Reverse Sear Pork Tenderloin
Reverse searing is a foolproof cooking method that produces delicious, juicy, tender pork tenderloin in the oven, grill, or smoker every time. Reverse Sear Pork Tenderloin is an easy way to get perfectly cooked protein for your favorite side dishes!
Can you reverse sear pork tenderloin? Yes! Even though its a small cut of pork, the reverse sear method is the best way to cook pork tenderloin.
Pork tenderloin is a long, slender cut of meat that runs along the backbone of the pig. It’s one of the leanest and tender cuts of pork, which means it can dry out easily.
If you’re tired of cooking pork tenderloin until it’s dry or undercooked, the reverse searing method is the best way to cook this delicious piece of meat!
🔥Reverse Searing Pork Tenderloin
The reverse sear method is a simple cooking technique that involves searing meat after it has been cooked slowly at a lower temperature. This method produces tender, juicy pork tenderloin that is not dry or overcooked. Reverse searing also allows for better caramelization of the exterior of the meat, resulting in a delicious crust.
This recipe can be completed in the oven, grill, or smoker. No matter what cooking method you use, the reverse sear technique is easy and foolproof! You can even use it to reverse sear pork loin!
🧂Ingredients and Tools
- Pork Tenderloin – This lean cut of pork can be found in most any grocery store. It is inexpensive and a great way to get in protein.
- Seasonings – You can use just about anything to season your meat. We love using a simple blend of kosher salt, garlic, and black pepper. Just mix in a small bowl with a spoon before dry rubbing onto the meat.
- Cooking Oil – An oil such as, avocado oil, coconut oil or another high smoke point oil is best for searing the pork after its been reverse seared.
- Oven Safe Cooking Rack – Use this on top of a rimmed baking sheet to ensure the heat gets circulated all around the surfaces of the meat.
- Oven, Grill, or Smoker – This cooking method is easily made in the oven, gas grill, or a smoker such as Big Green Egg or Trager.
- Meat Thermometer – A quality kitchen thermometer with a long probe is key to reverse searing any meat. For a top-of-the-line thermometer, use the Meater. For an inexpensive option, try the ThermPro.
🍖How To Reverse Sear Pork Tenderloin In The Oven
1️⃣Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. While the oven is preheating, let the pork tenderloin sit out at room temp for 10-15 minutes to take off the chill.
2️⃣Season the pork tenderloin: Pat the meat dry with a paper towel. Season the pork tenderloin with your favorite seasonings.
3️⃣Place the pork on a rack: Place the pork tenderloin on a wire rack over a baking sheet and place in the oven.
4️⃣Cook until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F: Cook the pork in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit, about 30-40 minutes. Use an oven safe kitchen thermometer for accurate results.
5️⃣Remove from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes: Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest on the rack for 5-10 minutes before searing.
6️⃣Sear the pork tenderloin: While the pork is resting, heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil to the pan. Add the pork tenderloin to the pan and sear on all sides until the exterior is golden brown and crisp, about 1-2 minutes per side.
7️⃣Remove from the heat and let rest for 5 minutes: Remove the pork from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
🥩How To Reverse Sear Pork Tenderloin On The Grill
1️⃣Preheat the grill: Preheat the grill to low heat, about 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
2️⃣Season the pork tenderloin: Pat the meat dry with a paper towel. Season the pork tenderloin with your favorite seasonings. Place the pork tenderloin on the grill grates.
3️⃣Slow roast until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F: Cook the pork on the grill, with the lid closed, until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This will take 30-40 minutes. Use a meat thermometer for accurate results.
4️⃣Grill the exterior: Once the internal temperature reaches 140F, remove the pork tenderloin and let it rest under foil for 10 minutes. While it is resting, turn the grill heat up to medium-high heat. Place the pork on the grill and sear on all sides until the exterior is golden brown and crisp, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
♨️How To Reverse Sear Pork Tenderloin In The Smoker
1️⃣Preheat the smoker: Preheat your smoker to 220 degrees Fahrenheit. While the smoker is preheating, let the pork tenderloin sit out at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
2️⃣Season the pork tenderloin: Pat the meat dry with a paper towel. Rub the seasonings on all sides of the meat.
3️⃣Place in the smoker: Place the pork tenderloin on the smoker, close the lid and smoke until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit, about 30-45 minutes.
4️⃣Remove from the smoker and let rest: Remove the pork tenderloin from the smoker, cover with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes.
5️⃣Cook the exterior: Heat the smoker to 400F for 10 minutes while the pork is resting. Sear on the smoker for 3-4 minutes each side or until the internal temperature reaches 145-150F. Let rest for 5-10. Slice and serve.
