This Bacon Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin is a sweet and savory treat! The juicy pork is wrapped in crispy bacon and coated in a delicious brown sugar glaze that caramelizes perfectly.
Honestly, who can resist the smell of bacon cooking? I love to serve it with roasted veggies for a simple meal that’s sure to impress family and friends. Yum! 🥓✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This cut is lean and cooks up beautifully. If you’re looking for a substitution, chicken breast can work, but it may not stay as juicy. For a richer flavor, a pork loin or even a pork shoulder can be delicious, just adjust the cooking times.
Bacon: I love using thick-cut bacon for its hearty flavor and texture. If you’re looking to make this dish healthier, turkey bacon is a good option, but keep in mind that it won’t be as crispy or flavorful. You could also use prosciutto for a different taste!
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a lovely caramel-like sweetness. If you don’t have any, coconut sugar is a great alternative that offers a similar sweetness. For a lower-calorie option, consider monk fruit sweetener, but adjust quantities as it’s sweeter.
Spices: The mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika is key for flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works fine, or you can try a pinch of chili powder for a bit of heat. Fresh garlic and onion can also be used, just adjust the amounts to taste.
How Do I Get the Bacon Extra Crispy?
Getting crispy bacon around your pork tenderloin is crucial for texture. Here are some tips to achieve that perfect crispy layer:
- Start by patting the pork dry. Moisture will prevent the bacon from getting crispy.
- When wrapping the bacon, overlap the slices slightly. This helps create a uniform crust.
- Sear the bacon in a hot skillet before baking to jumpstart the crisping process. Make sure the pan is hot enough!
- Allow enough room in the oven for proper air circulation while baking. You can also turn the oven to broil for the last few minutes to get the bacon extra crispy, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
Delicious Bacon Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pork Tenderloin:
- 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)
- 8-10 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and about 25-30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend around 40 minutes getting this flavorful dish ready to serve. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will get the oven nice and hot for cooking the pork. While it’s heating up, grab a small bowl and mix together the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until everything is well blended. This mixture will give your tenderloin a wonderful flavor!
2. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin:
Take your pork tenderloin and pat it dry with some paper towels. This step is important because it helps the bacon stick better and gives a nice crust when it cooks. Now, rub that delicious brown sugar mixture all over the pork, making sure every inch gets covered. Don’t forget the ends!
3. Wrap It Up:
Next, take those delicious bacon slices and wrap them around the pork tenderloin. Try to cover it as evenly as possible with the bacon. If the bacon doesn’t stick too well, you can use toothpicks to secure the ends. We want all that smoky goodness to be close to the tenderloin while it cooks!
4. Sear the Pork:
Now, heat up a skillet that can go in the oven on medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up for a minute. Carefully add the wrapped pork tenderloin to the skillet and sear it for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the bacon is a nice crispy color. This step adds a lot of flavor!
5. Bake to Perfection:
Once the pork is nicely seared, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake it for about 20-25 minutes. You want to cook it until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). This will ensure the pork is juicy and delicious!
6. Rest and Serve:
When the pork is done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let your tenderloin rest for about 5-10 minutes. This lets the juices settle, making it even more flavorful when you slice it. Finally, garnish with fresh herbs if you like, and serve warm. Enjoy your amazing Bacon Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pork tenderloin, you can use pork loin or pork chops, but be aware that cooking times may vary. Pork loin will take longer to cook, while pork chops may require a shorter time to avoid drying out. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked to 145°F (63°C).
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you prefer a healthier option or need a bacon substitute, you can use turkey bacon, which will give a similar flavor but with less fat. Alternatively, you can try using prosciutto wrapped around the pork for a different taste. Just be cautious with salt since prosciutto is saltier than regular bacon.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them gently in the oven or on the stovetop to keep the pork tender and the bacon crispy. You can cover the dish with foil in the oven to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Marinate the Pork Tenderloin?
Yes! For extra flavor, you can marinate the pork tenderloin in the brown sugar mixture for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Just be sure to allow it to reach room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking, which will help it cook evenly.
