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Savory BBQ Pork Tenderloin Recipe with Easy Smoky Charred Crust

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This savory BBQ pork tenderloin features a smoky charred crust and juicy, tender meat, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Ready in under 45 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers comforting, bold flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole pork tenderloin (1 to 1.5 pounds / 450-700g), trimmed of silver skin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Trim the tenderloin by removing any silver skin or excess fat using a sharp knife (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until evenly blended (3 minutes).
  3. Pat the tenderloin dry with paper towels, then rub olive oil all over it. Sprinkle the dry rub generously, pressing it in with your hands to form a thick, even layer (5 minutes).
  4. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C) (10 minutes).
  5. Place the tenderloin on the grill or pan and sear untouched for 3-4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes (8 minutes).
  6. Move the tenderloin to a cooler part of the grill or lower stove heat to medium-low. Close the lid if using a grill. Cook, turning every 5 minutes, for about 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) (15-20 minutes).
  7. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, brush the pork tenderloin with BBQ sauce, turning to coat all sides (5 minutes).
  8. Remove from heat and transfer to a plate. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 10 minutes to redistribute juices (10 minutes).
  9. Slice the tenderloin into ½-inch (1.25 cm) thick medallions and serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness. Let the pork rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Brush BBQ sauce near the end to avoid burning sugars. If no grill is available, sear on stovetop and finish in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes. For more heat, add cayenne or chipotle powder to the rub. Keep grill pan well-seasoned for best crust and easy cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ pork tenderloin, smoky pork, grilled pork tenderloin, easy BBQ recipe, weeknight dinner, potluck recipe, smoky charred crust, pork recipe

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