Smoked Pork Tenderloin Wrapped In Bacon: The Best Way To Enjoy Fall Flavors

Pork tenderloin is a lean and flavorful cut of meat that is perfect for smoking. When wrapped in bacon, the tenderloin becomes even more succulent and flavorful. The bacon adds a smoky, crispy layer to the meat that is simply irresistible.

This step-by-step guide will show you how to smoke pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon so that you can create a delicious and impressive meal for your dinner guests.

Here are some of the things you'll learn in this post:

Selecting the right pork tenderloin
Preparing the pork tenderloin for smoking
Wrapping the pork tenderloin in bacon
Smoking the pork tenderloin
Resting the pork tenderloin
Slicing and serving the pork tenderloin

With this guide, you'll be able to create a smoked pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon that is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.

Two ways to prevent overcooking

Bacon can help to protect pork tenderloin from overcooking in two ways.

First, the bacon acts as a barrier between the meat and the heat, so the meat doesn't cook too quickly on the outside before the inside has a chance to cook through. This is especially important when smoking pork tenderloin, as the low heat can cause the meat to dry out if it's not protected.

Second, the bacon helps to keep the meat moist, so it doesn't dry out as it cooks. This is because the bacon fat renders out during cooking and helps to baste the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful. By wrapping the tenderloin in bacon, you can ensure that it cooks evenly and stays moist and flavorful.

Great Way To Use Leftover Bacon

Wrapping pork tenderloin in bacon is a great way to use up leftover bacon. Bacon can be a bit salty, so it can be overpowering if you eat it on its own. However, when wrapped around a lean cut of meat like pork tenderloin, the bacon helps to balance out the flavors and creates a delicious and satisfying dish.

If you have leftover bacon, you can wrap it around a pork tenderloin and cook it in the oven or on the grill. You can also smoke the pork tenderloin, which will give it a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the bacon.

No matter how you cook it, wrapped pork tenderloin with bacon is a delicious and easy way to use up leftover bacon. It's also a great dish to serve at a party or potluck.

What Makes This Smoked Pork Tenderloin Wrapped In Bacon Recipe Unique?

This recipe for bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin stands out from other pork tenderloin recipes due to its mouth-watering twist.

By wrapping the tenderloin in bacon, it not only adds an extra layer of flavor but also contributes to the moist and tender texture of the meat. The bacon acts as a protective shield during cooking, locking in the juices and infusing the pork with its smoky essence.

Ensure Exceptional Results

In addition to the bacon-wrapping technique, this recipe offers valuable tips and tricks to ensure exceptional results. It provides guidance on selecting the best quality pork tenderloin, choosing flavorful and suitable bacon, and mastering the art of seasoning the dish.

From choosing the right rubs and marinades to exploring complementary seasonings, every detail is covered to create a dish that is bursting with taste.

Beyond The Basics

Moreover, this recipe goes beyond the basics by providing suggestions for cooking the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin to perfection.

It includes recommendations for optimal cooking times and temperatures, whether grilling, baking, or smoking, to achieve a juicy and tender interior while achieving a crispy bacon exterior.

With its unique combination of flavors, moisture-locking technique, and expert guidance, this recipe for bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin promises to elevate your culinary experience.

Prepare to indulge in a dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also impresses your family and friends with its impressive presentation and delicious taste.

Smoked Pork Tenderloin Wrapped In Bacon Ingredients

When it comes to creating a mouth-watering delight, smoked pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon takes center stage. This irresistible combination of tender pork enveloped in savory bacon creates a flavor explosion that will leave you craving for more.

With just a few simple ingredients like pork tenderloin, bacon, and a blend of seasonings, you can elevate your culinary skills and impress your guests with this delectable dish.

Let's dive into the ingredients and preparation of this tantalizing recipe.

Pork Tenderloin
Bacon
Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.)
Favorite BBQ Rub

Smoked Pork Tenderloin Wrapped In Bacon Ingredients

Before wrapping the pork tenderloin in bacon, it's crucial to properly prepare the meat to ensure a juicy and tender result.

Follow these simple steps to prepare the pork tenderloin:

Clean the Tenderloin

Begin by removing any excess packaging or debris from the pork tenderloin. Rinse it under cool water and pat it dry with paper towels.

Trim Excess Fat

Take a sharp knife and trim any visible excess fat from the pork tenderloin. Removing the excess fat helps prevent the bacon from becoming excessively greasy during cooking. It also ensures that the meat cooks evenly and allows the flavors to shine through.