👩🏼🍳Reverse Sear Cooking Tips
Always pat the meat dry: This will help the seasonings stick to the meat and prevent unwanted moisture.
Take the chill off: Letting the meat rest before cooking is important because it lets the proteins relax, keeping the meat from getting tough when going from hot to cold.
Use an oven-safe meat thermometer: This will allow you to accurately cook the meat to the correct temperature without opening the oven door and letting out heat. Use a temperature probe thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat.
Rest the meat after searing: Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier and more flavorful pork.
Sear at high temperature: Whether you are pan searing in a cast iron pan, grilling, or smoking, ensure that the temperature is very hot before searing. Low temperatures will cause the meat to stay in longer, further increasing the internal temperature making it dry.
Pork tender loin pairing: This cut of meat pairs well with apples and shallots, rice, salad, noodles, potatoes, or can be made into sandwiches.
🧂Pork Tenderloin Seasoning Ideas
- Cajun seasoning: This blend of paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and oregano is perfect for pork.
- Greek seasoning: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, and thyme gives the pork a Mediterranean flavor.
- Jamaican jerk: Allspice, ginger, cloves, thyme, and habanero peppers give this pork a spicy kick.
- BBQ rub: A blend of paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin will give the pork a smoked flavor.
- Lemon herb: Perfect for summer, this blend of lemon zest, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and basil is refreshing and light.
- Chinese five spice: A mix of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel, and Sichuan pepper gives the pork an exotic flavor.
❔FAQ
How do you cook pork tenderloin without drying it out?
Reverse searing is the best method for cooking pork tenderloin because it slowly cooks the meat to the correct temperature, ensuring that it is juicy and flavorful while giving it a seared crust on the outside.
Should I sear my pork tenderloin before putting it in the oven?
No, you should not sear the pork tenderloin before cooking it in the oven and searing the meat before cooking will create a barrier on the outside that will make the inside harder to cook properly.
How long does it take to smoke a pork loin at 250 degrees?
This depends on the size and thickness of the pork loin. Generally, it will take 30-45 minutes to reach the correct internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. For
🥘More Pork Recipes
- Sous Vide Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin
- Air Fryer Pork Meatballs
- Thick Cut Grilled Pork Chops
- Air Fryer Frozen Pork Chops
- Slow Cooker Mississippi Pork Roast
Reverse Sear Pork Tenderloin
Equipment
- Oven Safe Cooking Rack
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
- 1.5 pound Pork Tenderloin
- 2 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Cooking Oil (with high smoke point)
Instructions
How To Reverse Sear Pork Tenderloin In The Oven
- Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. While the oven is preheating, let the pork tenderloin sit out at room temp for 10-15 minutes to take off the chill.
- Pat the meat dry with a paper towel. Season the pork tenderloin with your favorite seasonings.
- Place the pork tenderloin on a wire rack over a baking sheet and place in the oven.
- Cook the pork in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit, about 30-40 minutes. Use an oven safe kitchen thermometer for accurate results.
- Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest on the rack for 5-10 minutes before searing.
- While the pork is resting, heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil to the pan. Add the pork tenderloin to the pan and sear on all sides until the exterior is golden brown and crisp, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Remove the pork from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
How To Reverse Sear Pork Tenderloin On The Grill
- Preheat the grill to low heat, about 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Pat the meat dry with a paper towel. Season the pork tenderloin with your favorite seasonings. Place the pork tenderloin on the grill grates.
- Cook the pork on the grill, with the lid closed, until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This will take 30-40 minutes. Use a meat thermometer for accurate results.
- Once the internal temperature reaches 140F, remove the pork tenderloin and let it rest under foil for 10 minutes. While it is resting, turn the grill heat up to medium-high heat. Place the pork on the grill and sear on all sides until the exterior is golden brown and crisp, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
How To Reverse Sear Pork Tenderloin In The Smoker
- Preheat your smoker to 220 degrees Fahrenheit. While the smoker is preheating, let the pork tenderloin sit out at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Pat the meat dry with a paper towel. Rub the seasonings on all sides of the meat.
- Place the pork tenderloin on the smoker, close the lid and smoke until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit, about 30-45 minutes.
- Remove the pork tenderloin from the smoker, cover with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Heat the smoker to 400F for 10 minutes while the pork is resting. Sear on the smoker for 3-4 minutes each side or until the internal temperature reaches 145-150F. Let rest for 5-10. Slice and serve.
