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!.
Pork tenderloin is a lean, tender cut of meat that can easily dry out and toughen up if cooked improperly. With the right technique though, it transforms into a juicy, flavourful roast that is perfect for a special family dinner or elegant dinner party. The key is using a low, slow cooking method – and an oven temperature of around 200 degrees Fahrenheit is just right.
In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook up the perfect pork tenderloin at 200 degrees. From choosing the right tenderloin and prepping it properly, to monitoring the internal temperature and resting time, we’ve got you covered with tips and tricks for pork tenderloin success. Read on for the complete guide to maximizing the juiciness and flavour of your next pork tenderloin roast.
Selecting the Right Tenderloin
When shopping for pork tenderloin, you’ll want to look for a few key characteristics First, choose tenderloins that have a nice marbling of fat running through the meat The fat helps keep the lean cut moist and tender during the prolonged cooking time. Aim for tenderloins that are around 1-1.5 lbs each – this size works well for serving 3-4 people. Finally, inspect the tenderloin for any blemishes, uneven thickness, or imperfect trimming. The most uniform, cleanly trimmed tenderloins will cook the most evenly.
Proper Trimming and Prep
Once you’ve selected the perfect pork tenderloin, proper prep work is essential for optimizing the end result.
First trim off any excess fat, silver skin or sinew from the surface using a sharp knife. Work slowly and carefully to avoid cutting into the meat. Leaving some marbling fat is fine, but removing the tougher connective tissues allows seasonings and heat to penetrate the meat evenly.
Next, season the tenderloin liberally on all sides with salt, pepper and any other herbs or spices you enjoy. Popular options include garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, thyme and oregano. You can also coat the tenderloin in a flavorful marinade or dry rub for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Finally, allow the seasoned tenderloin to come to room temperature before cooking, about 30 minutes. This helps it cook more quickly and evenly in the oven.
The Low and Slow 200 Degree Technique
Preheating your oven to around 200 degrees Fahrenheit creates the perfect gentle heat for pork tenderloin. At this low temperature, the meat can cook slowly over time, allowing the proteins to break down and the fat to render gradually.
Place the room temperature seasoned tenderloin on a rack set inside a roasting pan, and tent loosely with foil. This exposes all sides to dry circulating air rather than trapping steam under the foil.
Roast the tenderloin for approximately 90 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Check periodically with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching bone.
The benefit of the low 200 degree oven is you don’t have to worry about the outside overcooking before the inside comes to temperature. The exterior will slowly and gently roast while the interior has time to come up to the safe zone.
Resting and Slicing the Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin requires a 10 minute resting period after coming out of the oven. This allows the juices that were forced towards the center during cooking to redistribute back out towards the edges. Skipping this step can lead to dry, overcooked meat.
After resting, thickly slice the tenderloin into medallions. Slice across the grain of the meat to shorten the muscle fibers for tenderness.
The finished pork should be rosy pink throughout with juicy, succulent texture. The spice rub or marinade flavors should have infused into the meat but not overpowered the natural pork flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking pork tenderloin perfectly at a low 200 degree oven temperature relies on a few key techniques. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
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Skipping the trimming step. Fail to trim fat and silverskin and it can cause uneven cooking.
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Overcooking. Use a meat thermometer and don’t let the internal temp exceed 145F.
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Letting it come straight from the fridge to the oven. Letting it rise to room temp helps it cook more evenly.
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Forgetting to let it rest before slicing. Resting ensures tender and juicy meat.
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Cooking at too high a temperature. Exceeding 200F can cause the exterior to overcook.
Cooking Chart for 200 Degrees
For reference, here are some approximate cooking times for pork tenderloin at 200 degrees Fahrenheit:
- 1 lb tenderloin: 60-75 minutes
- 1.5 lb tenderloin: 75-90 minutes
- 2 lb tenderloin: 90-120 minutes
The timing can vary a bit depending on the shape and thickness of your particular tenderloin. Use an instant read thermometer to gauge doneness rather than relying solely on time.
