Are you a fan of juicy, tender, and flavorful pork tenderloin? If so, smoking it is the way to go!
But how long should you smoke it for? The answer depends on a few factors, including the temperature of your smoker and the size of your tenderloin.
In this article, we’ll dive into the details of smoking pork tenderloin and provide you with all the information you need to achieve perfectly smoked pork every time.
So, grab your smoker and let’s get started!
How Long To Smoke Pork Tenderloin?
The ideal temperature for smoking pork tenderloin is around 225°F. At this temperature, it will take approximately 2-3 hours to smoke a pork tenderloin until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
However, if you’re in a hurry, you can increase the temperature of your smoker to speed up the process. Keep in mind that smoking pork tenderloin low and slow will give it a fuller flavor, so if time allows, it’s worth the wait.
It’s important to note that the size of your pork tenderloin will also affect the smoking time. As a general rule of thumb, it takes about 40 minutes to smoke per pound of meat. So, if you have a 2-pound pork tenderloin, it will take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to smoke.
Choosing The Right Pork Tenderloin
When choosing a pork tenderloin to smoke, it’s important to look for one that is lean and well-trimmed. Excess fat can cause flare-ups in the smoker, which can result in uneven cooking and charred meat.
It’s also important to consider the size of the tenderloin. A smaller tenderloin will cook more quickly than a larger one, so keep this in mind when planning your smoking time.
When shopping for pork tenderloin, look for cuts that are pinkish-red in color and have a firm texture. Avoid any cuts that are discolored or have a slimy texture, as this may indicate spoilage.
Lastly, consider the flavor profile you want to achieve. Pork tenderloin is a mild-tasting meat that pairs well with a variety of seasonings and wood types. For a lighter flavor, consider using peach or apricot wood. For a bolder flavor, try using hickory or mesquite wood.
By choosing the right pork tenderloin and taking the time to smoke it properly, you can create a delicious and flavorful dish that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Preparing The Pork Tenderloin For Smoking
Before smoking your pork tenderloin, it’s important to properly prepare it. Start by removing any excess fat or silver skin from the outside of the loin. This will help the rub penetrate the meat and ensure even cooking.
Next, you can choose to apply a dry rub to the pork tenderloin. A popular and delicious rub recipe includes brown sugar, paprika, salt, onion powder, black pepper, and mustard powder. Simply mix these ingredients together in a bowl and generously apply the rub to all sides of the pork tenderloin. Make sure to use your fingers to break up any lumps in the rub.
Alternatively, you can skip the dry rub and simply season the pork tenderloin with salt and pepper before smoking.
Once your pork tenderloin is seasoned to your liking, preheat your smoker to 225°F. For added flavor, you can use wood chunks or chips of your choice. Applewood is a popular choice for pork.
Place the pork tenderloin directly on the smoker grates and close the lid. Smoke for about an hour before basting with your favorite BBQ sauce recipe. This is also a good time to insert a digital thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the meat.
Continue smoking until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, which should take approximately 2-3 hours depending on the size of your pork tenderloin. Once it reaches this temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
By properly preparing your pork tenderloin and smoking it at the ideal temperature, you’ll be rewarded with mouthwatering flavor that everyone will enjoy.
Setting Up Your Smoker For Pork Tenderloin
Before you start smoking your pork tenderloin, it’s important to set up your smoker properly. Here are some steps to follow:
1. Preheat your smoker: Start by preheating your smoker to the desired temperature of 225°F. Make sure to add enough wood chunks or chips to produce smoke throughout the cooking process.
2. Trim the meat: Trim any excess fat or silverskin from the pork tenderloin using a sharp knife. This will help the rub penetrate the meat better and prevent any unwanted flavors.
3. Apply the rub: Generously apply your favorite dry rub or The Best Pork Rub to all sides of the pork tenderloin, making sure to rub it in well with your fingers.
4. Place the meat in the smoker: Once your smoker has reached the desired temperature, place the pork tenderloin on the grate and close the lid. Allow it to smoke for about 15 minutes at 180°F to give it a good kiss of smoke, then turn up the heat to 225°F.
5. Monitor the internal temperature: Use a digital meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the pork tenderloin. It’s important that it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F before removing it from the smoker.
6. Rest and serve: Once the pork tenderloin has reached its target temperature, remove it from the smoker and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your pork tenderloin is perfectly smoked and full of flavor.
Monitoring The Temperature Of Your Smoker
Monitoring the temperature of your smoker is crucial to ensuring that your pork tenderloin is cooked properly. A digital meat thermometer is an essential tool for monitoring the internal temperature of your pork tenderloin.
Place the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, being careful not to touch any bones or the bottom of the smoker. It’s important to check the temperature regularly, every 30 minutes or so, to ensure that it’s not overcooking or undercooking.
If you notice that the temperature is rising too quickly, you may need to adjust the vents on your smoker to reduce the airflow and lower the temperature. On the other hand, if the temperature is not rising quickly enough, you may need to add more charcoal or wood chips to increase the heat.
It’s also important to keep an eye on the temperature of your smoker itself. Use a separate thermometer to monitor the temperature inside your smoker, and adjust accordingly if it’s too hot or too cold.
Smoking Time And Temperature Guidelines For Pork Tenderloin
When smoking pork tenderloin, it’s crucial to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the smoking process. The recommended temperature range for smoking pork tenderloin is between 225°F and 250°F. Lower temperatures allow the meat to absorb more smoke and develop a deeper flavor, while higher temperatures can cause the meat to dry out.
To achieve the perfect smoked pork tenderloin, it’s important to monitor the internal temperature of the meat. The ideal internal temperature for pork tenderloin is 145°F. This temperature ensures that the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat, while still retaining its juiciness and tenderness.
The smoking time for pork tenderloin can vary depending on the size of the meat and the temperature of your smoker. As mentioned earlier, a general rule of thumb is to smoke for about 40 minutes per pound of meat. For a 2-pound pork tenderloin, this translates to approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes of smoking time.
It’s important to note that smoking times can vary depending on the type of smoker you’re using and other factors such as weather conditions. Always rely on a digital meat thermometer to ensure that your pork tenderloin has reached an internal temperature of 145°F before removing it from the smoker.
Testing The Pork Tenderloin For Doneness
When smoking pork tenderloin, it’s crucial to ensure that the meat is cooked thoroughly to avoid any risk of foodborne illness. To test the doneness of your pork tenderloin, you can use a meat thermometer.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure not to touch any bone or fat. The internal temperature should read 145°F for safe consumption. If the temperature is below 145°F, continue smoking until it reaches the desired temperature.
It’s important to note that relying on smoking time alone can be risky, as factors such as smoker temperature and pork tenderloin size can vary. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that your pork tenderloin is cooked to perfection and safe for consumption.
Once your pork tenderloin reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender end product.
