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.
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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.
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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
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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Anxious to try this! I’m curious – Have you ever made this in a crock pot?
I 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.
Holy 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.
Do you make a side to go with this? If so, what? On your recipes can you include some suggestions for sides please! : )
Typically 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.
We paired this with a green salad (greens, avocado, red onion, Primal Kitchen greek dressing) and baked (hasselback) sweet potatoes.
Sounds delicious 🙂
One of the best meals I’ve made in a while. Had a 2.5 pound pork loin that I cut length wise in half to keep cook time close. No dates on hand so left them out. It was so good! Tender and flavorful. Served with beets and asparagus. Thanks for the great recipes!
We 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!
This was DELICIOUS! Thank you for such a yummy recipe! 🙂
If 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.
If you aren’t concerned with sticking to paleo soy sauce, or GF soy sauce would work, use one with less sodium.
I sometimes use Braggs Liquid Aminos
This was hands down the best pork tenderloin recipe I’ve ever had! Thank you so much for sharing.
That’s great!! Thrilled you liked it so much 🙂
This is amazing! I’ve got it book marked and I plan to use the date sauce on a regular basis. Absolutely delish!
What about using figs instead of dates? 🙂
Haven’t tried it but worth a shot 🙂
This recipe is fantastic! Delicious recipes like this have made our Whole30 journey so much easier. Thanks for sharing!
I’m so happy you liked it, yay!