Barbecuing pork loin is a delicious way to enjoy this lean and versatile cut of meat. But knowing how long to cook pork loin on the grill is important to ensure it turns out juicy, tender and safe to eat.
This comprehensive guide will provide tips on selecting the right pork loin, techniques for preparing pork loin for the grill, advice on cooking times based on thickness and preferred doneness, resting, carving and serving perfectly barbecued pork loin.
Selecting and Preparing the Pork Loin
Choosing the right cut of pork loin is the first step to barbecuing success. Opt for a center cut boneless pork loin roast that is evenly shaped with decent marbling throughout. Avoid roasts that have irregular thin or thick parts which will cook unevenly.
Pork Loin Cut Options
- Boneless loin roast – Most common cut for grilling. Uniform shape cooks evenly.
- Bone-in loin roast – Takes longer to cook but bones add flavor.
- Pork loin chops – Quick cooking but can dry out easily. Best for direct high heat grilling.
- Butterfly chops – Cut from the loin with a pocket cut to allow even cooking.
- Boneless sirloin roast – From rear of loin. Lean but flavorful.
Preparing Pork Loin for the Grill
- Trim excess fat – Leave 1⁄4 inch fat cap to prevent drying out.
- Coat with rub or marinade – For flavor and moisture. Avoid sugary sauces that can burn.
- Bring to room temperature – For more even cooking.
- Pat dry – So spices and rubs adhere better.
- Score fat cap – To prevent curling when grilling.
- Truss or tie – For an even shape. Not necessary for chops.
Proper preparation is key to succulent grilled pork loin.
How Long to Grill Pork Loin
Grilling times for pork loin can vary greatly depending on the size, thickness of the cut and whether it is bone-in or boneless.
Here are some general guidelines for achieving perfect doneness when barbecuing pork loin:
Pork Loin Roasts
Boneless Pork Loin Roast
- 1 to 2 pounds – Grill for 45 to 60 minutes
- 2 to 3 pounds – Grill for 60 to 75 minutes
- Over 3 pounds – Grill for 70 to 90 minutes
Bone-in Pork Loin Roast
- 1 to 2 pounds – Grill for 60 to 75 minutes
- 2 to 3 pounds – Grill for 75 to 90 minutes
- Over 3 pounds – Grill for 90 minutes to 2 hours
Pork Loin Chops
- 1/2 inch thick – Grill for 10 to 14 minutes
- 3/4 inch thick – Grill for 12 to 18 minutes
- 1 inch thick- Grill for 15 to 23 minutes
These barbecue times are based on grilling over direct medium heat. Cooking over indirect low heat will take longer.
Always use an instant read thermometer to check for doneness rather than relying solely on grill times.
Checking Pork Loin Internal Temperatures
Judging doneness of pork loin by temperature is more reliable than going by time alone. Use an instant read digital thermometer to be sure pork reaches safe but not overcooked internal temperatures.
- 145°F (63°C) – Safe minimum temperature. Pork will be slightly pink.
- 160°F (71°C) – Medium doneness. Pork is pale pink.
- 170°F (77°C) – Well done. Pork is completely white throughout.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the loin without touching any bones. Test in a few spots to confirm the minimum safe temperature has been reached.
When taking pork loin off the grill, the temperature will rise another 5-10° so slightly underdone is perfect.
Resting Pork Loin After Grilling
Resting barbecued pork loin correctly helps lock in juices for a tender and moist result.
- Let it rest – Allow pork to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Tent loosely with foil – To keep pork warm without steaming.
- Drain juices – Tip roast and collect juices to add to sauce or gravy.
- Don’t reuse juice platter – To avoid bacterial contamination.
Proper resting is just as important as proper grilling when cooking pork loin.
Pork Loin Carving Techniques
Carving grilled pork loin into perfect slices takes a little know-how. Follow these tips:
- Use a sharp carving or chef’s knife. Serrated is helpful for bones.
- Slice across the grain for tender slices. Identify grain first.
- For bone-in, slice parallel to bones then remove slices.
- For boneless, securely tuck under and slice evenly.
- For chops, cut between bones then slice meat off bones.
