Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly tender, juicy pulled pork sandwich that melts in your mouth and sends your taste buds on a flavor explosion! This barbecue pork tenderloin recipe is not just another dinner – it's a culinary experience that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast. Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout, planning a family dinner, or craving a delicious comfort food, these pulled pork buns will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds)!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds pork tenderloin
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Remove pork tenderloin from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a seasoning rub.
- Thoroughly coat the entire pork tenderloin with the seasoning mixture, massaging the spices into the meat.
- Place the seasoned pork tenderloin in a roasting pan or heavy-duty baking dish, ensuring it is not touching the sides.
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to help retain moisture during slow roasting.
- Roast the pork in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes, which allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Using two forks, shred the pork tenderloin into bite-sized pieces.
- Pour barbecue sauce over the shredded pork and mix thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Warm the hamburger buns and fill each with a generous portion of the barbecue pulled pork.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your barbecue pork tenderloin buns.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork tenderloin rest at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Seasoning: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture, allowing the spice rub to adhere better and create a more flavorful crust.
- Low and Slow is the Secret: Cooking at a lower temperature (325°F) helps keep the pork tender and prevents it from drying out.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked pork, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F and let it rest to reach 150-155°F.
- Shredding Technique: Use two forks to pull the meat apart for that classic pulled pork texture.
- Sauce Matters: Choose a high-quality barbecue sauce or make your own for the most authentic flavor.
- Bun Selection: Opt for soft, slightly toasted hamburger buns to complement the juicy pulled pork.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 269kcal
Carbohydrates: 39g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 18mg
