How to Smoke the Perfect Traeger Pork Tenderloin

Smoking pork tenderloin is a culinary art that combines the sweet and smoky flavors in a way that tantalizes the taste buds. This recipe from Traeger Grills showcases a perfect method to achieve a delicious smoked pork tenderloin using a sweet honey and thyme marinade, finished with the rich aroma of applewood pellets.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup apple juice
• 3 tablespoons honey (warmed)
• 3 tablespoons Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 pork tenderloins (1.5 lbs each, silverskin removed)

Preparation and Cooking Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: In a large bowl, mix the apple juice, honey, Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub, brown sugar, thyme, and black pepper.

2. Marinating the Pork: Add the pork tenderloins to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours to let the flavors infuse the meat.

3. Smoking Setup: Preheat your Traeger grill to 225℉ with the lid closed for 15 minutes. For optimal flavor, use the Super Smoke feature if available.

4. Smoking the Tenderloins: Insert a meat thermometer into the center of one tenderloin. Place the tenderloins directly on the grill grates, close the lid, and smoke until the internal temperature reaches 145℉. This should take about 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the tenderloins and external conditions.

5. Resting and Serving: Once the desired temperature is reached, remove the tenderloins from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Perfect Smoked Pork Tenderloin

• Marinade Time: Ensure the pork tenderloins marinate for at least 2-3 hours. For a deeper flavor, you can marinate overnight.
• Temperature Monitoring: Always use a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork. This ensures it is cooked to perfection without drying out.
• Resting Time: Letting the meat rest after smoking is crucial. It allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful tenderloin.

Conclusion

This smoked pork tenderloin recipe from Traeger Grills provides an excellent guide for both novice and experienced grillers. The combination of a sweet honey and thyme marinade, along with the smoky aroma of applewood, creates a dish that's perfect for any occasion. By following these steps and tips, you can achieve a tender, flavorful, and juicy pork tenderloin that will impress your guests and become a staple in your grilling repertoire.