This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Pork tenderloin is smoked the whole way to create a delicious weeknight meal or easy dinner. This smoked pork tenderloin is so juicy, tender, and flavorful that your family will keep going back for seconds.
A New Way to Cook Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is one of my all-time favorite cuts of meat. It’s incredibly juicy and tender when cooked properly, the subtle flavor is perfect for a wide variety of recipes, and my whole family loves it! In fact, it’s one of the few grilled meats that my kids never get tired of eating… and it’s on the healthier side, so that’s a win!
I usually cook our favorite cut of pork in the oven, but to add some extra smoky goodness, I recently decided to smoke it the whole way on the pellet grill. And I may never prepare pork tenderloin another way again.
For more smoked pork recipes try Rotisserie Ham with Coca Cola Glaze, Smoked Pork Belly Porchetta, or Stuffed Smoked Pork Loin.
Why Smoke a Pork Tenderloin
You can often find pork tenderloins on sale which is one of the many reasons I love making this recipe. Pork tenderloins are tender, lean, and super delicious when prepared the right way. Smoked pork tenderloin is a family favorite that both kids and adults will love.
Cooking pork in the wood pellet smoker results in a sweet smoky flavor. It also helps retain the moisture so the pork is juicy and perfectly tender. For this recipe, the pork tenderloin is smoked the entire time. No searing or finishing needed. Prep is also quick as there is no marinating time.
This method results in mouthwatering smoked pork. You will see the delicious smoke ring after following this method.
By smoking pork tenderloin, you can create a variety of flavor profiles. You can even make this recipe with barbecue sauce for a sweet smoke flavor.
Ingredients You Need
This simple recipe requires just a few ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. A full list of ingredients and measurements are included in the recipe card below, but here are a few notes about them.
- Pork Tenderloin: This is a lean boneless cut of meat that cooks fast. It is not the same as pork loin, so make sure you choose a pork tenderloin.
- All Purpose Seasoning: You can use your favorite all purpose seasoning for grilling. I use my Texas style rub.
- Brown Sugar: You can use light brown sugar or dark. The dark brown sugar will result in a deeper flavor.
- Butter: I always use unsalted butter since there is salt already in the seasoning.
- Honey or Hot Honey: This adds even more sweetness and is the perfect compliment to the pork. I use hot honey for a kick of heat and more robust flavor. You can also use maple syrup instead of honey, if desired.
How to Smoke Pork Tenderloin
This smoked pork tenderloin recipe is inspired by one of my favorite ways to cook ribs on the grill – by finishing them wrapped in aluminum foil with a few pads of butter, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of brown sugar.
The same foil method works great to create a finishing sauce after smoking the pork tenderloins. It’s incredibly easy with great flavor and tender results.
Step 1: Preheat for cooking.
Preheat your smoker to 200°F (93°C) with your choice of wood or pellets. I used B&B Championship Blend pellets when I made this pork tenderloin on my YouTube channel, but my favorite Smokin’ Pecan pellets would also be great for this smoked pork recipe.
Step 2: Prep the pork.
Use a sharp knife to remove excess fat and silver skin. Make sure you leave a little fat though as tenderloin is relatively lean and the fat gives the pork flavor.
Step 3: Season the pork.
Season the pork tenderloin on both sides with the seasoning.
Step 4: Start smoking the pork.
Place the seasoned pork tenderloin on the bottom grate of the smoker and insert a meat thermometer. Carefully push in the ends of the meat as this helps make the tenderloin a little fatter so that it will cook evenly. Making the piece of meat fatter (more girth) also allows you to smoke it for longer to pick up extra grill flavor.
Step 5: Add the honey butter mixture.
After 1 ½ hours, or when the temperature of the tenderloin reaches an internal temperature of 120°F (48°C), place 3 or 4 pads of butter in the middle of a large piece of aluminum foil. Sprinkle the butter with a few tablespoons of brown sugar, then drizzle some honey over the top of the sugar.
Place the pork tenderloin on top of the honey butter mixture. Drizzle with a bit more honey, then sprinkle with another 1-2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Add a few more slices of butter on top of everything.
Step 6: Finish cooking the pork.
Tightly wrap up the pork tenderloin in the foil. Place a probe meat thermometer into the middle and smoke until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C). Remove the foil from the top of the pork tenderloin and push it around the edges so that it forms a boat for the tenderloin.
Add the thermometer back to the tenderloin and return to the smoker. Cook the pork tenderloin until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Step 7: Rest, slice, and serve the pork.
After removing the tenderloin from the smoker, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes on a cutting board. Slice and serve the pork with any of the remaining sauce drizzled over the top.
When Is Pork Tenderloin Done?
Smoked pork tenderloin needs to be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) on an instant read thermometer. Remove the tenderloin at this temperature as it can dry out if it’s cooked longer.
Always use a temperature probe to check the internal temperature of the meat throughout the cooking process.
