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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I made this tonight and it was awesome! My picky husband even loved it!
I’m so thrilled you guys enjoyed it!
I 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!
Wow that’s awesome to hear, thanks for letting me know!
Super easy, super delicious! My husband raved. This will be a regular at our house.
I 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!
I 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!
INCREDIBLE! This pork is out of this world! Thanks for keeping my family happily fed!
Super 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!!!
I have a 4.6 lb pork tenderloin. I’ve seen to do the math 20min per lb but that was at 325 not 400. Should i lower the temperature to 325 bc it is so much bigger?
Hi Michelle! I love this recipe! I made it tonight and the only thing I changed was the size of my pork loin and I added cubed potatoes and sliced carrots. So yummy!
my new go-to pork tenderloin recipe…holy cow this was delicious. i immediately sent the recipe to all my whole30 people. so good – thank you!