This Smoked Paprika Pork Tenderloin is incredibly flavorful. With just 4 simple ingredients you can make a pork tenderloin rub that can kick up the flavor on any type of meat. We use this homemade paprika rub on pork or chicken at least twice a month. It is a favorite dinner of my entire family.
The smoked paprika gives pork so much flavor. It has become our go-to seasoning for any type of meat. I use it all the time on roast chicken, pork tenderloin, pork ribs, burgers, and more.
We really do use this recipe more than any of my others. Paprika pork tenderloin this easy rub is a standard in our dinner rotation and is nice enough that I serve it to dinner company at least a few times a year. My kids like to eat it with applesauce. I serve this pork tenderloin recipe with mashed cauliflower a lot of the time.
Paprika Pork Tenderloin Rub Ingredients:
Smoked paprika *** - Using 'smoked paprika' and not regular paprika is a must because of the added smokey flavor!
Garlic powder - Garlic powder pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the paprika.
Onion powder - A hint of onion powder on your pork adds great flavor.
Salt - Kosher salt, sea salt, or pink salt are all fine choices.
How to Make Smoked Paprika Rub
Just add the 4 rub ingredients to a small bowl, plastic container, or zipper storage bag and stir or shake.
Pro Tip: Combine in a jar and shake. I usually make a good amount at once (using ½ cup of the first three and ¼ cup of salt) since we use this often but you can make as little as a few tablespoons. That is all you need for one recipe of the pork. (The mixture needs to be kept in an airtight container or bag for freshness)
***Note: You NEED smoked paprika. Regular paprika will not work. It is worth it. Amazon has it readily available and it has so much flavor.
This is the Best Pork Tenderloin Ever. And the simplest. All you need is a twin pack of pork tenderloins + my smoked paprika rub.
Pork tenderloins tend to come in a two-pack where I buy them. They are about 1 pound each and Costco sells them in a twin pack (so four pieces of meat). One pack is perfect for our family for dinner so I get two dinners for about $6 each. If we are having company I will cook both packs.
How to Cook Pork Tenderloin
Step One: Sear the paprika pork in a large oven-safe skillet. I sear the pork tenderloin on every surface possible. You want a nice deep brown crust the whole way around.
Step Two: Once you have seared the pork simply pop it into the oven and bake until you have your desired doneness.
Variations
Pan Sauce - If you'd like some gravy deglaze the pan with chicken broth and a little white wine. Let it come to simmer, season with salt and pepper, and then thicken with a pinch of xanthan gum. You can add fresh herbs like fresh parsley or rosemary if you have some. Sauteed onions or shallot are delicious as well.
Herbs - Thyme, rosemary, and sage are nice additions to the paprika pork rub.
Spices - Black pepper, hot paprika, and cumin are other good choices to add to the rub.
Common Questions
Can I use the pork tenderloin rub on other meat?
Of course! If you want to try this pork tenderloin rub on chicken put it on the meat side of bone in skin on chicken thighs and roast them. Season the skin side only with salt (the rub can burn when broiling chicken skin to get it crispy). I normally roast chicken at 400 until it is 160 degrees and then turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes to make sure the skin is super crispy.
This paprika pork rub is also excellent on Keto Wings and pork chops as well! I've also used this on our pork steaks, too, and it was delicious.
What temp do I cook pork tenderloin to?
I cook my pork until it is 140-145 degrees and then let it rest to come up to 150 -155.
How do you cook a pork tenderloin without drying out?
The keep to keep most pork recipes from drying out is that you have to pay close attention to the cooking time and the internal temperature. A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that you're not overcooking the pork and you can then pull it off the heat right when you need to.
How long can you keep a tenderloin in the refrigerator?
As long as you're storing pork correctly in an airtight container, it should stay fine in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just be sure to reheat it and get it back to the appropriate temperature the next time that you're ready to enjoy it.
What foods pair well with pork?
Most foods pair really well with paprika pork! Cooked carrots, sauteed mushrooms, fresh cucumbers, and tomatoes - they're all at the top of my list. If you have a side dish that you want to make, make it and add it as an option. It's a great way to add more flavors to create a hearty and healthy meal.
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📖 Recipe
Ingredients
Rub Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon salt
Pork Tenderloin
- 3-4 tablespoon smoked paprika rub
- 2 pork tenderloins
Instructions
Rub:
- Combine in a jar and shake.
Pork Tenderloin:
- Preheat oven to 425. Liberally coat the pork tenderloins with the rub.
- Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add a few tablespoons of the oil of your choice. I usually spray it with an olive oil sprayer. Sear the pork on all four sides for the best crust.
- Move the pan into the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes until the pork reaches 145 degrees. If you do not have an ovenproof skillet you can transfer the pork to a baking dish at this point to finish cooking in the oven.
- Let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally Published February 6, 2016. Revised and Republished June 15, 2022.
Charlene says
Can this be cooked in crock pot on low??
Taryn says
Yes, you can reference this recipe for instructions: https://joyfilledeats.com/slow-cooker-pork-tenderloin/
Greta says
This recipe is so good! I made it for lunch and everybody loved it. Thanks for the recipe
Glenda says
Quick, easy and delicious! It was a perfect recipe that I'll definitely use again. Thanks!
Renae says
So you use all the rub, 7 T, on the two tenderloins?
Renae says
So sorry, just reread the recipe and saw it.
Judith Robinson says
I made this for my son and his family, he said it was like eating a meal at a five star restaurant ... therefore I rated it 5 stars, even the children loved it!
RACHAEL CHUMNEY says
Just made this for the first time -- I absolutely love the flavor! Thank you!
Anne says
I have regular paprika and liquid smoke. How could I use this in the recipe?
Taryn says
I'm not overly familiar with liquid smoke. I suppose you could rub some on the pork before adding the rub.
Fly says
What is the serving size??
Taryn says
1/6th of the meat. Which is about 5 ounces.
Adina says
I have a Dutch oven pot, I can sear the meat and then place in the oven to roast it. But should I leave it uncovered?
Taryn says
Yes, I'd leave it uncovered.
Jerome says
Can this rub be used when cooking my Tenderlion on my Rocky Moutain Smoker? Looking for a recipe that adds flavor without being spicy?
Taryn says
We make this rub but with regular paprika when we use our smoker.
Jennifer Richard says
Loving your recipes! I do see that you use your smoked paprika rub on a few recipes. Do you have them homemade blend to this? I can't find it on the site or anything like it in our store. Thanks for your help!!
Taryn says
It is in this recipe 🙂 I do equal parts smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and then 1/2 of a part salt.
Barb Lord says
Could this be made in the crockpot? Would I still have to sear it first?
I have a 3 1/2 lb pork roast to cook and am gone for 10 hours at work.
Taryn says
Yes, if it's a fatty cut. It will fall apart like pulled pork though. I use this same rub for pulled pork. You do not have to seat it.
Barb Lord says
Thanks! I'll give it a try.