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Savory Whiskey BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin Recipe Easy and Perfect for Grilling

whiskey bbq bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin - featured image

A smoky, savory pork tenderloin wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with a whiskey BBQ sauce, perfect for grilling or oven roasting. This recipe is quick, easy, and delivers juicy, flavorful results every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin
  • 810 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1/2 cup whiskey BBQ sauce (e.g., Sweet Baby Ray’s or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons whiskey (bourbon or rye)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or pinch of chili flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels and trim any silver skin or excess fat.
  2. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar. Rub this seasoning evenly all over the tenderloin.
  3. Lay bacon slices slightly overlapping on a cutting board. Place the seasoned pork tenderloin at one end and roll it tightly in the bacon, covering as much of the pork as possible. Use kitchen twine if needed to secure.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and whiskey. Stir well to blend the flavors for the glaze.
  5. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  6. Place the bacon-wrapped tenderloin on the grill. Cook for 15-20 minutes total, turning every 5 minutes to crisp all sides and baste with the whiskey BBQ glaze using a brush. Avoid flare-ups by moving the meat if flames spike.
  7. Check doneness with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part; it should read 145°F. If no thermometer, slice to check for slightly pink, moist center.
  8. Remove from grill and let rest, tented loosely with foil, for 5-10 minutes to lock in juices.
  9. Slice into 1/2-inch slices, drizzle with any leftover glaze, and serve.

Notes

If bacon isn’t crisping enough, finish on indirect heat or under the broiler for a couple of minutes. For a gluten-free version, ensure BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free. You can prepare the bacon-wrapped tenderloin the night before and refrigerate to meld flavors. Resting the meat after cooking is essential for juicy results.

Nutrition

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