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Savory Brown Sugar Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

brown sugar bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin - featured image
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A quick and easy dinner recipe featuring tender pork tenderloin wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a caramelized brown sugar glaze, balancing smoky, salty, and sweet flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds pork tenderloin, trimmed of excess fat and silver skin
  • 8–10 slices regular-cut bacon (thick cut optional)
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Trim off any silver skin or excess fat. Season all sides lightly with garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika if using.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in an oven-safe skillet. When shimmering, add the tenderloin and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  4. Lay out 8-10 slices of bacon slightly overlapping on a cutting board or foil sheet. Place the seared tenderloin at one end and roll it up tightly in the bacon strips. Use kitchen twine to secure if needed.
  5. Sprinkle 1/4 cup (50 grams) of brown sugar evenly over the bacon-wrapped tenderloin. Pat it down gently to adhere.
  6. Place the wrapped tenderloin seam side down on a foil-lined baking sheet or roasting pan.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, then check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 145°F (63°C). If not, continue baking in 5-minute increments.
  8. Switch the oven to broil and cook for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the bacon and caramelize the sugar further. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  9. Remove from oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Slice into 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) medallions for serving.

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches 145°F for juiciness. Searing the pork before wrapping locks in moisture. Broil at the end to crisp bacon and caramelize sugar but watch closely to avoid burning. Let the meat rest before slicing. If bacon crisps too fast, tent with foil during roasting. For less sweetness, reduce brown sugar or sprinkle halfway through cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork tenderloin, bacon-wrapped, brown sugar, easy dinner, savory, sweet and smoky, quick recipe

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/savory-brown-sugar-bacon-wrapped-pork-tenderloin-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dinner/