{"id":2126,"date":"2025-07-26T09:23:08","date_gmt":"2025-07-26T14:23:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/three-little-pigs-bbq.com\/?p=2126"},"modified":"2025-07-26T09:23:08","modified_gmt":"2025-07-26T14:23:08","slug":"%f0%9f%90%96-whats-the-difference-between-pork-loin-and-pork-tenderloin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/three-little-pigs-bbq.com\/dev\/%f0%9f%90%96-whats-the-difference-between-pork-loin-and-pork-tenderloin\/","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udc16 What\u2019s the Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/three-little-pigs-bbq.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pork-loin-vs.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/three-little-pigs-bbq.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pork-loin-vs-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2127\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/three-little-pigs-bbq.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pork-loin-vs-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/three-little-pigs-bbq.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pork-loin-vs-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/three-little-pigs-bbq.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pork-loin-vs-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/three-little-pigs-bbq.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pork-loin-vs-700x1050.jpg 700w, https:\/\/three-little-pigs-bbq.com\/dev\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pork-loin-vs.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While they sound similar, pork loin and pork tenderloin are two very different cuts of meat that cook \u2014 and eat \u2014 very differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pork Loin<\/strong> is a wide, thick cut that comes from the back of the hog. It\u2019s firm, slightly marbled, and ideal for slow roasting, smoking, or slicing into chops. It\u2019s the perfect cut for feeding a crowd and pairs beautifully with dry rubs and glazes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pork Tenderloin<\/strong> is much smaller, leaner, and incredibly tender. It comes from the muscle tucked beneath the loin near the backbone. This cut cooks quickly and is best when grilled, roasted, or seared. Its mild flavor makes it a great match for marinades or a quick BBQ glaze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In short<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Pork Loin<\/strong> = Bigger, firmer, slower cook<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pork Tenderloin<\/strong> = Leaner, more tender, faster cook<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Both are delicious \u2014 but knowing the difference helps you cook each one to perfection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udd25<\/strong><strong> Pork Loin Recipes (Larger, Great for Smoking &amp; Roasting)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Smoked Pork Loin with Garlic &amp; Herb Rub<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Three Little Pigs Rub:<\/strong> Kansas City All-Purpose<br><strong>Instructions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rub down a 3\u20134 lb pork loin with olive oil and Kansas City All-Purpose.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smoke at 250\u00b0F for about 2.5 hours until internal temp hits 145\u00b0F.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rest 15 minutes, slice, and drizzle with Spicy Honey Maple Sauce.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Stuffed Pork Loin with Apple &amp; Sausage<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rub:<\/strong> Memphis Style Rub<br><strong>Instructions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Butterfly a pork loin and fill with saut\u00e9ed apples, cooked sausage, breadcrumbs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Roll and tie. Season outside with Memphis Rub.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Roast at 350\u00b0F until internal temp hits 145\u00b0F (~60\u201375 min).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Glaze last 15 min with Touch of Cherry BBQ Sauce.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. Grilled Pork Loin Chops<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rub:<\/strong> Championship BBQ Rub<br><strong>Instructions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Slice loin into 1.5-inch chops.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Season generously and grill over medium-high heat 6\u20137 min per side.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serve with grilled veggies and a side of Spicy Peach BBQ Sauce.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udd25<\/strong><strong> Pork Tenderloin Recipes (Lean, Fast Cooking)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. Grilled Maple-Dijon Pork Tenderloin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Three Little Pigs Rub:<\/strong> Spicy Honey Maple<br><strong>Instructions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rub tenderloin with olive oil and Spicy Honey Maple.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Grill over medium-high heat for 15\u201320 min, turning often.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rest, slice, and serve with a maple-dijon glaze or light balsamic drizzle.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. Roasted Tenderloin with Garlic &amp; Herb Crust<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rub:<\/strong> Texas Beef Rub<br><strong>Instructions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Coat tenderloin in a paste of olive oil, garlic, and Texas Beef Rub.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Roast at 425\u00b0F for 20\u201325 min until internal hits 145\u00b0F.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Slice thin and serve with roasted fingerling potatoes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rub:<\/strong> Championship Rub<br><strong>Instructions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rub tenderloin, wrap in bacon, and secure with toothpicks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Roast or grill over indirect heat until internal temp is 145\u00b0F (approx. 25\u201330 min).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Brush with Pecan BBQ Sauce and caramelize for 5 more minutes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\ud83d\udca1<\/strong><strong> Pro Tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Always rest your pork loin or tenderloin for at least 10\u201315 minutes before slicing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a digital thermometer \u2014 lean pork dries out fast if overcooked.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pair tenderloin with quick sides (slaw, sweet potatoes), while loin goes great with hearty sides (mac &amp; cheese, baked beans).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Chris Marks (CBBQE) Chief BBQ Expert Three Little Pigs BBQ Rubs &amp; Sauces <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While they sound similar, pork loin and pork tenderloin are two very different cuts of meat that cook \u2014 and eat \u2014 very differently. Pork Loin is a wide, thick cut that comes from the back of the hog. It\u2019s firm, slightly marbled, and ideal&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,3,6,5,17],"tags":[64,54,8,677,52,13,11,678,34,63,679,62,680,681,14,37],"class_list":["post-2126","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-bbq-classes","category-bbq-tips","category-meats","category-new-products","category-recipes","tag-bar-b-que","tag-barbecue","tag-bbq","tag-bbq-bacon-wrapped-pork-tenderloin","tag-bbq-grilling","tag-bbq-rubs","tag-chris-marks-bbq","tag-grilled-pork-loin-chops","tag-kansas-city-bbq","tag-pork-loin","tag-pork-loin-recipes","tag-pork-tenderloin","tag-pork-tenderloin-recipes","tag-pro-tips","tag-three-little-pigs-rubs","tag-world-champion-bbq"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/three-little-pigs-bbq.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2126","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/three-little-pigs-bbq.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/three-little-pigs-bbq.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/three-little-pigs-bbq.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/three-little-pigs-bbq.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2126"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/three-little-pigs-bbq.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2126\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/three-little-pigs-bbq.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2126"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/three-little-pigs-bbq.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2126"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/three-little-pigs-bbq.com\/dev\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2126"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}