Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin {Paleo and Whole30}

My Simple, Delicious Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin fits the bill perfectly. It’s a crowd-pleaser, impressive enough for company, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The sweet and smoky sauce adds a fantastic depth of flavor, and the whole thing comes together surprisingly quickly.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It’s naturally Paleo and Whole30 compliant, making it a healthy and guilt-free option. But even if you're not following those dietary guidelines, this dish is still a winner. The tenderloin is incredibly juicy and flavorful, and the bacon adds a wonderful salty crunch. My kids absolutely devour it, and I often double the recipe for larger gatherings or to have leftovers throughout the week. The prep time is minimal – about 10 minutes – and the oven does the rest. This is definitely a recipe I come back to again and again.

Tips and Tricks for Success:

Choosing your Pork Tenderloin: The size of your pork tenderloin will impact the cooking time. A larger tenderloin will require a bit more time in the oven. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 155°F for food safety.

Softening the Dates: For the smoothest sauce, make sure your dates are properly softened. You can do this by soaking them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the food processor.

Bacon Selection: I prefer nitrate-free, sugar-free bacon for a healthier and Whole30-compliant dish. However, any bacon will work wonderfully in this recipe.

Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. A simple side salad also complements the richness of the pork. For a complete meal, consider serving it with some quinoa or brown rice (if not following Paleo or Whole30).

Make-Ahead Options: While the actual cooking time is relatively short, you can save time by prepping the sauce ahead of time. The sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Variations:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy twist.

Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

Citrus Zest: A little orange or lemon zest adds a bright and refreshing note to the sauce.

This bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to simple, satisfying meals that bring people together. It's a recipe that I feel good about serving my family, knowing it’s both delicious and healthy. Give it a try and I'm confident it will become a staple in your kitchen too. Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Cut off the silver skin from your tenderloin and remove any excess fat.
• Sprinkle it with salt all over and set it in a roasting pan or large cast iron skillet.
• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
• To make the sauce, a food processor or high speed blender will work best. Place the softened dates and water in the food processor and process on high until a paste forms.
• Add the coconut aminos, mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder and black pepper and pulse until combined.
• Pour half of the sauce over the meat and turn to cover the bottom as well.
• Lay the half strips of bacon over the top of the pork to cover (tuck gently underneath if there's extra), then pour remaining sauce over the top and brush to evenly coat.
• Roast in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 155 degrees.
• If desired, place under the broiler for 5 minutes or until bacon is crisp.
• Allow the meat to rest 5-10 minutes, then slice and serve - enjoy!