that turns out juicy and tender. Can also be cooked on a wood chip smoker.
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Smoked pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon and glazed with BBQ sauce instantly makes your mouth water. This carnivore’s dream is a delicious date night meal and sure to impress at dinner parties.
Has your hubby been hinting at wanting a smoker for Christmas? Trust me, it is as much a gift to yourself as it is for him. Those are the best kind of presents, aren’t they?
To be honest, I use a Pit Boss pellet grill, which works just as well as a smoker.
Pork tenderloin smoked has an incredible depth of flavor. The bacon wrap keeps the soft meat extra juicy while also adding a satisfying crunch to each bite. You’ll wonder why you ever had it any other way.
Why You Should Be Smoking a Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is actually one of the cheaper cuts so this is a smart dish for a small budget. Since it has less fat than other areas of the pig, it can be a little chewy. Hence the lower price.
However, tougher cuts of meat are the better choice when smoking meat. Since you’ll be cooking low and slow, you need a more muscular piece of meat that won’t break down immediately.
You know me, if I can cut down the cooking time without sacrificing flavor then I will. That is why I specifically opted for smoking a pork tenderloin. This long and narrow cut of pork will cook faster than a larger wider cut like pork loin.
It is also much easier to wrap the bacon around. Nice long bacon rashers are equally affordable and add a ton of flavor.
So to sum up, you should be smoking pork tenderloin because it is an affordable cut of pork, cooks faster in the smoker, and pairs beautifully with bacon.
Ingredients for Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
- Pork Tenderloin
- Slices of Bacon
- BBQ Sauce
- Toothpicks
How Long to Smoke Pork Tenderloin
Never tried a smoked pork tenderloin recipe before? Here are a few of my first-time cooking tips.
How Long to Smoke Pork Tenderloin
Pork should have an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for it to be safe to eat. So however long it takes for your smoker to get the tenderloin to that temperature is how long you should smoke it.
When I set my smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit, it takes 1 hour or 1 hour and 30 minutes depending on the exact thickness of the tenderloin. It may take longer on larger smokers while first brining the tenderloin may help shorten the cooking time.
Does Tenderloin Need Brining Before Smoking?
Brining is done to help prevent the meat from drying out when cooked on the grill, in the oven, or smoker. Although you can definitely add this extra step, it is not necessary for this specific recipe.
One of the reasons why I went for bacon-wrapped smoked pork tenderloin is its juiciness. Bacon is a brilliant way to keep any cut of meat soft and juicy.
Does Pork Tenderloin Need a Dry Rub?
Like with brining, a dry rub is a good option for smoking pork but not mandatory. There are other ways to add flavor to the tenderloin without having to let the dry rub seep in first.
To keep things simple, I am glazing the bacon-wrapped tenderloin with a homemade BBQ sauce. The BBQ sauce also helps to lock in the moisture while preventing too dark a char.
What to Serve with Smoked Pork Tenderloin Wrapped in Bacon
Although you could probably have some fun wolfing down an entire pork tenderloin on its own, it is probably not the most health-conscious of meals. So let’s look into the many different ways you can serve this smoked meat for a beautiful plate.
Classic Steakhouse Style: Serve with easy air fryer fries and a crunchy leafy salad like a cobb salad or romaine lettuce with a light vinaigrette. Give it the steak restaurant look by plating on a butcher’s block.
Barbecue Feast: Even with the temperatures dropping outside you can have a backyard BBQ-style meal by serving the smoked tenderloin with corn on the cob and a pasta salad. Serve with several dipping sauce options, as is mandatory for any barbecue.
Fancy French Date Night: The secret to French cuisine is indulgence so go all out by serving the bacon-wrapped tenderloin with garlic mashed potatoes and some lemony green beans. Make the meal a little lighter with a homemade ratatouille instead.
Hostess with the Mostess: Give your guests the choice with a colorful array of baked potatoes. Then show them that brussels sprouts are far from boring if only prepared right – my favorite brussels sprouts recipe is spicy and smokey.
How to Reheat Pork Tenderloin
Since pork tenderloin fresh from the butcher can be quite a large chunk of meat, there is a chance that you will have leftovers. You’ll be happy to eat this again, trust me.
If you already sliced the tenderloin the night before, go ahead and reheat them on the grill with the flat side down. 1-2 minutes on each side should be enough to warm it up without drying it out.
I don’t recommend reheating in the microwave because the bacon fat will make it soggy and greasy. The safer alternative is a few minutes inside an air fryer.
And to be honest, bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin makes for a fantastic cold cut. Slice it a little thinner, place it on a sandwich with some lettuce and tomato slices for a leftovers version of a BLT. Just be sure that you properly stored the pork tenderloin in the fridge the night before.
I am in love with my smoker and hope that after trying this pork tenderloin and bacon recipe that you will love yours, too. Meat smokers are a great way to make your meals feel more special.
The deep flavors that penetrate the meat through and through cannot be matched by any other cooking method.
I hope you give it a try and show me your beautiful results. Share your recipe successes via Instagram or Facebook and let me know if you need any more tips on smoking pork. I am happy to share!
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Enjoy!
Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 1 lb Pork Tenderloin
- 6-8 Slices of Bacon
- BBQ Sauce
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Set pellet grill or smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit with the fire/heat element closed so that direct heat is not applied. This will make it into more of an oven with circulating hot air.
- Wrap pork tenderloin with bacon and use toothpicks to secure. Brush BBQ sauce on all sides of the tenderloin.
- Spray grates with nonstick cooking spray and add the pork tenderloin. Close the lid.
- Flip the pork after 45 minutes so that both sides get the grate sear. Optionally, you can brush more BBQ sauce on at this point to caramelize it as it cooks.
- Continue cooking until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part, which can range from 1-1.5 hours of cook time.
- Slice into 2-inch slices on the long edge and serve with additional BBQ sauce.
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