Pork tenderloin is on regular rotation at my house, both for its flavor and its ease. We love to marinate it in sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, or serve it with a big dollop of Spanish-style romesco. But our current favorite is definitely wrapping that pork tenderloin in bacon, because as my neighbor says, pork on pork can never be a bad thing. And I must say I agree.
This recipe requires a little more work than say, opening the package and tossing the tenderloin in the oven, but I promise it's worth the few extra steps. Luckily all of the ingredients are pantry staples for me, and I always have pork and bacon in the freezer for when I need an easy meal.
Don't be afraid to experiment with using up the things you have on hand, either — swap maple syrup for brown sugar, Dijon for grainy mustard, or use apricot preserves instead of Major Grey's.
The key to success is securing the bacon with toothpicks (through the sides, parallel to the work surface) and being patient in order to get a good sear. I think a large cast iron skillet is perfect for this task because it goes from stovetop to oven with ease, not to mention bacon is great for seasoning the pan. Brushing the chutney-mustard mixture on top of the pork before finishing it in the oven helps everything get sticky and caramelized, and the leftover sauce can be served on the side at the table.
This truly is weeknight dinner at its very best. The first time I made the recipe, my husband let out a few expletives I can't repeat here. Needless to say, he's asked for a few encores. I promise after making this, you'll want to be wrapping bacon around everything, too. And why shouldn't you?
→ Serve This With: Creamy Spinach Bake
Bacon-Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin
Serves 4
1 pork tenderloin (about 1 1/2 pounds)
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (regular can be substituted)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 to 6 slices good-quality bacon
1 tablespoon canola oil (or other neutral high-heat oil)
1/4 cup Major Grey's Chutney (See Recipe Note)
2 tablespoons whole grain or Dijon mustard
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Remove the silverskin (the silvery-white connective tissue running along the top) from the pork tenderloin with a sharp knife. Pat the tenderloin dry with paper towels and set aside.
Combine the brown sugar, salt, paprika, and cayenne in a small bowl. Rub all of the mixture into the pork tenderloin. Wrap the tenderloin with the strips of bacon, securing along the sides with toothpicks.
Heat the canola oil in a large cast iron skillet, or other oven-proof skillet, over medium-high heat until sizzling. Add the bacon-wrapped tenderloin and sear — do not disturb it while it's searing — until deep caramel brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. Flip the tenderloin and continue searing until the other side is browned.
Mix the chutney and mustard in a small bowl and brush generously over the top of the tenderloin. Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook the tenderloin until a probe thermometer reads 140°F, approximately 10 to 14 minutes.
Remove from the oven and loosely tent with foil. Rest for 10 minutes to allow the tenderloin to finish cooking and for the juices to redistribute into the meat. Remove toothpicks and slice into 1/4- to 1/2-inch pieces for serving. Serve with any leftover chutney on the side.
Recipe Note
- You can find Major Grey's Chutney at most grocery stores, or purchase it online. You can also substitute another favorite chutney or jam.
(Image credits: Nealey Dozier)
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