This Paleo and Whole30 Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin has a sweet and smoky sauce that’s refined sugar free, incredibly delicious and even kid friendly! The recipe can easily be doubled for a crowd and the prep is just 10 minutes. 
I have been meaning to post this recipe for 6 whole months – no joke! Every single month, I scheduled it on my calendar and then kicked it off. I can’t explain why – it’s my family’s favorite way to eat pork and actually the only way we eat it ever since I tried out the recipe last June.
Nope, I definitely won’t be blaming the recipe since a.) bacon-wrapped anything is always delicious b.) the sauce is downright drinkable – I know that sounds weird but it’s totally not, trust me and c.) it’s Whole30 AND naturally sweetened with dates. Although had I used dates to sweeten desserts prior to making this – it was the first time I used dates in a savory sauce, and, I was WAY impressed.
So the recipe itself has nothing to do with why I’ve been hanging on to this one. In fact, I have a scary number of savory dinner recipes that I haven’t gotten around to posting for one reason only – the photo process makes me insane.
Part of it is the timing (I have to cook dinner early – like 6 hours early – for optimal light) and part of it is the production of setting up a “dinner scene” when I’m the only one home, plus showing the meal in different stages of prep always seems to take forever.
Whatever the excuses are though, I need to work through them ASAP! I’m thinking January will be the perfect excuse to cut the crap and start posting all these Whole30 goodies I’ve been postponing.
And now, back to this one – my bacon wrapped pork! What I love about this recipe (um, besides what I already said?) is that the prep is seriously FAST! I used my food processor to put together the sauce and it took about a minute. There’s no marinating prior – just pour half the sauce on the pork, layer on the bacon, pour on the remaining sauce, and roast. It’s that simple!
Pork tenderloins are skinny (I used a “fat” one and it was still relatively narrow) so they cook fast in the oven. Depending on the size of your pork, you’re looking at at 30-40 minute cook time. Plus, you’ll still have room in your oven to roast some potatoes or other veggies – I roasted my pork at 400 F which is also a good temperature for veggie-roasting! I wouldn’t want to be left in a bind with no roasted potatoes – I don’t think you’d like it either.
This recipe is also easy to double if you’re cooking for a larger family, a crowd, or want leftovers – the cook time will likely change so make sure to take the temperature of the meat to know for sure that its done.
Are you ready for smoky-sweet bacon wrapped deliciousness? Let’s go!
Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin {Paleo & Whole30}
Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin {Paleo & Whole30}
Ingredients
- 1.25-1.5 lb pork tenderloin Whatever is available in this range is fine, cook time might vary based on the size of your tenderloin
- 1/3 cup pitted dates softened*
- 2 Tbsp water
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos
- 2 Tbsp brown mustard
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- sea salt to sprinkle on meat
- 6 slices nitrate free sugar free bacon (for Whole30) - I get mine from U.S. Wellness Meats
Instructions
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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.
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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!
Recipe Notes
*You can soak dates in very hot water for 20 minutes to soften them up
Nutrition
What I used to make my bacon wrapped pork tenderloin:
Want more Paleo and Whole30 family dinner ideas? Try one of these!
Easy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs
Slow Cooker Meatballs in Marinara Sauce
Turkey Meatballs with Apples and Herbs
Tell Me!
Have you used dates in savory sauces?
Would you like to see more dinner-type recipes? They are on their way!
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Mel_OUTRUN_CF says
December 4, 2016 at 9:18 pmThanks for sharing! Looks delicious! And yes to more dinner recipes! I do need inspiration haha
Michele says
December 5, 2016 at 3:41 pmI need some too actually! I’ve gotten into my dinner rotation rut and I need to find a way out!
Emily says
December 5, 2016 at 9:54 pmOoh… I love that you brought this out now; I think this would make a family a really perfect holiday meal.
Becky says
December 9, 2016 at 5:29 pmI would like to make this, but what could I replace the dates with? My husband and I are keto, low carb.
april says
August 2, 2017 at 12:16 pmI am keto as well and I would just leave the dates out.
Michele says
August 4, 2017 at 10:32 amIt’s still very good without the dates!
Sarah says
December 9, 2016 at 9:27 pmHey i found your recipe while planning a menu for a month of Whole 30. I’d never heard of coconut aminos before so i checked out the link you provided. From what i read it looks almost like a sugar substitute. Do you know if this ingredient is whole 30 compliant, and if not will the recipe still taste good without it? I guess i can try it and see for myself, but wondering if you’ve tried it.
