Slow-Smoked Maple Bourbon Pork Tenderloin
Tender pork tenderloin smoked low and slow, glazed with a sweet and smoky maple bourbon sauce for a rich, balanced flavor. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 135 minutes pairs pounds pork tenderloin, tablespoon kosher salt, teaspoon 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 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups, soaked hickory wood chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your smoker to 225°F and add 2 cups of soaked hickory wood chips to generate smoke.
- Step 2: Rub 2 pounds pork tenderloin evenly with 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Step 3: Lightly coat the pork tenderloin with 2 tablespoons olive oil to help the rub adhere.
- Step 4: Place the pork tenderloin in the smoker and smoke for approximately 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, mix 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons bourbon, and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Simmer over low heat for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 6: During the last 20 minutes of smoking, brush the maple bourbon glaze generously over the pork every 10 minutes to build a sticky, flavorful crust.
- Step 7: Remove the pork tenderloin from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Smoked Maple Bourbon 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 Slow-Smoked Maple Bourbon 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 Slow-Smoked Maple Bourbon 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 Slow-Smoked Maple Bourbon 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 Slow-Smoked Maple Bourbon Pork Tenderloin?
American bbq & smoked 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.