- Make slices about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
- Arrange attractively on platter slightly overlapping.
Practice makes perfect when learning how to properly carve barbecued pork loin.
Serving and Leftover Pork Loin
Carved grilled pork loin makes an impressive entrée for backyard barbecues, summer dinner parties or easy family meals.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with barbecue sauces – Sweet, savory, spicy flavors.
- Offer vinaigrettes – Bright citrus or herb flavors.
- Accompany with compound butters.
- Round out meal with side dishes – Grilled veggies, potatoes, salad.
- Offer buns for pulled pork sandwiches.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow to cool completely.
- Refrigerate within 2 hours in shallow airtight container.
- Use within 3 to 4 days.
- Reheat gently in microwave, oven or skillet.
- Work into new recipes like pizza, sandwiches, tacos.
With proper storage, leftover barbecued pork makes easy meals for days.
Knowing exactly how long to grill pork loin results in perfectly cooked barbecue every time. Reference these guidelines and techniques for selecting, preparing, grilling, resting, carving and serving juicy pork loin that’s a hit off the grill.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Pork Loin
Grilling pork loin leaves many first-timers with questions. Here are answers to some of the most common queries:
How long per pound should I grill pork loin?
As a general estimate, allow 15-20 minutes per pound for boneless loin and 18-25 minutes per pound for bone-in cuts. Larger roasts take comparatively less time than smaller ones.
Can you grill pork loin from frozen?
Yes, frozen pork loin can be grilled but will take 50% longer. Thaw first for best results.
Should pork loin be grilled fat side up or down?
Grill fat side up to allowrendering and prevent drying out. The fat will melt and baste the meat.
What is the best cut of pork for grilling?
The loin is the top choice. It is lean, tender and cooks quickly. Chops are good too for their uniform shape. Avoid shoulders which have more connective tissue.
How can you tell when pork loin is done grilling?
Use a meat thermometer for the most reliable doneness test. Pork is safely cooked between 145°F-170°F based on preference. Look for clear juices as well.
What is the best wood for smoking pork loin?
Fruit woods like apple and cherry impart a mild sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with pork. Hickory and pecan are robust options too.
Should you wrap pork loin while grilling?
You can wrap in foil when nearly done cooking to power through any stall points in the final stages. But do allow exposure to smoke and charring for flavor.
Can you overcook pork loin on the grill?
Yes, it can dry out if cooked past 170°F. Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking. The meat should not be tough if properly cooked and sliced correctly.
How do you keep pork loin moist when grilling?
Marinade, brine or rub with oil before grilling. Don’t overcook. Allow it to rest before slicing. Cooking indirect heat on a gas or charcoal grill will help prevent drying out as well.
Tips for Grilling Juicy, Flavorful Pork Loin
Cooking the perfect grilled pork loin requires skill and technique. Here are some top tips from the experts:
- Choose quality meat – Select cuts with good marbling but trim excess fat for best results.
- Marinate or brine – Buttermilk, wine, broth, fruit juice all impart flavor and moisture when marinated.
- Apply a spice rub – Smoky, sweet or savory rub flavors permeate the meat beautifully.
- Preheat grill properly – Allow grill to heat 15-20 minutes to ensure even cooking temperature.
- Use both direct and indirect heat – Sear over direct heat then finish cooking indirect for ideal caramelization and moisture.
- Flip only once – Resist the urge to flip pork multiple times which can lead to dryness.
- Rotate meat – Occasionally rotate to compensate for hot and cool spots on grill.
- Use grill thermometer – Helps monitor grill temperature for consistent heat levels during grilling.
- Check internal temperature – Be diligent with a meat thermometer for safety and proper doneness.
- Let rest before slicing – Never cut into pork straight off the grill or juices will run out.
Conclusion
Learning how long to barbecue pork loin to juicy perfection is simple with the right techniques. Choose a good quality cut, prepare with a rub or marinade, grill using both direct and indirect heat until the internal temperature reaches 145-170°F based on preference, let rest adequately before slicing against the grain, serve and enjoy! With this complete guide there is no need to ever over or undercook pork loin again.