Michele says
December 9, 2016 at 10:32 pmCoconut aminos is not a sugar substitute – it is used in place of soy sauce (soy sauce contains wheat and soy) and is Whole30 compliant: http://whole30.com/2013/06/the-official-can-i-have-guide-to-the-whole30/
Katie R says
January 11, 2017 at 12:00 pmI tried this with a deer loin because I had one in my freezer and it turned out just as amazing! thank you for the recipe 🙂
Michele says
January 11, 2017 at 1:16 pmOoh that sounds good! So glad it worked for you 🙂
Karen Etters says
January 14, 2017 at 7:09 pmUmmm…what am I supposed to do with the other half of the bacon? The recipe is not clear as written.
Michele says
January 14, 2017 at 7:31 pmThe recipe reads “lay the half strips of bacon over the top of the pork” – you begin with 6 strips of bacon, cut them in half, and lay all the pieces over the top to cover the top of the pork loin. The loins are skinny enough that a half strip is long enough to lay over the top and gently tuck the ends underneath. Does this make sense?
Karen Etters says
January 15, 2017 at 1:56 pmOHHHHHH I SEE!!! “Lay the half strips!” not— “lay half the strips!” DUH!!! I read it at least a dozen times that way. THANK YOU! Had this last night and it was delicious. Even my husband who is not Paleo loved it. I mean come on, who doesn’t love bacon wrapped anything? The sauce was perfect – not too overbearing, just right. Thanks so much for the quick response.
Michele says
January 16, 2017 at 9:43 pmWe actually had this tonight too, the whole family loves it – so happy you guys did too!
Jessica says
January 29, 2017 at 8:58 pmI just made this for dinner and it is now one of my favorite recipes! It was so good!!
Michele says
January 29, 2017 at 9:52 pmFabulous! So thrilled you liked it 🙂
Emily says
May 3, 2018 at 11:06 amHI Michele, could I do this in my crock pot?
Michele says
February 4, 2017 at 8:51 pmDo you need to use brown mustard?
Michele says
February 5, 2017 at 4:50 pmI’d keep the mustard but it doesn’t have to be brown, just make sure the ingredients are Whole30 compliant if needed for whatever you’re using 🙂
Vivian says
February 10, 2017 at 3:09 pmWhat sort of dates does this require? Are they the ones that are dried already (with dried fruits etc.)
Thanks! Can’t wait to try!
Michele says
February 10, 2017 at 4:50 pmAny dates will do since you can soak them to re-moisten. If you can, get ones that look “gooey” in the package and not too dried out.
Rachel Winter says
February 14, 2017 at 9:41 pmI googled pork loin and whole 30 and found this. Omg- fantastic!! Made this for my family for Valentine’s Day and everyone loved it!
I did not have dates so made without and was delicious. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Michele says
February 14, 2017 at 9:43 pmOh wow so thrilled you guys liked it! The dates add a bit of sweetness but good to know you still enjoyed it without 🙂
Deb says
February 22, 2017 at 11:49 amThis was the best pork loin I’ve EVER made. So moist and delicious!!!
Michele says
February 22, 2017 at 11:51 amGreat! So thrilled you liked it 🙂
Belinda Cress says
March 10, 2017 at 3:39 pmMichele
I am fixing this for guests…tonight. I found a brand, Nature’s Place that was more ‘clean meat’ but they only had pork chops and loin, not TENDERLOIN> I bought the chops. They are 2 to a pack equalling 1 pound. I bought 3 packs giving me 3 pounds of meat. Any ideas on how I might modify this recipe for chops?
Thanks,
Michele says
March 10, 2017 at 10:25 pmHmm, you can probably wrap the chops, brown then on all sides in a cast iron, then add the sauce and finish in the oven or broiler, though I’m not sure what the time would be on that!
Mackenzie says
March 27, 2017 at 12:23 pmAnxious to try this! I’m curious – Have you ever made this in a crock pot?
Michele says
March 27, 2017 at 2:57 pmI haven’t! Not sure how that would work. The pork wouldn’t be an issue but you’d have to find a way to get the bacon crispy.
Brandie says
May 8, 2017 at 8:46 pmHoly cow, that was delicious! Took mine about 45 minutes to cook and I don’t think I soaked my dates long enough but it still tasted great. Definitely keeping this recipe handy.
