Maple Bourbon-Glazed Smoked Pork Tenderloin
Juicy smoked pork tenderloin finished with a sweet and boozy maple bourbon glaze, delivering a balance of smoky and rich flavors. This american-inspired pork ready in about 135 minutes pairs pounds pork tenderloin, kosher salt, black pepper 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 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup soaked applewood wood chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Mix 1 tbsp kosher salt, 1 tbsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tsp garlic powder in a small bowl and rub evenly over the 2-pound pork tenderloin.
- Step 2: Preheat the smoker to 225°F and add soaked applewood chips to generate a mild, sweet smoke.
- Step 3: Place the pork tenderloin on the smoker grate and smoke for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 4: While the pork smokes, combine 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp bourbon, and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard in a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until syrupy and slightly thickened.
- Step 5: During the last 15 minutes of smoking, brush the maple bourbon glaze generously over the pork tenderloin every 5 minutes to build a shiny, flavorful coating.
- Step 6: Remove the pork from the smoker and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing into medallions.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple Bourbon-Glazed Smoked Pork Tenderloin 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 Maple Bourbon-Glazed Smoked Pork Tenderloin?
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 Maple Bourbon-Glazed Smoked Pork Tenderloin?
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 Maple Bourbon-Glazed Smoked Pork Tenderloin 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 Maple Bourbon-Glazed Smoked Pork Tenderloin?
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.
