Juicy, tender, amazing flavor, hint of smoker, and very inexpensive. Smoked pork tenderloin is a FANTASTIC choice for a nice meal to enjoy with friends and family. We have all had baked tenderloin, so lets now take it to the next level and smoke it!.
When it comes to incredibly flavorful tender and juicy smoked meat, pork tenderloin is hard to beat. Getting the smoking time just right is key to pork tenderloin perfection. The general guideline is to smoke pork tenderloin for 30 minutes per pound. However technique, temperature and tenderness play a role as well.
In this complete guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about how long to smoke pork tenderloin per pound for mouthwatering results.
Why Go Low and Slow with Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is an incredibly lean, tender cut of meat. With little intramuscular fat, it can easily dry out if cooked improperly. This is why the low and slow smoking method is ideal. Some key benefits:
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Gentle, indirect heat tenderizes while keeping moisture locked in.
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Low temperature renders fat slowly, keeping things juicy.
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Allows collagen to break down over time, resulting in tender meat.
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Infuses smoke flavor deeply into the meat.
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Provides hands-off cooking with no need to flip or turn.
Smoking Time per Pound
The general rule of thumb for smoking pork tenderloin is:
- Smoke for 30 minutes per pound
So a 2 pound tenderloin will take roughly 1 hour of smoking time.
However, this 30 minutes per pound is just a guideline. Actual timing depends on a few factors:
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Thickness – Thicker sections take longer
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Bone-in or boneless – Bone-in cooks slower
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Temperature – Higher heat reduces cook time
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Desired tenderness – More time = more tender
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Meat thermometer – Best way to test doneness
Monitor temperature and tenderness as you smoke to get perfect results.
Step-by-Step Guide to Smoked Pork Tenderloin
Follow this simple process for fork-tender smoked pork tenderloin:
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Trim excess fat and silverskin from tenderloin.
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Generously season with your favorite dry rub.
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Preheat smoker to 225-250°F with preferred smoking wood.
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Place tenderloin directly on grill grates.
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Smoke for approximately 30 minutes per pound.
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Insert meat thermometer to check internal temp.
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Remove from heat at 145°F internal temperature.
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Allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Vital Tips and Tricks
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Use a digital instant read thermometer to monitor exact temperature.
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For added moisture and flavor, spritz with apple juice or broth every 45-60 minutes.
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Let rest 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing.
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Slice against the grain for most tender results.
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Save some rub to sprinkle on the sliced tenderloin.
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Pair with a sweet glaze or sauce to contrast the seasoning.
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Use light, fruity woods like apple, cherry or peach for flavor.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
It’s easy to dry out tenderloin if you aren’t careful. Avoid these key mistakes:
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Cutting into meat before letting it rest. This causes juices to run out.
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Skipping the thermometer and overcooking. Cook to 145°F exactly.
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Failing to trim off silverskin. This can cause meat to get chewy.
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Cooking at too high of a temperature. Keep it low and slow.
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Not monitoring and replenishing smoke if needed.
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Skipping a spritz which helps keep things moist.
Serving Up Delicious Smoked Pork Tenderloin
Once you’ve perfectly smoked that pork tenderloin using the 30 minutes per pound rule, here are some tasty ways to serve it up:
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Slice and pile on sandwiches or wraps
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Dice up for salads and tacos
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Chop and mix into egg scrambles
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Cut into strips for stir fries and fajitas
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Serve medallions with your favorite sides
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Shred for nachos, pizza and baked potatoes
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Slice thin for appetizers and cheese boards
With the right timing and technique, you’ll be rewarded with incredibly tender, juicy smoked pork tenderloin that’s sure to please. Fire up that smoker and get ready for porky perfection!
The smoker / grill
Pork tenderloin can be made in a smoker, grill, or even a home oven. To achieve the best flavor, using a smoker or grill is the best option.
Im smoking this pork tenderloin on my pellet smoker, just like the Camp Chef 36 smoker or Traeger 780. Pellet grills are an easy and great way to impart fantastic smoke flavor on the pork, and other meats for that matter, without having to babysit a firebox all day.
A traditional offset smoker, like this Oklahoma Joes Smoker can also be used when making smoked pork tenderloin.
How much to buy
Based on the pig they come from, pork loins will be different sizes, but they should be about 1 5 to 2lbs each. Expect to feed 3-4 people per tenderloin cooked.
As a very common cut of meat, they are easy to find at your local grocery store or butcher shop in individual plastic-sealed bags.
There isnt much prep to this pork. It does not require marinating or much, if any, trimming of fat. Most likely, you already have the seasonings I used in your spice cabinet.
The tenderloin will come mostly trimmed but will have some fat still attached. Trim some of this off along with any silverskin, but don’t try to get it all at once.
Most tenderloins will come trimmed enough to not even worry about cutting anything off.
The dry rub I used for this pork tenderloin recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. First, use olive oil to coat the tenderloin. This will help the dry rub stick to the meat and help make a crispy crust. Were going with a rub over a sauce so the crust is nice and crispy.
- Dark brown sugar
- Sea salt or kosher salt
- Black pepper (freshly cracked)
- Paprika
- Chili powder
Mix the spice rub in a small bowl or shaker glass to sprinkle on the loin after oiling.
Make sure to get all sides of the meat evenly coated like the picture above. Pat the dry rub on the pork so its well adhered to the meat.
Easy Smoked Pork Loin – How to Smoke a Pork Loin
FAQ
How long to smoke pork tenderloin at 225 per pound?
Do you wrap a pork tenderloin when smoking?
At what temperature should I smoke a pork tenderloin?
How long does it take to smoke a 5 lb pork loin?
How long to smoke a pork tenderloin?
Season pork tenderloin with the rub and place in the smoker. Set smoker at 225F and cook until meat temperature reaches 145F which takes about 2-3 hours. Exact measurements of ingredients and bonus tips are below in the recipe section. Check it out! How Long Does It Take To Smoke A Pork Tenderloin At 250 Degrees?
How long to smoke pork loin per pound?
In this guide, we’ll talk about how long to smoke pork loin per pound without drying out the meat. The best way to smoke pork loin is to set the smoker temperature to 225 degrees and cook the pork for about 30 minutes per pound. Using this formula, a 3-pound pork roast should be done in an hour and a half, while a 5-pounder needs a 2.5-hour window.
How to make smoked pork tenderloin?
In summary to make smoked pork tenderloin, start with preparing the dry rub by combing brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Season pork tenderloin with the rub and place in the smoker. Set smoker at 225F and cook until meat temperature reaches 145F which takes about 2-3 hours.
What temperature should pork tenderloin be smoked?
The recommended temperature range for smoking pork tenderloin is between 225°F and 250°F. Lower temperatures allow the meat to absorb more smoke and develop a deeper flavor, while higher temperatures can cause the meat to dry out. To achieve the perfect smoked pork tenderloin, it’s important to monitor the internal temperature of the meat.