Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

This Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin sounds delicious, and I’m so glad your family loved it! It’s an awesome combination of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors, all wrapped up in crispy bacon. The bacon adds so much to the tenderness and flavor of the pork, and the sweet-spicy rub really elevates the dish.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of your recipe, plus a couple of additional tips to help take it to the next level!

Ingredients:

1 pork tenderloin (about 1.5-2 lbs) – Pork tenderloin is a lean, tender cut that is perfect for roasting and pairs beautifully with bacon.

8-10 slices of bacon – Bacon adds a savory and smoky flavor while keeping the pork juicy during roasting.

1/4 cup brown sugar – The brown sugar provides sweetness that balances the smoky bacon and the Dijon mustard.

1 tbsp Dijon mustard – Adds a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.

1 tsp garlic powder – A savory base for the spice rub, contributing depth and warmth.

1/2 tsp smoked paprika – Adds a mild smokiness that enhances the flavor of the bacon.

Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings that help balance all the other flavors.

1 tbsp olive oil – Used for searing the pork tenderloin, ensuring a crispy exterior before roasting.

Instructions:

Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for roasting the tenderloin after searing.

Prepare the Pork Tenderloin
Trim any excess fat or silver skin from the pork tenderloin. The silver skin is the tough, silvery membrane on the surface of the pork that can prevent it from cooking evenly, so it’s important to remove it.

Mix the Spice Rub
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This rub adds a perfect balance of sweetness and savory flavors, along with a bit of heat from the smoked paprika.

Apply the Rub
Rub the spice mixture all over the pork tenderloin. Make sure it’s evenly coated on all sides, as this rub will create a flavorful crust when the pork roasts.

Wrap with Bacon
Wrap the bacon slices around the pork tenderloin. Depending on the size of the tenderloin, you may need 8-10 slices. If necessary, secure the ends of the bacon with toothpicks to ensure it stays in place during cooking.

Sear the Pork Tenderloin
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork tenderloin and sear on all sides until the bacon is crispy, about 5-7 minutes. This step helps lock in the flavors and gives the bacon a head start on crisping up before going into the oven.

Bake in the Oven
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the pork for 20-25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork. It should read 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy pork. This temperature is recommended by the USDA to ensure the pork is safe to eat but still moist.

Let it Rest
Once the pork has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the pork, making it even more tender.

Serve and Enjoy!
Slice the tenderloin into medallions and serve. Pair it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, and enjoy!

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Variations & Tips:

Add Heat: If you prefer a bit of spice, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice rub. This will give the pork a nice kick and balance out the sweetness of the brown sugar.

Mustard-Free Option: If someone in your family isn’t fond of Dijon mustard, you can leave it out. The brown sugar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika will still give the pork great flavor.

Herbs: You can experiment with adding fresh herbs to the spice rub, such as rosemary or thyme. These herbs complement the smoky bacon and add an earthy, aromatic note.

Smokier Flavor: For a more intense smoky taste, try using thick-cut hickory-smoked bacon. This will add more depth to the overall flavor of the pork tenderloin.

Bacon Crispness: If you like your bacon extra crispy, you can broil the pork tenderloin for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just keep a close eye on it so the bacon doesn’t burn.

Sauce Pairing: If you want to take the dish to the next level, consider serving the pork with a sauce. A simple mustard cream sauce or a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze would pair beautifully with the bacon-wrapped pork.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 320 kcal

Protein: 32g

Carbohydrates: 8g

Fat: 18g

Fiber: 1g

Sodium: 800mg

Sugar: 7g

(Note: Nutritional information is based on the average serving size and may vary depending on the exact weight of the pork tenderloin and bacon used.)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin is an incredibly versatile dish that’s perfect for a family dinner, holiday gatherings, or even special occasions. The bacon provides a crispy, savory layer on the outside, while the pork inside remains juicy and tender. The sweet-spicy rub adds just the right amount of flavor, and the bacon wraps it all up in a satisfying, crispy package.

The smoked paprika and garlic powder bring warmth to the flavor profile, while the brown sugar and Dijon mustard balance out the savory notes with a touch of sweetness and tang. The combination of these flavors will have everyone at the table coming back for seconds.

Plus, the recipe is straightforward and relatively easy to prepare. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this dish is manageable yet impressive. Serve it with your favorite sides, and it’ll quickly become a family favorite.

If you’ve tried this recipe once and your family couldn’t get enough, making a double batch next time sounds like a great idea!

Enjoy this delicious, bacon-wrapped goodness the next time you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal. It’s sure to become a go-to in your recipe collection!

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