When I was a kid, I was never so much into cooking, but I helped my parents in the kitchen. This made me try new things. Later, I realized that cooking was a way of adding a mix of imagination to create a delicious meal. I like to hear words like “this tastes good” or “this is so amazing”. One of the best meals I love to prepare is Bacon Wrapped Smoked Pork Loin. Unlike other tougher cuts of meat, it picks up smoke flavor fabulously. This is what I cook over the summer, and my guests love it. It also goes well with many side dishes.
How To Make Bacon Wrapped Smoked Pork Loin
In summary, making bacon wrapped smoked pork loin starts with making the spice rub which consists of brown sugar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Season the pork tenderloin with the rub mixture then wrap in bacon. Place loin in the smoker and cook for about 3 hours at 225F.
For exact measurement of ingredients and bonus tips, scroll down to recipe section below!
What temperature do you smoke a whole pork loin?
You should smoke your pork loin at 225-250F. While the USDA recommends that you maintain an internal temperature of pork at 145F, a higher temperature will help retain the signature texture. Ask any pork lover and they will tell you that the art of smoking pork is turning it into a juicy and flavorful meal. How long you smoke will depend on the size.
Looking for other smoked recipes? Check out my fan favorites smoked chicken breast or smoked chicken thighs. How about trying my amazingly delicious smoked pork roast or my smoked corned beef! Lastly, you might want to try my smoked whole chicken if you are serving a large number of people.
Do you smoke pork loin fat side up or down?
When smoking your pork, you should ensure the fat side is up. This will allow the pork to baste as it cooks. Of course, the fat helps the meat retain its moisture.
What goes well with smoked pork loin?
Smoked pork lion goes with many meals. It can be paired with salads, desserts, and side dishes – from casseroles, classic hearty, and greener options. The side dishes bring the nutritional aspect and add an aspect of flavor in your meal. Some of the meals that go well with pork lion include:
Chopped Brussels sprout salad
They resemble shredded cabbage in terms of taste and texture. To up the crunch, you can add sliced almonds, gala apples, raw pumpkin seeds, and raw sunflower seeds.
Butternut Salad with Blood Orange vinaigrette
Butternut Faro is made up of cranberries, toasted pecans, butternut squash, and then topped up with orange vinaigrette.
Roasted garlic cauliflower
This simple dish involves adding herbs and spices to cauliflower. This will transform the dish in an instant. It’s a healthier alternative to mashed potatoes.
Baked polenta with parmesan and fresh tomatoes
This vibrant side dish brings something different on the table. Make sure you only use fresh summer tomatoes.
Couscous fruit salad
Any smoked pork lion will benefit from the acidity that comes from this fruit. You can also add raisins, mango, and cranberries into the fruit salad.
What Makes a Good Pork Loin Recipe?
We all want delicious pork that will make the house smell amazing. First, you should get the ingredients right to create a family-friendly meal. Also, it takes some sprinkling of the season to get a huge hit.
For the recipe, you need Loin – not tenderloin or chops. Unlike other cuts of meat, it has a thick layer of fat at the top that keeps the juices inside the meat.
The cooking temperature also matters. If you overcook the loin, it will become tough and unpalatable. You should take the pork out of the oven after retaining an internal temperature of 145F. One way to ensure you get the temperature right is by using a thermometer. A low and slow smoking process gives the best results.
If you marinate the pork, the time also matters. This should be limited to 45-60 minutes depending on the ingredients you use. It’s worth mentioning that acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus fruits could interfere with the internal structure of proteins. And this can make the meat tough.
Just like any other cut of meat, resting is an important step before you serve a smoked pork loin. It allows the fibers in the meat to relax. With this in mind, you should wrap the pork with a foil for 30 minutes.
OTHER SMOKED RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
Bacon Wrapped Smoked Pork Loin
Delicious smoked pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon
Ingredients
- 1 piece 2-3 lbs Pork Tenderloin
- 3 pieces Bacon
- 1/4 cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Kosher Salt
- 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
Start by preheating the smoker to 225F with woodchips. Although you will eventually lower the temperature, you should start higher. This will ensure the outside side of the pork has enough heat to trap the moisture.
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.
Rub the seasonings – garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, salt, and olive oil on the pork. While you can apply each of the ingredients separately, I like mixing them and rubbing them on the entire pork.
Next, add vegetable oil on the top of the loin.
Wrap the pork with the pieces of bacon.
Then, place the pork on the smoker for about 3 hours or when internal temperature reaches a minimum of 145F.
Cover the pork with some foil and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This ensures all the juices remain intact. After this, you can slice it and enjoy with our favorite side dish and salads.