Flavor Variation – BBQ Pork Tenderloin
Another delicious way to make pork tenderloin is to coat it in BBQ sauce. The flavor is similar to bbq ribs, so if you love barbecue sauce on ribs, then you should try this flavor combination. For this variation, you will just need three ingredients – pork tenderloin, all purpose seasoning, and your favorite bbq sauce.
Preheat your smoker, season the tenderloin on both sides with your all purpose seasoning and place it directly on the bottom smoker grate. Cook for about 1 ½ hours, until a probe inserted in the tenderloin reads 120°F (48°C).
Baste the tenderloin all over with the bbq sauce and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). During the last 10 minutes of cooking, I like to increase the temperature to 250°F (121°C) which allows the BBQ sauce to set.
In addition to adding the barbecue sauce, you can try this recipe with any dry rub.
Recipe Tips
- Pork tenderloin vs. pork loin: Pork tenderloin is a long, narrow and boneless cut from the loin area of the pig. It is different from pork loin which is a wider, flatter cut of pork that can be either bone-in or boneless.
- Use a meat thermometer: A probe thermometer is essential when smoking meat. Place the probe in the center of the meat. It helps to ensure that you cook the meat to the ideal temperature and do not overcook it. Nobody likes overcooked and dried out meat!
- Make the pork more compact: Push both ends of the pork in a little to make the meat fatter or more compact. This ensures that the pork cooks evenly so you don’t get any dried out ends.
- Rest the meat after cooking: Always rest the meat for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking to help lock in the juicy flavor.
- Double the recipe: Pork tenderloins are often sold in packs of two. You can double this recipe or try the BBQ pork tenderloin for the second one.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or grill prior to serving.
Serving Suggestions
Of course the pork tenderloin is great served on its own or with a few delicious sides. Serve the tenderloin with Smoked Baked Beans or Smoked Potato Salad for an amazing dinner using your smoker!
But if you’re looking for a few other ways to use the tenderloin, you can make a simple tenderloin sandwich or a delicious banh mi sandwich. This cut of meat is great for sandwiches.
Pinterest User? Do us a favor and PIN this to your board for grill or smoker recipes. This is a GREAT way to support us!
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
Smoked Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 1½ to 2 lbs pork tenderloin
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning, like this Texas-style rub
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey, or substitute hot honey
Instructions
- Prepare your grill for smoking: Preheat your pellet grill or smoker to 200°F (93°C) with your choice of wood or pellets.
- Trim and season the pork: Use a sharp knife to remove silver skin and any large pieces of fat from the pork. Then season all sides of the pork tenderloin with the all-purpose seasoning.
- Smoke the pork tenderloin: Place the tenderloin on the bottom grate of the smoker and insert your probe meat thermometer. Carefully push in the ends of the meat to make the tenderloin a little fatter so that it will cook evenly. Close the grill lid and smoke for about 1 ½ hours, or until the internal temperature of the tenderloin reaches 120°F (48°C).
- Add the honey butter mixture: Divide the butter into 6 slices (about ⅓ tablespoon each.) Evenly space 4 slices of butter in the middle of a large piece of aluminum foil. Sprinkle 1 ½ tablespoons of the brown sugar over the top of the butter, then drizzle about 1 tablespoon of the honey over the top of the sugar. Place the pork tenderloin on top of the honey butter mixture. Drizzle the tenderloin with the remaining 1 tablespoon honey, then sprinkle with the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons brown sugar. Add the remaining 2 slices of butter on top of everything.
- Finish smoking: Tightly wrap up all sides of the pork tenderloin in the foil. Place the thermometer in the middle and smoke until an internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C). Remove the foil from the top of the tenderloin and push it around the edges so that it forms a boat for the tenderloin. Add the thermometer back to the tenderloin and return to the smoker. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Rest and slice to serve: Once the internal temperature reaches 145℉, remove the pork from the smoker and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Slice and serve the pork tenderloin with any remaining sauce drizzled over the top.
Video
Notes
- To make BBQ Smoked Pork Tenderloin: You just need pork tenderloin, all purpose seasoning, and your favorite barbecue sauce. Preheat your smoker to 200°F (93°C), season the pork tenderloin with your all purpose seasoning and place it directly on the bottom grate. Cook for about 1 ½ hours, until a probe inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin reads 120°F (48°C).Baste the tenderloin all over with the BBQ sauce and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). During the last 10 minutes of cooking, increase the temperature to 250°F (121°C) which allows the BBQ sauce to set. You do not need to wrap the bbq pork tenderloin in foil.
I have made the both versions, but the wrapped version is amazing. I’ve made the wrapped version at least half a dozen times and it doesn’t disappoint. The unwrapped version is still good, but that extra step of wrapping and adding more flavor is well worth the effort. This is such a quick, delicious go-to weekday dinner for us. Thank you for sharing this!
Thanks Kristen! So glad you enjoyed the recipe – pork tenderloin is one of our go-to meats!