Grilling pork loin in foil packets is an easy and delicious way to cook this lean cut of meat. The foil helps seal in moisture flavor and nutrients while allowing the pork to cook evenly on the grill. Follow this simple guide for tips, tricks and recipes to make perfect grilled pork loin in foil every time.
Benefits of Cooking Pork Loin in Foil on the Grill
There are several advantages to grilling pork loin in foil packets rather than cooking the meat directly on the grill grates
-
Keeps the pork moist and juicy, The foil seals in natural juices and steam to prevent the lean pork from drying out over direct heat
-
Infuses flavor. You can add fresh herbs, spices, sauces and marinades directly into the foil packet to deeply season and flavor the pork as it cooks.
-
Retains nutrients. Cooking in an enclosed environment minimizes nutrient loss compared to exposing the meat directly to open-flame grilling.
-
Easy cleanup. Foil packets eliminate the need for a pan or skillet on the grill and contain mess. Once cooked, simply toss the foil.
-
Versatile. Foil packs can be placed directly on the grill grates or nested in a disposable aluminum pan for easy transfer on and off the grill.
-
Even cooking. The foil allows heat to circulate evenly around the pork, preventing burning or undercooking.
Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Pork Loin in Foil
Grilling pork tenderloin in foil packets is simple. Just follow these easy steps:
Ingredients Needed
- 1-2 lbs pork tenderloin or pork loin roast
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Seasonings of choice (salt, pepper, garlic powder, herbs, etc.)
- Optional: vegetables, potatoes, fruit
Prep the Pork
-
Pat pork dry and trim off any excess fat or silver skin. Brush all over with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. This prevents sticking and promotes browning.
-
Season the pork generously on all sides with desired seasonings. Herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage pair well with pork.
Assemble Foil Packs
-
Tear off a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, about 18-20 inches long. Fold up the edges to create a rimmed baking sheet. Spray with cooking spray. This catches juices.
-
Place pork in the center of the foil. Top with lemon slices, pepper slices, fresh herbs, chopped garlic or any other flavorings.
-
Optional: Add sliced vegetables like potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini or pineapple chunks to make a complete meal.
Seal the Foil Packs
-
Bring the two sides of the foil together and fold over several times to seal the packet. Make sure the packet is completely enclosed.
-
For added insurance, wrap the foil packet in a second sheet of foil, fully enclosing the pork.
Grill the Packets
-
Preheat grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F.
-
Place foil pack(s) directly on preheated grill grates. Close the lid.
-
Grill for 20-30 minutes, flipping packet halfway through. Use tongs to flip carefully.
-
Pork is done when it registers 145°F on a meat thermometer. Total cooking time depends on thickness of pork.
Finish and Serve
-
Carefully open packet away from face to avoid steam. Pork should be juicy and cooked through.
-
Let rest 5 minutes before slicing into medallions. Serve with pan juices drizzled over the top.
-
Pair with grilled vegetables, rice pilaf, couscous or salad. Enjoy!
Handy Tips for Grilling Pork Loin Packets
-
Double wrap packets in foil for extra insurance against rips and tears.
-
Choose thicker, bone-in pork loin chops or roast for more flavor and juiciness. Bone conducts heat evenly.
-
Cut potatoes into small, uniform pieces so they cook at the same rate as the pork.
-
Nestle packets in a disposable foil pan on the grill if concerned about ripping or losing juices.
-
Use chicken stock, fruit juice or wine instead of water in the packet for extra moisture and flavor.
-
Add a pat of butter inside the packet for even more richness.
-
Preheat grill adequately – medium to medium high heat works best.
-
Use foil packets to cook larger cuts of pork evenly like pork shoulder or pork butt.
5 Delicious Pork Loin Foil Packet Recipes
These flavorful recipes use the foil pack grilling method to infuse pork loin with tons of flavor.
1. Hawaiian Pork Packets
-
Ingredients: Pork loin, pineapple chunks, bell pepper, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes
-
Flavors: Sweet, savory and slightly spicy
2. Pork Fajita Packets
-
Ingredients: Pork loin, peppers, onions, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, cilantro
-
Flavors: Zesty Tex-Mex flavors
3. Mediterranean Pork Packets
-
Ingredients: Pork loin, grape tomatoes, basil, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, olive oil, lemon
-
Flavors: Bright, fresh Mediterranean flavors
4. Hoisin Pork Packets
-
Ingredients: Pork loin, broccoli florets, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger
-
Flavors: Sweet and savory Asian-inspired
5. Dijon-Herb Pork Packets
-
Ingredients: Pork loin, small red potatoes, Dijon mustard, rosemary, thyme, lemon
-
Flavors: Tangy, herby and aromatic
The possibilities are endless when cooking pork loin in foil on the grill! Let your imagination run wild with global flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Pork Loin in Foil
Should I marinate the pork first?
Marinating is optional but adds lots of flavor. An easy marinade is 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup soy sauce or balsamic vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves and 2 Tbsp fresh herbs. Marinate 30 minutes to overnight.
What temperature should I grill the pork loin at?
Medium to medium high heat, around 375-400°F, works best. The foil allows for a slightly lower temp than direct grilling. Use a grill thermometer to check temperature.
How long does it take to grill pork loin in foil?
Cooking time depends on thickness of pork but averages 20-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer; pork is safely cooked between 145-160°F. Rest 5 minutes before checking temp.
Can I grill pork loin from frozen in foil?
Yes, it’s fine to grill frozen pork loin the same way but extend cooking time. Thaw first for more even cooking.
What happens if my foil packet rips on the grill?
Use double layered heavy-duty foil and wrap tightly to prevent rips. Nest packets in a foil pan for extra protection. If a tear occurs, quickly transfer packet to pan to finish cooking.
Cooking pork loin on the grill in foil is an easy dinner solution that keeps this lean cut tender and juicy. Experiment with different flavor combos and enjoy restaurant-quality pork entrées at home.