We’re full swing into the holiday season and by now, we’re all pretty tired of turkey. Why serve up another bird for your Christmas dinner when you can wow them with a tender and flavorful smoked bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin? Smoking a tenderloin is actually a lot less time intensive than cooking a stuffed turkey because you literally prepare it, wrap it, put it on the grill or smoker, and leave it alone for four hours and it’s ready to be devoured. That gives you plenty of time to fix your sides, relax, and just enjoy some time with friends and family while the meal cooks itself.
This recipe is highly customizable because you can use whatever spices you’d like or your favorite rub. But the key to this recipe’s success is in the preparation. Tenderloin has a tendency to be a dry or tough meat if not prepared properly. But this tenderloin will never be dry and you can cut the meat with a fork. It’s that moist and tender.
- 1 high-quality cut pork tenderloin (4-5 lbs)
- 5 strips bacon
- 2 jalapenos (deseeded and cut in halves)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 5 tbsp rub or seasoning of choice (more or less to taste)
- Heat charcoal in your grill until the temperature is between 190-210 degrees, then add hickory chips to the coals.
- Place your tenderloin on a large sheet of tinfoil and rub 2 tbsp of olive oil on the meat.
- Cover the entire cut (as heavy or light as you'd like) with your spices of choice.
- Weave your bacon over the tenderloin.
- Place the sliced jalapenos on top (optional if you like the added heat).
- Pour one more tbsp olive oil over the whole thing and cover completely with the tinfoil.
- Smoke on your grill or smoker for 4 hours at 190-210 degrees (never let it get under 190 or over 210, add wood chips to maintain temperature).
- Important Note: The internal meat temperature must reach a minimum of 145°F.
This meat pairs well with potatoes, corn, salad, and just about any other side you were already planning on serving for Christmas. Skip the traditional hams and turkeys for this Texas-Style Christmas meal. Your family will thank you and it will likely become your new tradition too. Happy holidays!
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