Smoked Pork Tenderloin - Tender, Tasty, Moist
When it comes to pork, the tenderloin is unbeatable in flavor and tenderness. It is also incredibly lean. Ounce for ounce, it is just as lean as a skinless chicken breast. So you really can have the flavors you love and still rest easy knowing you are eating healthy!
When it comes to pork, the tenderloin is unbeatable in flavor and tenderness. It is also incredibly lean. Ounce for ounce, it is just as lean as a skinless chicken breast. So you really can have the flavors you love and still rest easy knowing you are eating healthy!
- Carbohydrate 0.562577603266542 g
- Cholesterol 164.125 mg
- Fat 8.91492708333065 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 52.14125 g
- Saturated Fat 2.98232687499952 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 (253g)
- Sodium 131.375468749879 mg
- Sugar 0.562577603266542 g
- Trans Fat 1.0908 g
- Calories 305 calories
Step-by-step
- Prepare your smoker to 225°F.
- Pat the pork tenderloins dry with paper towels.
- Generously apply Jeff's Rub to all sides of the tenderloins.
- Place the tenderloins in the smoker.
- Smoke for approximately 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Remove the tenderloins from the smoker and let them rest for 10 minutes.
- While the tenderloins rest, prepare the peach jam glaze. In a small saucepan, combine peach jam and maple syrup. Simmer over low heat until slightly thickened.
- Brush the glaze over the rested tenderloins.
- Place the tenderloins back in the smoker for another 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized.
- Remove the tenderloins from the smoker and let them rest for another 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Serve with Jeff's Barbecue Sauce.
My Go-To Smoked Pork Tenderloin Recipe: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can be a real challenge. I need recipes that are quick, easy, and most importantly, satisfying. This smoked pork tenderloin recipe has become a staple in our house – a true weeknight wonder! It’s surprisingly simple, yet the result is restaurant-quality flavor that impresses the whole family (even the picky eaters!).
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. The smoky flavor pairs wonderfully with so many sides. We often enjoy it with roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. But the real star of the show is the incredibly tender and juicy pork. Seriously, the meat practically melts in your mouth! I’ve tried various pork tenderloin recipes over the years, and this one consistently delivers the perfect balance of moistness and smoky goodness. The prep time is minimal, and the cooking time is surprisingly short, especially considering the depth of flavor you achieve.
Why this recipe works:
Tenderness: Pork tenderloin is inherently tender, but this recipe takes it to another level. The smoking process infuses the meat with incredible flavor while keeping it exceptionally moist. The resting period after smoking is crucial for locking in the juices and ensuring a perfectly tender final product.
Flavor: The combination of the rub, the glaze, and the smoky flavor from the smoker creates a symphony of taste sensations. It's a delicious blend of sweet, savory, and smoky notes that is simply irresistible. You can easily adjust the sweetness level of the glaze to suit your preferences.
Speed and Simplicity: I love that this recipe doesn’t require hours of hands-on cooking. Once the pork is in the smoker, you have plenty of time to attend to other tasks, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthier Choice: Pork tenderloin is a lean protein source, making it a healthier alternative to some other cuts of pork. It's a great way to enjoy flavorful meat while still maintaining a balanced diet.
Tips for Success:
Don't Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Overcooked pork tenderloin will be dry and tough.
Let it Rest: Allowing the pork to rest after smoking is essential for retaining its juiciness. The resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Adjust the Glaze: Feel free to experiment with different types of jam or adjust the sweetness of the glaze to your liking. A little bit of bourbon or apple cider in the glaze adds another layer of complexity.
This smoked pork tenderloin recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious and healthy meals don't have to be complicated. It's a recipe that I’ll continue to make again and again, and I hope you’ll give it a try too! Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you. Happy cooking!
