Cooking pork roast on a pellet grill results in incredibly moist smoky and flavorful meat. The low indirect heat allows the pork to cook gently while absorbing delicious wood smoke. Follow this simple guide for tips on choosing the right cut, proper seasoning techniques, recommended cook times, and more for pellet grill pork roast perfection.
Benefits of Cooking Pork Roast on a Pellet Grill
Pellet grills provide the perfect cooking environment for pork roast Here’s why you should grill your next pork roast on a pellet grill
- Infuses pork with rich, smoky wood fired flavor
- Allows fat to render slowly, keeping meat incredibly moist
- Provides consistent low temperatures ideal for slow roasting
- Requires minimal monitoring during long cooks
- Frees up oven space for side dishes
- Gives meat an attractive smoke ring around the outside edge
Pellet grills like Traeger are ideal for roasting tougher cuts like pork shoulder or pork butt. The indirect heat gently breaks down the collagen in the meat, resulting in fork tender texture.
Choosing the Right Pork Roast
The best cuts of pork for pellet grilling include:
- Pork shoulder / Boston butt – Well marbled for moisture, with great flavor
- Pork loin – Leaner and more uniform in shape, less fat
- Bone-in pork shoulder – More flavorful with the bone still attached
- Pork crown roast – Elegant presentation for holidays
For pulled pork, choose a bone-in Boston butt. For slicing, a center cut pork loin works well. Plan for 1/2 pound of uncooked meat per person. A 5-8 lb roast will feed most families.
Seasoning and Preparing the Pork Roast
To get the pork ready for the pellet grill:
- Trim off any excess fat or silverskin
- Thoroughly coat all sides with dry rub or marinade
- Allow to marinate for 30 mins – 12 hours
- Insert a meat probe into the thickest part (if available)
Good pork rubs include sweet and savory spices like brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic, and cumin. Herb marinades also pair nicely with pork.
Step-by-Step Guide to Pellet Grilling Pork Roast
Follow these simple steps for smoking pork roast on a pellet grill:
1. Preheat Pellet Grill
Bring pellet grill to 225-250°F using mesquite, hickory, cherry or apple wood pellets.
2. Add Pork Roast
Place seasoned pork roast on grill grates away from direct heat. Insert meat probe if using.
3. Smoke the Roast
Smoke roast at 225-250°F for 6-8 hours until internal temp reaches 195-205°F.
4. Rest and Serve
Remove roast and allow to rest 15-20 minutes before slicing across the grain.
Maintaining a consistent, low temperature between 225-250°F is ideal. The pork is ready when it hits 195-205°F internally and probes tender.
Approximate Pellet Grill Times for Pork Roast
- 2-3 lb pork loin – 1.5 – 2 hours
- 4-5 lb pork shoulder – 5-7 hours
- 8 lb pork butt – 10-12 hours
Cook times vary based on size of roast and pellet grill temp. Always cook to internal temp rather than time.
Tips for Moist, Tender Pork Roast
- Use bone-in cuts for more flavor and moisture
- Cook low and slow – do not exceed 250°F
- Allow meat to rest before slicing into it
- Use a water pan for extra moisture
- Swap wood pellet flavors 2-3 hours in
Going low and slow is key. Be patient and do not rush the process. Resting also allows juices to reabsorb for a juicier result.
Serving Smoked Pork Roast
Slice into thick pieces and serve smoked pork roast with:
- Homemade barbecue sauce
- Macaroni and cheese
- Collard greens or coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Mashed potatoes
- Corn on the cob
- Cornbread
Playing around with different wood smoke flavors like hickory, apple, pecan and mesquite allows you to vary the flavor profile each time you make it.
Storing Leftover Smoked Pork Roast
Let cool completely, then store leftovers:
- Refrigerated for 5-7 days
- Frozen for 4-6 months
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Chop or shred leftovers for easy use in tacos, sandwiches, soups and more.
FAQs About Cooking Pork Roast on a Pellet Grill
What is the best wood pellet flavor for pork?
Fruit woods like apple and cherry impart a mild sweetness that pairs nicely with pork. Hickory and maple are other good options.
Should I brine the pork before grilling?
Brining is not necessary but can help keep the meat extra juicy. Soak in a salt, sugar and water solution for 4-12 hours.
What if my pork roast is undercooked?
If slightly under, you can slice and return it to the pellet grill until cooked through. If very undercooked, continue cooking until safe temp is reached.
Is it necessary to rest pork roast after grilling?
Yes, resting for 15-20 minutes is crucial. Skipping this step means dry, tough meat. Always let it rest before serving.
What smoke temperature works best for pork butt?
Aim for 225-250°F on your pellet grill. Do not exceed 275°F, as higher heat can cause the exterior to overcook.
Conclusion
With minimal hands-on time required, pellet grills make cooking tender, perfectly smoked pork roast easy. Apply your favorite spice rub, set the grill to a low smoke setting, and let the pellet grill do the work while you relax or prepare sides. Rest the meat afterwards for best results. Refer to this guide for tips and suggested cook times for your next flawlessly smoked pork roast.