Add Flavor with Spice Rubs and Marinades
One of the best parts about cooking pork tenderloin is you can add so much flavor with simple spice rubs, herb blends and marinades. Here are a few of our favorite combinations:
Citrus Herb Rub
- Finely grated lemon and orange zest
- Minced garlic
- Dried oregano, thyme and rosemary
- Salt and pepper
Sweet and Smoky Rub
- Brown sugar
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
-Ground cumin - Ground mustard
- Salt and pepper
Fiesta Lime Marinade
- Fresh lime juice
- Cilantro
- Minced jalapeño
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Get creative with your own signature blends too. Pork stands up well to bold, assertive seasonings so don’t be afraid to add some spice!
Perfect Pairings for Serving
A beautifully roasted pork tenderloin deserves some tasty sides to complement it. Here are some of our favorite pairings:
- Roasted potatoes or root vegetables
- Sauteed greens like kale or spinach
- A fresh garden salad
- Quinoa or wild rice pilaf
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots or asparagus
- Homemade dinner rolls
Don’t be afraid to try out globally inspired sides either, like mole roasted potatoes, coconut rice, or chimichurri sauce. With so many options, you could enjoy perfectly cooked pork tenderloin multiple times without repeating sides!
Transform Leftovers into New Dishes
Leftover pork tenderloin makes an easy and delicious addition to stir fries, frittatas, sandwiches, soups and more. Slice and add to fried rice or an Asian noodle bowl, dice up for scrambled egg breakfast tacos, pile onto a sub roll for a tasty sandwich, or simmer into a soup or chili. The roasted pork adds quick protein and flavor to grain bowls too. Be creative and give your leftovers new life in fun, innovative ways.
Moist and Tender Perfection
Cooking pork tenderloin at a low 200 degree oven temperature yields incredibly tender, juicy and flavorful results every time. With the right prep, seasoning and technique, you can master the art of roasting pork tenderloin to succulent perfection. Now that you’re equipped with all the steps and tips, it’s time to get cooking! Impress your family with your expertise on this exceptional cut of meat.
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.
Best wood chips / pellets
Oak, pecan, hickory, applewood, or cherry wood chips are my favorite to use on smoked pork tenderloin. These woods impart a fantastic flavor that goes great with this pork recipe.
When people smoke meat, mesquite wood is often used, but I think it’s too strong for pork. Sticking with a milder wood is best here.
A competition or trophy blend of pellets can also be used. This is usually a mixture of several different types of hard wood which gives a nice smooth smoke flavor to the meat.
Warm up your pellet smoker or grill to 225°F, then put the pork tenderloin right on the grill grate.
If your smoker comes with temperature probes, put them into the meat’s thicker end to keep a close eye on its internal temperature. We will be cooking to internal temp, not cooking for a certain amount of time.
If your grill or smoker does not come with a thermometer, you can purchase an inexpensive meat thermometer which are really handy and accurate.
If you cook pork tenderloin for too long, it can dry out. To get a nice juicy pork roast, make sure to take the roast off the smoker as soon as the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Expect this to take about 1. 5 hours to be finished.
You don’t have to spray the pork with water before smoking it, but it’s a great way to keep it moist and stop it from drying out too much.
Every 30 to 45 minutes, spraying the pork with apple juice or apple cider vinegar will also help the smoke stick to the outside of the meat, giving it even more great flavor.
Pork Tenderloin Basics
FAQ
Can I cook pork tenderloin at 200 degrees?
How long to cook pork at 200 degrees?
How long will a pork loin take at 250?
How long to cook pork tenderloin in the oven?
The cooking time for pork tenderloin in the oven depends on its size and weight. As a general guideline, cook it for about 20-30 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s ready. The pork is ready when its internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
What temperature should a pork tenderloin be cooked at?
The recommended temperature to cook pork tenderloin is 145°F (63°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the meat. This temperature ensures that the pork is safe to eat, tender, and juicy. Allowing the meat to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute and keeps the pork even more flavorful and succulent.
How long do you cook a 5 pound pork loin?
If the smoker temperature is set to 275 degrees, the pork loin should cook through at a rate of about 20 minutes per pound. That means a 5-pound pork loin will reach the ideal temperature in 1 hour and 40 minutes. 275 degrees is a good setting to use when you’re in a hurry.
How long do you Slow Roast Pork Tenderloin?
Slow roast the pork for approximately one and a half to two hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the tenderloin. Once it reaches the desired temperature, rest it for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.