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!.
Smoking a pork tenderloin produces incredibly moist, flavorful meat that is perfect for everything from appetizers to the main entrée But knowing how long to smoke pork tenderloin per pound is key to ending up with the ideal texture and doneness
The General Rule For Smoking Pork Tenderloin
The most generally accepted rule is to smoke pork tenderloin for about 30 minutes per pound at 225-250°F For example, a 3 pound pork tenderloin would take approximately 1.5 hours to smoke
This timing guideline allows the low, slow smoking process to gradually render fat and break down the proteins in the meat for tenderness. It also gives the smoke plenty of time to permeate the pork for full flavor.
However, always rely on an instant-read thermometer over time guidelines to determine true doneness. Pork tenderloin should reach an internal temperature of 145°F for medium rare or 160°F for medium. After smoking, let the pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into it.
Factors That Affect Smoking Time
While 30 minutes per pound is a good starting point, there are several factors that can increase or decrease the total smoking duration:
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Size of the tenderloin – A larger or thicker tenderloin will naturally take longer to smoke than a petite one.
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Cooking temperature – The lower the smoker temperature, the longer the cook time. At 225°F expect it to take longer than at 250°F.
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Type of smoker – Traditional offset smokers need more time vs gas, electric or pellet smokers.
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Bone-in or boneless – Bone-in cuts cook slower than boneless.
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Meat temperature – Smoking time will be shorter if tenderloin is closer to room temp vs straight from the fridge.
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Altitude – At higher altitudes, smoking temps are lower so meat cooks slower.
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Weather conditions – Cold or windy days increase overall smoking time.
Because of these potential variances, checking pork temp and using a smoker’s built-in thermometer is recommended over depending on just 30 mins per pound.
Smoker & Wood Selection For Pork Tenderloin
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Pellet smokers – Offer convenience, good temperature control, and impart light smoke flavor.
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Electric smokers – Easy to use with a wood chip tray for smoke. Maintain steady temp.
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Propane smokers – Also convenient with wood chips, warmer than electric.
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Charcoal smokers – Takes more work but produces good smoke and moisture.
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Offset smokers – Requires effort but results in deepest smoke ring and flavor.
In terms of wood choice, fruit woods like apple and cherry pair wonderfully with pork. Oak and hickory also complement the meat. Stay away from heavy mesquite smoke, which can overwhelm the tenderloin.
Preparing & Seasoning Tenderloin For The Smoker
Proper prep before smoking pork tenderloin will lead to the juiciest, most flavorful results:
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Trim – Cut away excess outer fat and silverskin for better smoke absorption. Leave about 1⁄4 inch of fat.
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Brine – Soaking in a saltwater brine ensures seasoned moisture. 2 tbsp salt to 4 cups water for 1 hour.
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Marinate – An oil-based marinade with herbs, spices, citrus etc for added flavor.
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Dry rub – Generously coat all sides with a mixture of salt, pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic and onion powders, chili powder.
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Inject – Injecting with a solution like apple juice, broth, marinade ups juiciness.
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Rest before smoking – Let sit 20-30 mins after prep for flavors to penetrate meat.
Step-By-Step Guide For Smoking Pork Tenderloin
Follow these simple steps for foolproof smoked pork tenderloin every time:
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Prep – Trim, brine, and/or apply dry rub. Let rest 20-30 mins.
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Preheat smoker – Heat to 225-250°F using preferred wood for flavor.
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Add pork tenderloin – Place directly on cooking grate away from direct heat.
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Maintain temperature – Keep smoker temp steady between 225-250°F.
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Monitor doneness – Use a meat thermometer to check internal temp starting at 1 hour.
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Spritz and flip – Spritz with apple juice or cider vinegar every 45 mins. Flip halfway through.
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Check temp frequently – Be ready to remove immediately upon hitting 145°F for medium rare.
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Rest – Lightly tent with foil and let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.
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Serve and enjoy – Slice against the grain into 1⁄2” pieces. Pair with favorite sides!
##FAQs About Smoking Pork Tenderloin
How long does it take to smoke a 2 pound pork tenderloin?
For a 2 pound tenderloin allow about 1 hour of smoking time, checking the internal temperature starting at 45 minutes.
What is the minimum smoking time for tenderloin?
The absolute minimum is about 20-25 minutes for a 1 pound tenderloin. But 30 minutes per pound is ideal for the best texture.
Is pork tenderloin done at 145°F?
Yes, pulling pork tenderloin at an internal temp of 145°F will give you juicy, tender meat at a perfect medium rare doneness.
Can you smoke a pork tenderloin to 200°F?
It’s not recommended to smoke tenderloin to 200°F because the meat will be extremely overcooked, dried out and tough. Stick to 145-160°F for properly smoked pork.
How long does pork tenderloin last in the fridge after smoking?
Smoked pork tenderloin will keep 3-4 days tightly wrapped in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze smoked pork for 2-3 months.
##For Juicy, Flavorful Results
When it comes to smoking times, let the thickness of your pork tenderloin and temp readings be your guide over a fixed per-pound timeframe. Monitoring with a thermometer for doneness between 145-160°F will ensure you turn out incredibly tender, moist and delicious smoked pork tenderloin every time.
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 – How to Smoke a Pork Loin
FAQ
How long to smoke pork tenderloin at 225?
At what temperature should I smoke a pork tenderloin?
How long to smoke a 2 pound pork loin?
Do you wrap a pork tenderloin when smoking?
How long to smoke a pork tenderloin?
Season pork tenderloin with the rub and place in the smoker. Set smoker at 225F and cook until meat temperature reaches 145F which takes about 2-3 hours. Exact measurements of ingredients and bonus tips are below in the recipe section. Check it out! How Long Does It Take To Smoke A Pork Tenderloin At 250 Degrees?
How long to smoke pork loin per pound?
In this guide, we’ll talk about how long to smoke pork loin per pound without drying out the meat. The best way to smoke pork loin is to set the smoker temperature to 225 degrees and cook the pork for about 30 minutes per pound. Using this formula, a 3-pound pork roast should be done in an hour and a half, while a 5-pounder needs a 2.5-hour window.
How to make smoked pork tenderloin?
In summary to make smoked pork tenderloin, start with preparing the dry rub by combing brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Season pork tenderloin with the rub and place in the smoker. Set smoker at 225F and cook until meat temperature reaches 145F which takes about 2-3 hours.
What temperature should a pork tenderloin be smoked at?
Keep in mind cooking time can also vary depending on your smoker. While you can smoke a pork tenderloin at 250 degrees, my recipe drops the temperature down to 225 degrees for more of a “low and slow” style of smoking. This increases the cooking time slightly, but it also helps preserve the meat’s natural juices.