If you’re craving something that packs a punch of flavor yet feels light and fresh, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Barbecue Pork Tenderloin Wraps Recipe. Tender, juicy pork rubbed with a bold blend of spices and drizzled with sweet and tangy barbecue sauce wrapped snugly in a soft tortilla creates a bite that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving up a quick lunch or a casual dinner, these wraps bring the perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and creamy, all in one easy-to-make package your whole family will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Barbecue Pork Tenderloin Wraps Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together for a harmonious flavor and texture play. Each element, from the spice rub on the pork to the fresh veggies and creamy dressings, plays a vital role in building layers of taste and providing vibrant color contrast.
- 1 pound pork tenderloin: The star of the dish, lean and tender, perfect for quick cooking and slicing thinly.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spices.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Brings a gentle heat and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a sweet smoky undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a richer, smokier profile essential for that barbecue feel.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: For just enough warmth and complexity.
- 1 dash cayenne pepper: A cheeky kick to wake up your taste buds.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a mellow garlicky aroma without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon dry onion flakes: Adds a bit of savory texture and subtle bite.
- Chopped lettuce: Brings crisp freshness that balances the richness of the pork.
- Diced tomatoes: Juicy bursts that brighten each wrap.
- Diced onions (optional): For those who love a bit more sharpness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds melt-in-your-mouth creaminess and sharp flavor.
- Barbecue sauce: Sweet, tangy, and smoky — the soul of this recipe.
- Ranch dressing: Creamy and cooling, it plays beautifully with the spicy pork.
- Flour tortillas (warmed): Soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping all the delicious fillings.
How to Make Barbecue Pork Tenderloin Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch any drippings and spray it lightly with nonstick spray. This simple prep helps your pork cook evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Create and Apply the Spice Rub
In a small dish, mix together the brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and dry onion flakes. Pat your pork tenderloin dry with a paper towel to ensure the rub sticks well. Generously coat the pork all over with the spice mix and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This step builds a flavorful crust that will make every bite deliciously addictive.
Step 3: Cook the Pork
Place the seasoned pork tenderloin on the prepared baking sheet. Roast it in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 145 degrees Fahrenheit inside. Once done, cover the pork loosely with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the pork moist and tender. After resting, slice the pork thinly on a diagonal for the best texture and presentation. If you prefer, grilling the tenderloin adds an extra smoky char that pairs perfectly with the spices.
Step 4: Assemble Your Wraps
Warm your flour tortillas until soft and pliable. Lay one flat and pile on the sliced pork with your choice of chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, optional onions, and shredded cheddar. Don’t forget the essentials — drizzle a generous amount of barbecue sauce and a squirt of ranch dressing. These sauces give the wraps their signature rich, tangy, and creamy flavor that makes this Barbecue Pork Tenderloin Wraps Recipe a total crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Barbecue Pork Tenderloin Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add a refreshing twist when sprinkled on top. A few pickled jalapeño slices can also bring a nice zesty punch if you like a little heat. These simple garnishes make the wraps look appetizing and add an extra layer of flavor that your guests will notice.
Side Dishes
Serve these wraps alongside crispy sweet potato fries or a light coleslaw to round out your meal. A fresh corn salad or grilled corn on the cob complements the smoky flavors wonderfully. For a lighter touch, a bright cucumber and avocado salad offers cool creaminess that balances the savory pork.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the finished wraps into bite-sized pinwheels to serve as party appetizers or finger foods. You can also switch out the flour tortillas for whole-wheat or spinach wraps to add color and nutrition. Wrapping each tortilla tightly in parchment paper or foil makes them perfect for lunchboxes or picnics, and keeps them neat to eat on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pork slices and fillings can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the barbecue sauce and ranch dressing separate until serving prevents the wraps from becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked pork tenderloin slices in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. However, fresh veggies and tortillas don’t freeze well, so it’s best to prepare the wraps fresh or freeze the components separately.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pork slices in the microwave or on the stovetop until just heated through. Rewarm tortillas wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Assemble the wraps fresh after reheating for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?
While pork tenderloin is ideal for its lean tenderness and quick cooking time, you could also use pork loin or even boneless pork shoulder if you adjust cooking times accordingly. Keep in mind these cuts might be fattier or require slower cooking for best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps available at most stores. Just be mindful to check your barbecue sauce and ranch dressing labels for any hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I grill the pork tenderloin instead of baking it?
Definitely! Grilling the pork tenderloin adds a beautiful smoky char that enhances the barbecue flavor. Just make sure to monitor the temperature so it cooks evenly and reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
What if I want it spicier or milder?
You can easily customize the heat level by adjusting the cayenne pepper and chili powder in the rub. For a milder flavor, reduce or omit these spices. For more heat, add extra cayenne or even some hot sauce to the barbecue sauce.
Can I prepare these wraps ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you can prep all the components separately ahead of time — cook and slice the pork, chop the veggies, and have your sauces ready. Assemble the wraps just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Barbecue Pork Tenderloin Wraps Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals for busy weeknights and laid-back get-togethers. It hits that perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and fresh, and the wraps are so versatile you can dress them up or down to suit your mood. Give these a try and watch how quickly they disappear at your table — the perfect share-worthy dish everyone will love.
Print
Barbecue Pork Tenderloin Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Barbeque Pork Tenderloin Wraps are a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Tender slices of dry-rubbed and oven-roasted pork tenderloin are wrapped in warm flour tortillas with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and topped off with tangy barbeque sauce and creamy ranch dressing. The flavorful pork rub combines sweet, smoky, and spicy notes, making these wraps a crowd-pleaser packed with bold flavors and fresh textures.
Ingredients
Pork Rub
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 dash cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dry onion flakes
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound pork tenderloin (dry rubbed, cooked, sliced on the diagonal)
- chopped lettuce
- diced tomatoes
- diced onions (optional)
- shredded cheddar cheese
- barbeque sauce
- ranch dressing
- flour tortillas (warmed)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the pork from sticking.
- Mix the Dry Rub: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and dry onion flakes. This mixture will give the pork a sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor.
- Rub the Pork: Pat the pork tenderloin dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Generously rub the spice mixture all over the pork, coating it evenly. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Roast the Pork: Place the seasoned pork on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from the oven, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes to retain juices.
- Slice the Pork: After resting, slice the pork very thinly on a diagonal, which helps maximize the tenderness and makes it easier to wrap.
- Assemble the Wraps: Warm the flour tortillas. Place a portion of sliced pork on each tortilla, then add your desired fixings such as chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and optional diced onions. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, then drizzle with barbeque sauce and ranch dressing for the perfect flavor combination.
- Serve: Fold or roll the tortillas to enclose the fillings and serve immediately while warm and fresh.
Notes
- You can substitute the oven roasting with grilling if preferred, which will add a nice smoky charred flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the dry rub according to your taste.
- For a lower calorie option, use reduced-fat cheese and light ranch dressing.
- These wraps can be prepared ahead by cooking the pork in advance and assembling just before serving.