Leigh-Anne Fitzgerald says
May 9, 2017 at 3:04 pmDo you make a side to go with this? If so, what? On your recipes can you include some suggestions for sides please! : )
Michele says
May 9, 2017 at 3:29 pmTypically we have sweet potato fries or baked french fries, roasted veggies or a green salad, plantains or tostones, butternut squash fries, that sort of thing.
Dolores says
August 8, 2017 at 3:25 pmWe paired this with a green salad (greens, avocado, red onion, Primal Kitchen greek dressing) and baked (hasselback) sweet potatoes.
Michele says
August 8, 2017 at 4:48 pmSounds delicious 🙂
Dolores says
August 8, 2017 at 3:23 pmWe made this for dinner last night… i had the ingredients all in house, the instructions were easy to follow, and we had a tasty, healthy dinner on the table in under and hour. Thank you for sharing!
Amy Wobser says
August 15, 2017 at 1:41 pmThis was DELICIOUS! Thank you for such a yummy recipe! 🙂
Stephanie says
August 31, 2017 at 7:44 amIf I don’t have Coconut aminos could I use soy sauce, or what would be a good substitute. We aren’t following ny specific eating plan. Thx.
Michele says
September 1, 2017 at 12:14 pmIf you aren’t concerned with sticking to paleo soy sauce, or GF soy sauce would work, use one with less sodium.
Tracy says
September 26, 2017 at 9:55 amI sometimes use Braggs Liquid Aminos
Karley says
September 8, 2017 at 10:43 amThis was hands down the best pork tenderloin recipe I’ve ever had! Thank you so much for sharing.
Michele says
September 10, 2017 at 8:55 amThat’s great!! Thrilled you liked it so much 🙂
Steve says
October 26, 2017 at 10:16 amThis is amazing! I’ve got it book marked and I plan to use the date sauce on a regular basis. Absolutely delish!
Jamie says
November 14, 2017 at 7:30 pmWhat about using figs instead of dates? 🙂
Michele says
November 15, 2017 at 4:59 pmHaven’t tried it but worth a shot 🙂
Bridget says
January 1, 2018 at 2:41 pmThis recipe is fantastic! Delicious recipes like this have made our Whole30 journey so much easier. Thanks for sharing!
Michele says
January 2, 2018 at 1:47 pmI’m so happy you liked it, yay!
Kelly says
February 18, 2018 at 8:23 pmI made this tonight and it was awesome! My picky husband even loved it!
Michele says
February 20, 2018 at 3:30 pmI’m so thrilled you guys enjoyed it!
Lori says
March 18, 2018 at 5:28 pmI just made this in my slow cooker – 5.5 hrs on low and crisped up the bacon in the broiler when it was done. It came out delicious!
Michele says
March 23, 2018 at 8:02 pmWow that’s awesome to hear, thanks for letting me know!
Melissa C. says
August 7, 2018 at 12:01 amSuper easy, super delicious! My husband raved. This will be a regular at our house.
Everlie says
September 21, 2018 at 3:31 pmI have made this recipe a million times. It is huge hit with my whole family. Sometimes I add bacon and sometimes I don’t. I substitute soy sauce for the coconut aminos. Thanks for a great recipe!
Deborah Geehring says
January 22, 2019 at 10:36 amI made this exactly according to the recipe (rare for me) because it sounded delicious and it really was! This goes in my Whole 30 book as a keeper. I had a 1lb 4oz tenderloin that I cooked for 30 minutes and it was about 5 minutes too long but otherwise it was mouthwateringly yummy. We’re having leftovers tonight – that good!
Jacqueline S says
May 18, 2019 at 9:48 amINCREDIBLE! This pork is out of this world! Thanks for keeping my family happily fed!
Nicole says
June 9, 2019 at 8:26 pmSuper good. Had a 4 lb pork loin, so wanted to cook in instant pot. Doubled sauce mix, basted & wrapped in bacon. Placed in instant pot on trivet. Used mixture of chicken broth & sauce for my 1.5c of liquid required. High pressure for 33 min, quick release and then put in oven at 400 to finish. Used a meat thermometer to make sure it came up to the right temp And the bacon got a little crispy. Soo good, I think my husband ate half of the pork! Thanks for the recipe!!!