Cooking pork loin on the barbecue can yield incredibly juicy, flavorful results when done properly. Follow this guide to learn tips and techniques for prepping, seasoning, grilling and slicing pork loin for your next backyard barbecue.
What is Pork Loin?
Pork loin refers to a center cut loin chop from the tissue along the upper side of the pig’s rib cage, It’s the same cut of meat that can be sliced into pork chops, Pork loin is an excellent cut for grilling because it is lean yet packed with flavor This makes it a perfect canvas for whatever bold dry rubs or marinades you want to use
A 2-3 pound pork loin will easily feed a family, or a larger 5 pound roast can feed a whole backyard barbecue party Pork loin has less fat than other cuts like shoulder or belly But the little bit of marbling it does have bastes the meat while grilling to keep it nice and moist.
Pork Loin vs Pork Tenderloin
It’s important not to confuse pork loin with pork tenderloin. While they sound similar, they are different cuts of meat. Pork tenderloin is a thin, tubular piece that runs next to the backbone. Pork loin is much larger and comes from higher up on the ribcage.
Pork tenderloin cooks faster, while pork loin offers more hearty meat per serving. Either can taste delicious with some simple seasoning and hot fire, but keep their differences in mind.
How to Prep Pork Loin for Grilling
Getting the pork ready for grilling takes just a few easy steps:
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Trim the Silverskin: Silverskin is the thin, shiny membrane covering the outside of the loin. Use a sharp knife to slice under it and peel it off. Leave any thick fat cap intact.
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Coat in Oil: Rub down the pork with a thin layer of oil. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning.
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Season the Meat: Coat all sides of the loin with your favorite dry rub or spice blend. Get into every nook and cranny.
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Marinate (Optional): For added flavor, let the seasoned loin marinate for 30 min – 1 hour before grilling.
Once prepped, the pork loin is ready to hit the hot grill!
How to Grill Pork Loin
Grilling pork loin using a two-zone indirect/direct heat method ensures even cooking and a juicy interior:
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Preheat Grill to 350°F: Use direct heat on one side and no heat on the other.
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Sear Over Direct Heat: Place loin over direct heat 3-5 minutes per side to get nice sear marks.
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Finish Over Indirect Heat: Move to indirect heat and close the grill. Cook until internal temp reaches 145°F.
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Rest and Slice: Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing into 1/4 inch pieces.
Keeping the roast over indirect heat prevents it from burning while allowing the inside to gently cook through.
How Long to Cook Pork Loin on a Grill
- 1-2 pounds – 35-45 minutes
- 3-4 pounds – 50-70 minutes
- 5 pounds – 80-100 minutes
Cook times vary based on the size of your pork loin, as well as how hot your grill runs. Always rely on a meat thermometer over a clock. The pork is safely cooked once it registers 145°F internally.
Tricks for the Juiciest Grilled Pork Loin
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Brine it: Soaking the pork in a saltwater brine before grilling helps it retain moisture.
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Spritz while cooking: Mist the pork with apple juice or other spritz to prevent drying out.
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Don’t overcook: Cook just until it reaches 145°F internally.
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Let it rest: Allowing the pork to rest after grilling allows juices to redistribute.
Best Seasonings for Grilled Pork Loin
The mild flavor of pork loin benefits greatly from bold seasonings and marinades. Consider rubbing with:
- Spicy cajun or jerk seasonings
- Herby Mediterranean dried spices
- Sweet and tangy barbecue rub
- Fruity chutneys or jams
- Savory sauces or glazes
Experiment with layering flavors on your pork. First coat with dry seasoning, then finish with a sauce for maximum flavor impact.
What Are the Best Wood Chips for Grilling Pork?
Adding wood chips or chunks to your charcoal or gas grill is an easy way to infuse tasty smoke flavor into pork loin or chops. Good wood varieties to try are:
- Apple wood – sweet, fruity smoke
- Cherry wood – mildly sweet
- Pecan wood – nutty and versatile
- Hickory wood – classic, bold smoke
Soak chips in water before using to prevent burning. Hickory and apple are surefire pork pairings, but it’s fun to experiment with different woods too.
Side Dishes for Grilled Pork Loin
A perfect pork loin deserves tasty accompaniments. Here are classic pairings:
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Tangy coleslaw or broccoli salad
- Cheesy scalloped potatoes or twice baked potatoes
- Skillet apples with cinnamon and brown sugar
- Fresh watermelon, peach or berry salad
Let the delicious flavors of summer shine by serving your grilled pork loin with seasonal fruits and veggies. Set out a few tasty sauces on the table too for drizzling over top.
Leftover Pork Loin Recipes
Leftover pork makes for excellent sandwiches, stir fry, soups and more. Here are delicious ways to repurpose your leftovers:
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Pork loin sandwiches – Slice up leftovers for sandwiches on ciabatta rolls with peppery arugula and chimichurri.
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Pork ramen – Thinly slice and add to chicken or vegetable ramen.
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Pork fried rice – Dice and add to fried rice with vegetables and egg.
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Pork quesadillas – Dice pork and combine with cheese, peppers and onions for quesadillas.
Buy a large pork loin roast so you can enjoy delicious leftovers for days after your barbecue. The possibilities are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Pork Loin
How do I know when pork loin is done grilling?
Use an instant read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F. This ensures the pork reaches safe doneness without overcooking.
Can you grill pork loin from frozen?
It’s best not to grill frozen pork. Thaw it safely first by keeping refrigerated 1-2 days before grilling.
Should pork loin rest before serving?
Yes, allowing pork to rest about 10 minutes after grilling allows juices to redistribute through the meat. Skipping this step means dry pork!
Can I grill a whole pork loin or just chops?
You can grill either bone-in pork loin chops or a boneless whole pork loin roast. Whole loin may take slightly longer but provides beautiful presentation.
What if my pork loin is too done and dry?
If slightly overcooked, serve drizzled with extra sauce to add moisture. If badly burned, chop up to use in soups, tacos or stir fries instead.
In Summary
When prepared with care and cooked over a hot grill, pork loin can be succulent, flavorful and crowd-pleasing. Use flavorful rubs, indirect heat and a meat thermometer for best results. Rest the pork before slicing and serve alongside fresh seasonal sides. Leftovers make amazing sandwiches too! Follow these tips for your best grilled pork loin yet.