Smoky Pork Tenderloin Recipe (2024)

This quick and easy Smoky Pork Tenderloin Recipe is seared on the stove top, then finished cooking in the oven. Serve with a cool and refreshing Mango Salsa and my Cilantro Lime Rice to really compliment the smoky flavors of pork.

Follow my simple and straight-forward steps to create a juicy, flavorful and mouth-watering slice of pork.

Cooking a pork tenderloin can seem intimidating, but it’s actually super easy and when cooked properly is very tender, juicy and flavorful!

Smoky Pork Tenderloin Recipe

I’ve been making pork tenderloin like this for nearly 10 years now and I haven’t looked back. It’s a simple four-step cooking method that works with just about any cut of meat.

Ingredients Needed for Seared Pork Tenderloin

Here’s the basic list of ingredients you’ll need in order to make this simple pork tenderloin recipe. As always, you can find the full list of ingredients in the printable recipe card below.

• Pork Tenderloin – this is a long, thin cut of pork, not to be confused with a pork loin
• Garlic Powder
• Cumin
• Smoked Paprika– you can swap with sweet paprika but it will change the flavor
• Salt and Pepper

How To Cook Pork Tenderloin

When it comes to cooking a pork tenderloin there are 4 simple steps to remember…

1. SEASON – rub it down with the seasonings (this blend is smoky and so flavorful).
2. SEAR – Heat oil in an oven safe skillet until it’s nice and hot and then sear the pork on all sides to form a nice crust
3. BAKE – Finish cooking the pork in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
4. REST – Pull out the pork and let it rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes to allow the juices inside the pork to redistribute, before slicing.

What Temperature Should Pork Tenderloin Be Cooked To?

Just like all pork, the safe temperature to cook to is an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.

This is my favorite tool for quickly checking the internal temperature of meats.

Why Is My Pork Still Pink?

Pork can still be slightly pink in the center and safe to eat as long as it’s reached the proper temperature. Don’t be alarmed if you see some pink!

If you overcook pork it can become tough and chewy, and just miserable to eat.

Simple Mango Salsa Recipe

There is nothing better than topping a smoky meat with a sweet and tangy fruit salsa. My kids are BIG time fans of mango, so preparing a quick Mango Salsa to accompany my smoky pork was a no-brainer.

Ingredients For Mango Salsa

Here’s what you’ll need to make this quick Mango Salsa…

• Mango
• Purple Onion
• Serrano Pepper – or jalapeno pepper
• Tomato
• Cilantro
• Lime Juice
• Honey

How Long To Bake Pork Tenderloin

Since we are searing the pork tenderloin on the stove top first, you should only need to bake the pork tenderloin for an additional 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees F., depending on how large your pork tenderloin is.

I love using my enameled cast iron pan for this because I can seamlessly transfer the pan from the stove top to the oven.

If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, after searing your pork, transfer it to an oven safe dish to complete cooking.

Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin?

While they sound very similar, these two cuts of pork are actually quite different.

These two cuts of pork come from different parts of the pig. The pork loin is a fatter, wide cut, while the pork tenderloin is a long, thin cut of pork.

Pork loin is best for slow-cooking and roasts, while pork tenderloin is a quick-cooking cut and best when cooked at higher temps.

Can I Swap Pork Loin for Pork Tenderloin?

No, these two types of pork are not very interchangeable due to the nature of the cut and how they are cooked.

What To Serve With Pork Tenderloin

I’m pairing this smoky pork tenderloin with my sweet Mango Salsa and Cilantro Lime Rice for a flavorful and quick meal. Here are some more great side dishes to try…

• Vegetable Rice Pilaf
• Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
• Honey Glazed Carrots
• Fluffy Mashed Potatoes

More Pork Tenderloin Recipes To Try

I really love cooking pork tenderloin and I think you’ll enjoy it too. Here are some more tasty recipes using pork tenderloin to try out…

• Garlic Herb Pork Tenderloin
• Spice Pork Tenderloin Flatbreads
• Lemon Garlic Pork Tenderloin
• Bacon Wrapped Grilled Pork Tenderloin