(Don’t have a smoker? No problem! You can make this recipe on the grill, as well.)
Sometimes when you think smoker recipes, your mind goes straight to big expensive cuts of meat and a minimum 12 hour time commitment. I love smoking pork tenderloin because you don’t have to plan a day in advance; it only takes 2-3 hours to smoke, which is speedy for a smoker! We frequently buy the pork tenderloin from Costco, which comes with packs of 2 tenderloins, which is perfect for this recipe. The result is a flavorful, smoky pork with a light, sweet glaze. If you like our Spicy Honey Chicken Recipe, I based this loosely on that flavor combination.
If you have the time, I prefer to marinate this recipe overnight, but several hours during the day is great, too. It gets rubbed a mix of spices and a little olive oil (I always use our Bacon Olive Oil, here!) and vinegar. When it’s time to cook, just pop them on the smoker. Smoked pork tenderloin takes about 2 1/2-3 hours.
When it comes off and rests, whisk together a little honey with a touch of apple cider vinegar and drizzle or brush over the top. I actually like to do this after the pork has been sliced so each piece gets a little drizzle.
Do you see that pink ring around the edge? That’s a smoke ring- where the smoke penetrated the meat, and it’s a think of beauty.
Try this one out next time you need a “quick” smoke recipe!
NOTE: guys, we’re having a technical glitch at the moment and I can’t edit recipe cards! So please note in the recipe below, the very first ingredient should be 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, for the marinade. Hopefully I can get it edited soon for the printable version!
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Honey-Glazed Smoked Pork Tenderloin
Description
A simple recipe for smoked pork tenderloin that turns out tender and flavorful with a sweet glaze. No smoker? No problem! Pop it on the grill.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (I use our bacon olive oil)
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
3 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/2 teaspoon oregano
2 pork tenderloins
kosher salt and black pepper
Glaze:
4 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
Whisk olive oil, vinegar, garlic, paprika, chili powders and oregano together and add pork to coat well. Marinate overnight or 4-6 hours preferred.
When ready to cook, heat smoker to 225 degrees. Transfer pork to smoker, sprinkle with kosher salt and pepper, and close lid.
Cook to an internal temperature of 145 degrees and remove from smoker. Tent in foil to rest while you prep glaze.
Combine honey and apple cider vinegar and drizzle over sliced pork.
Notes
If you don’t have a smoker, simply cook directly on grill.
Oh my gosh, made it tonight and it was delicious! I put it on the smoker and it came out perfect- tender and very flavorful! I forgot to marinate it and didn’t added the honey and vinegar but drizzled a little maple syrup when it was out! I bet it would have been even better, if possible, if I had marinated it. Thanks for the recipe it’s a keeper!
I made this tonight and it was ZOMG so good. We don’t have a smoker so we threw it on the BBQ and it came out perfect. The whole family loved it including my fickle 3 year old and 8 year old. Loved it!
★★★★★
SO glad you loved it!!
What type of pellets did you use to smoke it? Apple? Cherry?
Right now I’m using a blend- you could use any that you like, but Apple is always a good choice for something like this!
Hello! This looks looks really good. If you cook it on the grill do you adjust the length of the cooking time and the temperature?
Looks delicious! How much vinegar is in the marinade?
oops, good catch! There’s a glitch that’s not letting me edit the recipe, but it’s 2 tablespoons!
This sounds so delicious!! Do you know how long it would need to be on the grill?
You’ll want to cook to temperature, but it usually doesn’t take more than about 30 minutes.
I can’t wait to try this. We recently bought a Traeger at the costco roadshow and this seems like a perfect beginner recipe. We love pork tenderloin, I just wish I one in my freezer right now.