Roasted pork loin is a delicious and impressive entrée for any occasion. Perfectly cooked pork loin should have a rosy pink center and browned, crispy exterior. But knowing exactly how long to barbecue pork loin can be tricky. Here is a detailed guide on achieving BBQ pork loin perfection.
Introduction
Pork loin is an elegant yet easy to prepare cut of meat from the back of the pig. It is naturally lean and tender with just the right amount of fat marbling to keep it moist during cooking. When barbecued correctly, the pork loin develops a caramelized and slightly charred crust on the outside, while the interior meat stays juicy and pink.
The cooking time for barbecuing a pork loin can vary quite a bit depending on the size and thickness of the meat, as well as your desired level of doneness. So how do you know exactly how long to BBQ a pork loin? Follow the tips below for foolproof results.
How Big is Your Pork Loin?
The first step is to take into account the weight and dimensions of your particular pork loin roast. Pork loins can range from around 1 pound for a small roast up to 4 pounds or more for a very large, bone-in loin.
Obviously a smaller, thinner 1 pound roast will require less time on the grill compared to a thick, heavy 4 pound pork loin. So weigh and measure your pork roast and take note of its size.
As a general guideline for BBQ cooking times:
- 1 pound pork loin – 30 to 40 minutes
- 2 pound pork loin – 50 to 60 minutes
- 3 pound pork loin – 1 to 1 1/4 hours
- 4 pound pork loin – 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours
The shape of the roast also matters. A shorter, fatter loin will need a bit more time than a longer, thinner one of the same weight.
Get an Accurate Meat Thermometer
The most reliable way to test the doneness of your barbecued pork loin is to use a good digital instant read meat thermometer. This takes the guesswork out of determining if the pork is cooked through.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the loin, avoiding any bones. Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F for safe consumption. The meat will still have a hint of pinkness at this temp.
For more well-done pork aim for an internal temp closer to 160°F. The roast should rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking before carving, allowing the juices to redistribute. During the rest time the internal temperature will rise another 5-10 degrees.
Consider Your Desired Doneness
How you want your barbecue pork loin cooked also impacts the grilling time. Do you prefer your pork cooked to medium doneness with a warm rosy pink center? Or would you rather have your pork well done all the way through without any pink meat?
- For a medium cook with a pink center, roast the loin until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- For well-done pork cook the roast to 160°F on a meat thermometer.
Well-done meat does require a longer cooking time. And take care not to overcook the pork or it can become dry and chewy.
Factor in the Thickness
The thickness or thinness of your pork loin roast will influence the grilling time needed. A thick 3-4 inch loin will obviously take longer to cook through to the center than a thinner 1-2 inch piece of meat.
A thin loin under 1 inch thick may need only 15-20 minutes total on the barbecue. While a 4 inch thick pork roast could require 50-60 minutes or more depending on the cooking method.
When in doubt, check for doneness early and continue cooking if needed. You can also reduce the roast to a more uniform thickness before grilling.
Watch for Caramelized Exterior
Visual signs can also indicate your pork loin is cooking properly. The outer layer will gradually caramelize and turn a rich golden brown color. Up to 1/4 inch of charring on the crust is ideal.
Once the roast has browned on all sides but the internal temperature is still below 145°F, try moving the pork to a cooler part of the grill or turning down the heat. This allows the inside to finish cooking without over-charring the outside.
Cooking Methods
The way you barbecue the pork loin will impact the duration as well. Faster, hotter methods like direct grilling require less time compared to slower, indirect cooking.
Direct Grilling
Cooking the pork loin directly over the heat source is a quick method. Use medium-high heat (400°F) and turn the roast every 5 minutes or so for even browning. Total cooking time is usually around 25-30 minutes for a 2 pound loin.
Indirect Grilling
With indirect heat the pork is placed off to the side of the grill and cooks more gently from the ambient heat. Keep the temperature around 325°F and allow 35-45 minutes for a medium 2 pound pork loin depending on thickness.
Smoking
Smoking low and slow greatly increases the cooking time but infuses the pork with delicious smoky flavor. Cook around 225-250°F and expect at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours for a 3 pound roast.
Rotisserie
Rotisserie cooking over indirect heat helps self-baste the roast and promotes even cooking. Plan on 45-60 minutes for a 2 1/2 pound loin.
No matter the method, always use an instant read thermometer to check for proper doneness. Remove the pork from the grill when it reaches your desired temperature.
Key Tips for Grilling Pork Loin Perfection
Follow these tips and tricks for reliably excellent barbecue results:
- Choose a uniform, well-trimmed pork loin roast for easiest cooking.
- Brine the meat in a saltwater solution for added moisture and flavor.
- Preheat grill fully before adding pork. Clean oiled grates will prevent sticking.
- Sear all sides of the loin directly over heat during first 5-10 minutes of grilling.
- Move roast to indirect heat to finish cooking if it is thick or getting too charred.
- Turn pork every 10-15 minutes while barbecuing for even cooking.
- Glaze or baste roast during last 10-15 minutes only to avoid burning.
- Allow pork loin to rest tented in foil for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Carve loin across the grain into thin slices for maximum tenderness.
How Long to BBQ a Pork Loin
When perfectly barbecued, pork loin is juicy, tender and slightly pink inside with a flavorful browned crust. Use the guide below to determine approximate grilling times for various sizes:
- 1 pound loin – 30 to 40 minutes
- 2 pound loin – 45 to 60 minutes
- 3 pound loin – 1 to 1 1/4 hours
- 4 pound loin – 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours
The times above are general estimates. Always rely on a meat thermometer to assess doneness rather than just cooking time. Pork loin is done when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
With the proper techniques you can achieve restaurant-quality barbecue pork loin right in your own backyard. Now that you know exactly how long to grill pork loin, get ready for your best and juiciest results yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I cook a 2 pound pork loin on the grill?
For a 2 pound boneless pork loin, allow about 45-60 minutes of grilling time depending on the thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check for 145°F for medium doneness or 160°F for well done.
What is the minimum safe internal temperature for grilled pork loin?
The USDA recommends cooking pork to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F to safely destroy bacteria and parasites. Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before serving, the temp will rise another 5-10 degrees.
Should pork loin be grilled fat side up or down?
It’s best to grill pork loin fat side up. This allows the fat to render downward and baste the meat, keeping it moist and adding flavor. The fat will also protect the loin from drying out.
How can you tell when pork loin is done grilling?
The best way to determine doneness is using an instant read thermometer inserted in the thickest part without touching bone. Pork loin is done between 145-160°F. Also look for an evenly browned exterior.
What is the difference between grilling and smoking a pork loin?
Grilling uses medium-high direct heat to quickly cook and add flavor. Smoking uses very low indirect heat and can take up to 2+ hours for smoked flavor to penetrate. Both methods are delicious!
Conclusion
A perfectly grilled pork loin is truly impressive. Follow the advice above on proper thickness, cooking methods, thermometer temperatures and resting times for succulent, juicy results. While BBQ times can vary, using a thermometer is foolproof. In no time, you’ll be an expert on exactly how long to grill pork loin for your ideal doneness.