Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin

Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin

Perfectly moist and tender Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin is incredibly simple to prepare yet delivers great flavor. Topped with a no-cook apricot BBQ sauce that thickens and caramelizes while roasting, this dish will have all of your taste buds dancing. And it all can be done in about 30 minutes.Recipe can be easily halved.Serves 6 - 8

Ingredients

  • apricot preserves
    ½ c
  • pound pork tenderloins
    2
  • vegetable oil
    1 tbsp
  • light brown sugar

    packed

    ½ c
  • paprika
    2 tbsp
  • granulated garlic powder
    2 tbsp
  • kosher salt
    1 tbsp
  • black pepper
    2 tsp
  • ground cumin
    2 tsp
  • granulated onion powder
    1 tsp
  • chili powder
    1 tsp
  • ground ginger
    1 tsp
  • cayenne pepper
    ¼ tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Combine all the rub ingredients in a bowl.

  2. 2

    In another bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of rub and apricot jam. Set aside.

  3. 3

    Place 2 long pieces of plastic wrap - longer than the tenderloins - on the counter. Place the tenderloins on the center of each piece of wrap. If your counter or island isn't big enough to accommodate both, do one at a time.

  4. 4

    Sprinkle some of the rub on top of each tenderloin. Use the wrap to turn the tenderloin over and sprinkle more rub on that side. The wrap catches any rub and can be used to press the rub onto the tenderloin. If not roasting right away, wrap the pork tightly. Repeat with the second tenderloin. This can be done ahead and refrigerated until you are ready to roast. Otherwise, continue without wrapping tenderloins. You should have some rub leftover and can keep it in an airtight container and use to season poultry, beef, or pork.

  5. 5

    When ready to roast, set one oven rack on top position of oven and one rack on the bottom (lowest) position of oven.

  6. 6

    Preheat oven 425 degrees.

  7. 7

    Oil the bottom of large cast iron skillet or other ovenproof skillet. Unwrap tenderloins and place in skillet.

  8. 8

    Roast on bottom rack for 10 minutes. Remove skillet from oven and flip over tenderloins. Spread half of the apricot sauce on both tenderloins.

  9. 9

    Place skillet back onto bottom rack for another 10 minutes. Remove skillet from oven and check the temperature by placing a meat thermometer into thickest part of loin. It should read 137* - 140 degrees. If not, place back in the oven for a few minutes.

  10. 10

    Spread remaining apricot sauce over tenderloins and turn the oven to broil. Place skillet on top rack and broil for 1 - 2 minutes until caramelized.

  11. 11

    Transfer pork to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Spoon sauce from pan over pork. Serve.

Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin

Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin

35 min

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About this Recipe

Craving a main course that’s both incredibly simple and bursting with flavor? This Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin delivers perfectly moist and tender meat, glazed with a no-cook apricot BBQ sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, all in about 30 minutes.

What makes this BBQ pork tenderloin truly special is its unique approach to flavor. The vibrant apricot preserves, blended with a robust custom spice rub, create a sweet and savory glaze that thickens and caramelizes right on the pork as it bakes. This ensures maximum flavor penetration and a delightfully sticky, irresistible crust without any extra stovetop work.

You can expect a pork tenderloin that is wonderfully juicy and tender inside, encased in a glistening, slightly charred, and sticky apricot BBQ coating. The flavor profile is a delightful dance between the bright, fruity sweetness of apricot, the rich depth of brown sugar, and a complex warmth from a blend of spices like paprika, garlic, cumin, and a subtle hint of cayenne. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated, promising to have your taste buds singing with every bite.

Customizing this Oven Baked BBQ Pork Tenderloin is simple. While apricot preserves are key to its unique taste, you could experiment with peach or orange preserves for a different fruity twist if apricot isn't available. To adjust the spice level, increase or decrease the cayenne pepper or chili powder in the rub to suit your preference. This recipe can also be easily halved, making it perfect for smaller gatherings or a quick weeknight meal.

This flavorful BBQ pork tenderloin is an ideal main course for a family dinner or a casual get-together. Serve it sliced into medallions alongside your favorite roasted vegetables, a creamy side dish, or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

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