Smoked Pork Tenderloin

Smoked pork tenderloin seasoned with your favorite rub is moist, tender, incredibly flavorful, and so simple to make!

Pork tenderloin on the smoker cooks up in less than two hours and is full of delicious smoky flavor while staying perfectly moist and delicious.  Enjoy it with a side of fried cabbage and some pineapple dump cake for dessert!

Smoked Pork Tenderloin

Smoked Pork Tenderloin Ingredients

• Pork tenderloin – A pork tenderloin is not the same as a pork loin. That said, pork loin can be used in this recipe, but because loin is typically a larger piece of meat it will take longer to smoke. 
• Spice rub – Here’s our basic spice rub recipe, or use one from the market.  We experimented with several of our favorites for this article!
• Wood chips or pellets for smoking – We used the Ultimate Blend pellets from Recteq, but there are so many different ‘flavors’ to try!

How do you make a smoked pork tenderloin? (step-by-step)

⭐ First, preheat smoker to desired temperature. 

⭐ Then, while smoker is preheating, cover pork generously with your favorite spice rub. 

⭐ Next, place tenderloin on the smoker and cook until it reaches a safe internal temperature. 

⭐ Finally, remove from smoker and allow to rest several minutes before slicing. 

Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions. 

Preparation

Do you need to brine pork tenderloin before smoking?

I don’t find it necessary to brine the tenderloin when smoking it at a low heat (our preference is 225F) but if you’re going to smoke at a higher temperature, brining will help the meat stay moist.  

This is our basic brine recipe and it’s a great choice for both pork and chicken.  

What kind of seasoning for smoked tenderloin?

We love this basic spice rub recipe that I always keep on hand, but you can also use any rub or spice blend you love.  

For the pictured recipe, we tried several from the spice cabinet.  You could also try using homemade taco seasoning, homemade fajita seasoning, or homemade chili seasoning!

How do you know when the pork is done?

The pork is finished when it reaches a minimum internal temperature, at the thickest part of the meat, of 145F, you can continue cooking it up to about 165 degrees at most before it will begin to taste dry and unpleasant.

It’s important to use a meat thermometer when smoking meat, specifically one that can be left in while it is smoking, and read from outside the smoker. Our pellet smoker has one incorporated, but this is the thermometer I use when smoking on our regular grill, and if you want a fancier bluetooth version, try this one!

Recommended cook times for smoked pork tenderloin

It is important to note that cook times will vary slightly based on your cooking mechanism (propane grill, electric smoker, pellet smoker, etc.). These times are estimates to reach an internal temp of 145F, however doneness should always be verified with a meat thermometer. 

How long do you smoke pork tenderloin at 225 degrees?

To smoke pork tenderloin at 225 degrees, it will take about 1.5 – 2 hours (90 – 120 minutes). This is my preferred temperature for tenderloin and what we used for the pictured recipe.

How long do you smoke pork tenderloin at 250 degrees?

It takes about 1 – 1.5 hours (60 – 90 minutes) to smoke pork tenderloin at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. 

How long do you smoke pork tenderloin at 275 degrees?

At 275 degrees it will take about 45 minutes – 1 hour (45 – 60 minutes) to smoke pork tenderloin.

How long do you smoke pork tenderloin at 300 degrees?

To smoke pork tenderloin at 300 degrees, it takes about 35 – 50 minutes.  When using faster cook times, you will get less of the smoke flavor in your meat and the texture will be more similar to baking or roasting.

When smoking at higher temps, you’ll want to consider brining first to retain moisture. 

Frequently asked questions

Can you smoke pork on a regular grill?

You can smoke on a regular grill – gas, propane, or even charcoal!  You’ll just need to purchase a smoker box to put in the grill with your meat.

When smoking on a regular grill make sure to put the smoker box over direct heat and the pork over the indirect heat. Read and follow the directions that come with your box.

Do I need to soak my wood chips before smoking?

This is a hot topic in the smoking world!  Some folks recommend soaking your chips at least an hour before smoking, others say they need a full 24 hour soak, and yet others don’t soak at all!

In truth, soaking wood chips is not strictly necessary.  Soaking the chips creates steam, not smoke, and can even lower the temperature of your smoker. That said, soaked wood chips will still yield a delicious outcome, so do what you’re moved to do!

Do I need so soak pellets before smoking meat?

You should not soak pellets before using them in a pellet smoker unless specifically directed to do so in your users manual. I am not aware of any pellet smokers that require soaking.

Can I use wood chips in my pellet smoker?

It is not recommended to use wood chips in a pellet smoker. Please refer to your user manual for whether your device calls for wood chips or pellets.

What type of wood or pellets are the best for smoking pork tenderloin?

We used the Ultimate Blend pellets from Recteq and it was absolutely delicious. Other solid contenders are apple wood, maple wood, cherry wood, pecan, or mesquite.

Tips and tricks

🟢 Try basting your pork with a swipe or two of Frank’s Red Hot or diluted sriracha sauce toward the end of cook time for a spicy kick.

🟢 For a sweeter finish, glaze with some watered down honey or maple syrup.

🟢 You’ll definitely want to use an electric probe thermometer that can be read from outside the smoker.  And if you’re not going to be near the smoker while it’s going, try one with bluetooth that can communicate with your phone to let you know when the meat is done!

What to eat with smoked pork tenderloin (serving suggestions)

This dish is perfection with other outdoor favorites like Mexican street corn or Mexican corn salad, broccoli slaw, and strawberry pie for dessert. 

More barbecue and smoker favorites

• Cilantro lime steak
• Smoked chicken legs
• The best grilled flank steak
• Italian pasta salad
• Teriyaki chicken kabobs
• Sriracha chicken thighs
• Perfect grilled rib eye
• See all our grilling recipes!

Other awesome pork recipes

• Pork and beans casserole
• Brown sugar glazed ham
• Ham salad recipe
• Air fryer bacon recipe
• Grilled pork chops
• See all our pork recipes!

Tools we love

• Basic electric probe thermometer – I have and love this one. Basic, inexpensive, and works great.
• Bluetooth electric probe thermometer – The fancier version, for when you can’t be within earshot of the grill all day!
• Wood chip smoking box – For converting your grill into a smoker!
• Electric smoker – Electric smokers are great because they come ready to use and are very precise.
• Pellet smoker – Pellet smoker grills use convection cooking to surround your food with heat and smoke.
• Propane smoker – Propane smokers are very similar in looks to electric smokers, but use propane as their heating fuel.

How to Smoke Pork Tenderloin