Applewood-Smoked Pork Tenderloin with Honey Thyme Glaze
Tender pork tenderloin marinated in a sweet honey and thyme mixture, then smoked over aromatic applewood for a flavorful, juicy finish. This american-inspired pork ready in about 135 minutes pairs pounds pork tenderloin, honey, fresh thyme leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups applewood chips
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until combined.
- Step 2: Place 2 pounds pork tenderloin in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the honey thyme marinade over the pork. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to absorb flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups soaked applewood chips for smoke.
- Step 4: Remove pork from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Place the tenderloin on the smoker rack and smoke for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, turning the tenderloin halfway through cooking.
- Step 5: Remove the pork from the smoker and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing into 1/2-inch thick medallions to serve.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Applewood-Smoked Pork Tenderloin with Honey Thyme Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Applewood-Smoked Pork Tenderloin with Honey Thyme Glaze?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds pork tenderloin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Applewood-Smoked Pork Tenderloin with Honey Thyme Glaze?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Applewood-Smoked Pork Tenderloin with Honey Thyme Glaze for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Applewood-Smoked Pork Tenderloin with Honey Thyme Glaze?
American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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