Tenderize The Meat

To tenderize the pork tenderloin, you have a couple of options. One method is to use a meat mallet, gently pounding the meat all over to create small indentations. Alternatively, you can use a fork to pierce the surface of the tenderloin, creating small holes. These steps help to break down the muscle fibers, making the meat more tender and allowing the seasoning to penetrate deeply.

By following these preparation steps, you'll set the stage for a succulent and flavorful smoked pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon.

Remember to handle the meat with care, maintain proper hygiene, and work on a clean and sanitized surface to ensure food safety. With the pork tenderloin properly prepped, it's time to move on to the next exciting steps of this tantalizing recipe.

Wrapping The Pork Tenderloin In Bacon

With your pork tenderloin prepped and ready, it's time to enhance its flavors and moisture by wrapping it in bacon. Follow these simple steps to achieve bacon-wrapped perfection:

Choose the Right Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon with ample fat content. The thickness ensures that the bacon retains its texture while cooking, and the fat helps to keep the pork tenderloin moist and flavorful. Selecting quality bacon will elevate the overall taste of your dish.
Prep the Bacon Strips: Cut the bacon strips in half lengthwise, creating narrower strips. This preparation step makes the bacon more pliable and easier to wrap around the pork tenderloin. It ensures that the bacon wraps snugly and evenly, hugging the meat with its deliciousness.
Wrap the Tenderloin: Start wrapping the bacon around the pork tenderloin at one end, positioning it diagonally. Gently wrap the bacon strip around the meat, slightly overlapping each layer. Continue wrapping until the entire tenderloin is enveloped in a savory bacon blanket. Ensure a secure fit, tucking the ends of the bacon underneath the wrapped tenderloin to prevent unwrapping during cooking.

Delight Your Taste Buds

By following these steps, you'll transform the pork tenderloin into a masterpiece of flavors, with the bacon infusing its smoky essence throughout.

The combination of juicy pork and crispy bacon will delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. With the pork tenderloin now expertly wrapped, it's time to move on to the cooking stage, where the flavors will truly come to life.

Smoking The Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin: Cooking Process

Once you have your bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin ready, it's time to bring out the rich flavors through the smoking process. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfectly smoked dish:

Preheat Your Smoker: Start by preheating your smoker to a temperature of around 225°F to 250°F (107°C to 121°C). This temperature range allows for slow and steady smoking, resulting in tender meat and deliciously smoky flavors.
Prepare the Smoker: Set up your smoker according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring proper ventilation and placing a drip pan underneath to catch any drippings. Consider using wood chips or chunks of your choice to add aromatic smoke to the process. Popular options include apple, hickory, or mesquite.
Place the Bacon-Wrapped Tenderloin in the Smoker: Carefully place the bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin on the smoker grate, ensuring enough space between the meat and the sides for proper smoke circulation. Close the smoker lid, and let the magic happen.
Monitor the Smoking Process: Keep an eye on the smoker temperature, adjusting airflow and adding more wood chips as needed to maintain a consistent smoky environment. The smoking time can vary depending on the thickness of the tenderloin, but it generally takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for a perfectly cooked tenderloin.
Check the Internal Temperature: To ensure the pork tenderloin is fully cooked and safe to eat, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding contact with the bacon, to get an accurate reading. Once the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), your smoked bacon-wrapped tenderloin is ready to be enjoyed.

Flavorful Smoked Pork Tenderloin Wrapped In Bacon

By following these steps, you'll achieve a succulent and flavorful smoked pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon. The slow smoking process infuses the meat with a delightful smoky aroma while keeping it tender and juicy.

Remember to practice safety precautions when handling the hot smoker and allow the tenderloin to rest before slicing. Get ready to savor the mouthwatering results of your smoked bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin.

Smoked Pork Tenderloin Wrapped In Bacon: FAQ (Frequently Ask Questions)

Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SMOKE A BACON-WRAPPED TENDERLOIN?

A:It usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to smoke a bacon-wrapped tenderloin. The time can vary depending on how thick the meat is and how hot the smoker is. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the tenderloin reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F.

Q: SHOULD YOU WRAP PORK TENDERLOIN IN A SMOKER?

A:You can choose to wrap the pork tenderloin in foil when smoking it. This helps keep the meat moist and tender. It's called the "Texas crutch" method. But remember, the bacon wrapping already adds moisture and flavor to the tenderloin, so wrapping is optional.

Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SMOKE A BACON-WRAPPED TENDERLOIN?

A:On average, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to smoke a bacon-wrapped tenderloin. However, the most important thing is to cook the meat to an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Cooking times may vary, so it's best to rely on the internal temperature instead.