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 one of the most versatile and easy to cook cuts of pork This lean, tender cut lends itself well to a variety of cooking methods and flavor profiles When cooked properly, pork tenderloin can turn out incredibly juicy, flavorful and tender.
One of the best ways to cook pork tenderloin is low and slow at around 200°F. This gentler heat allows the pork to cook thoroughly while remaining incredibly moist and tender. But exactly how long does it take to cook pork tenderloin at 200 degrees?
In this article, I’ll provide a complete guide on cooking times, techniques and tips for achieving fork-tender pork tenderloin at the low temperature of 200°F.
Why Cook Pork Tenderloin at 200°F?
There are several advantages to cooking pork tenderloin low and slow at 200°F:
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Extended cooking time gently breaks down connective tissues, resulting in tender meat.
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The low heat keeps the lean pork exceptionally moist and juicy.
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Allows more time for delicious roasted pork flavor to develop.
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Provides flexibility in cook times without overcooking,
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More margin for error if oven temperature isn’t exact
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Delivers succulent, fall-apart tender pork, not dry or tough.
The relatively low temperature of 200°F gives the pork plenty of time to become sublimely tender without drying out the lean meat.
Estimated Cooking Times Per Pound
To estimate cook times for pork tenderloin at 200°F, figure approximately:
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20-25 minutes per pound for a 1-inch thick tenderloin
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1 1/2 – 2 hours total for a 1 lb tenderloin
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3-4 hours for a 2 lb tenderloin
Always rely on an instant-read thermometer for doneness instead of cook times alone. Pork tenderloins can vary in size and thickness.
Now let’s go over the simple step-by-step method.
How to Cook Pork Tenderloin at 200°F
Follow these straightforward steps for perfect pork tenderloin cooked at 200°F.
1. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin
Start with a 1-3 lb trimmed pork tenderloin. Pat dry and coat with oil, then season liberally all over. Let marinate in the fridge 30-60 minutes.
2. Preheat Oven to 200°F
Preheat your oven to 200°F. Use a shallow roasting pan or baking dish to elevate the pork and allow airflow for even cooking.
3. Roast the Tenderloin
Place the seasoned tenderloin on the preheated pan and insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part. Roast at 200°F, allowing approximately 20-25 minutes per pound, until the thermometer reaches 140-145°F internally.
4. Rest, Slice and Serve
When the tenderloin reaches the target temp, remove it from the oven. Tent loosely with foil and let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing into medallions to serve.
Always rely on an instant-read thermometer for perfectly cooked results without overdoing it.
Ensuring Proper Doneness
Pork is safely cooked and retains optimal juiciness when reaching 140-145°F internally. If the temperature exceeds 150°F, it will quickly become dry and overcooked.
Let the roast rest about 5 minutes before taking the temperature. Don’t rely solely on cook times – use a good digital meat thermometer.
Preventing Dry Pork and Promoting Juiciness
Since pork tenderloin is so lean, it can easily dry out. Here are some tips for keeping it juicy:
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Roast at a low 200°F – higher temperatures promote drying.
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Baste with pan juices during roasting to keep the surface moist.
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Lightly tent with foil toward the end if browning too quickly.
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Let roast rest after cooking so juices can redistribute.
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Slice thinly across the grain to prevent toughening.
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Serve with a sauce, glaze or au jus for extra moisture.
Flavoring Ideas
There are endless options for infusing pork tenderloin with amazing flavor:
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Dry spice rubs – Cajun, jerk, lemon pepper, ranch, etc.
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Fresh herb mixtures – rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano
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Marinades – teriyaki, soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar
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Stuff tenderloin with spinach, feta and sun-dried tomatoes
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Coat with mustard and breadcrumbs
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Top with compound butter before cooking
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Inject with broth, wine or fruit juices using a syringe
Serving Suggestions
Pork tenderloin can be transformed into any number of easy, delicious meals:
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Elegant entree with sauce
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Sandwiches on rolls with various toppings
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Sheet pan dinner with vegetables and potatoes
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Over a salad with fruits, nuts, cheese
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In tacos or fajitas with all the fixings
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On flatbreads with caramelized onions, mushrooms
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In grain bowls over quinoa, farro, rice, etc.
Get creative with this versatile, lean cut of pork!
Storage Tips
Properly stored, leftover roasted pork tenderloin will keep 3-4 days refrigerated. For longer storage, slice and freeze pork tenderloin for up to 4 months. Reheat leftovers gently to maintain juiciness.
Perfectly Cooked Pork at 200°F
For succulent, melt-in-your-mouth pork tenderloin, cook low and slow at 200°F and use an instant-read thermometer. Allow 20-25 minutes per pound as a general guideline. Prevent drying by retaining moisture before, during and after cooking.
Give this foolproof method a try for your next flawlessly cooked pork tenderloin!
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What is pork tenderloin?
Tenderloin is a long, thin, boneless piece of meat from the back of an animal that runs along the spine. Unlike a smoked beef tenderloin, pork tenderloin is a very inexpensive cut of meat.
This cut of pork comes from the rear of the pork loin on the inside of the ribcage. The tenderloin and loin are two different cuts that are found on the pig. The pork loin is larger in diameter than the tenderloin. Check out my smoked pork loin recipe, its another great option!.
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.
Easy Smoked Pork Loin For Beginners
FAQ
How long does it take to cook pork at 200 degrees?
Can I cook pork tenderloin at 200 degrees?
How long does it take to cook pork tenderloin at 250 degrees?
How long does it take to cook a pork tenderloin at 225 degrees?
How long do you cook pork tenderloin in the oven?
Bake. Transfer your cast iron skillet, Dutch oven, or oven-safe skillet to the middle of your oven’s center rack and bake for 13-14 minutes or until the pork reaches your desired temperature. (*see note). Rest and serve. Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer your pork tenderloin to a plate or cutting board.
What temperature should a pork tenderloin be?
We want the pork tenderloin to have an internal temperature of 145° (F). An instant read thermometer is an essential tool everyone should have on hand. After 25 minutes, check the thickest part of the meat. Once the internal temp is at least 145° (F), you’re good to remove from the oven.
How do you cook a 1 pound pork tenderloin?
1 ¼ pound pound pork tenderloin, at room temperature (These usually come in a pack of two. Use only one tenderloin) About 30 minutes before cooking, allow the meat to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This will prevent dry, tough meat. Preheat the oven to 450°F degrees.
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.