How to Smoke a Pork Loin on a Pellet Grill for Juicy, Flavorful Meat

Smoking a pork loin on a pellet grill is an easy way to make incredibly moist, tender and flavorful pork With just a few simple steps, you can have restaurant-quality smoked pork loin ready to slice and serve.

Why Smoke a Pork Loin on a Pellet Grill?

There are several advantages to using a pellet grill to smoke a pork loin

• Pellet grills provide consistent low and slow cooking temperatures which are ideal for smoking larger cuts of meat like pork loin. The temperature stays steady so you don’t have to constantly adjust the heat.

• Wood pellet flavors infuse into the meat for better flavor. Popular flavors like hickory, maple and cherry impart a lovely smokiness.

• Pellet grills are very simple to use. Just load the pellets, set the temp and let the grill do the work. There’s no need to constantly tend to the fire like a traditional smoker.

• Moisture is retained since pellet grills function as convection ovens. The pork loin doesn’t dry out.

• You get that lovely pink smoke ring just under the surface that is characteristic of true barbecue.

So if you want juicy, smoky and hassle-free smoked pork loin, a pellet grill is the way to go.

How to Smoke a Pork Loin on a Pellet Grill

Smoking a pork loin on a pellet grill is simple but follow these tips and tricks for the best results:

Choose the Right Pork Loin

• Select a boneless pork loin roast that is about 2 to 3 pounds. Boneless allows for more even cooking.

• Choose a roast with good marbling throughout for more moisture and flavor after smoking.

• Make sure the pork loin doesn’t have any tears or irregularities in the structure.

Prepare the Pork Loin

• Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels.

• Apply a dry rub at least an hour before smoking. A classic barbecue rub works very well.

• For extra moisture and flavor, you can brine the pork loin overnight but it’s not required.

• Let the loin sit at room temperature while the pellet grill heats up.

Smoke the Pork Loin

• Preheat your pellet grill to 225°F using your favorite barbecue wood pellets.

• Place the pork loin directly on the grates fat side up.

• Insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the loin if your grill doesn’t have one.

• Smoke the pork loin for 2 1⁄2 – 3 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

• The pork loin is done when it’s firm but has a slight jiggle and the meat has shrunk back from the bones about 1⁄2 inch.

Rest and Slice the Pork Loin

• Remove pork loin from the grill and let rest for 10-15 minutes.

• This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat.

• Slice into 1⁄2” thick pieces across the grain.

• Serve warm with your favorite barbecue sides and sauces.

With just a bit of preparation and timing, you can easily smoke pork loin on a pellet grill for unbelievably juicy and flavorful results. The pellet grill handles the smoking so you get consistent low heat, lots of wood smoke flavor and very little hands-on effort.

Tips for the Best Smoked Pork Loin

Use these tips for foolproof, delicious smoked pork loin every time:

• Apply a flavorful dry rub at least an hour before smoking. The spices and aromatics will get a chance to penetrate the meat.

• Smoke with slightly sweeter wood pellets like apple, cherry or pecan which complement pork well.

• Use a water pan or spritz with apple juice periodically to add moisture to the pellet grill.

• Insert temperature probes into multiple spots to account for irregular shapes.

• Pork loin is done between 140-145°F. Don’t overcook or it will dry out.

• Let rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.

• Slice against the grain for tenderness. This makes a difference!

• Save the bone and scraps to make smoked pork stock.

Common Pork Loin Pellet Grill Problems and Fixes

Smoking pork loin on a pellet grill is pretty foolproof but you may run into a few issues:

Problem: Pork loin is tough and dry

Fix: This is often because it was overcooked. Double check your thermometers and rely on temperature over times. Take it off at 140-145°F.

Problem: Pork loin has no smoke flavor

Fix: Use more wood pellets next time or wrap in foil to capture more smoke. Make sure pellet grill is producing TBS (thin blue smoke).

Problem: Pork loin is unevenly cooked

Fix: Pat it dry so it cooks evenly. Place on grill with thickest part near firebox. Use multiple temp probes.

Problem: Bark is too hard

Fix: Use a lower temp (200-225°F) and wrap at stall around 160°F. Mist with apple juice to soften bark.

Problem: Pork loin doesn’t get enough smoke

Fix: Smoke for longer, use more pellets, don’t wrap or puncture foil when wrapping to allow smoke in.

With a few simple precautions, your pellet grill smoked pork loin will turn out perfect every time. The results are well worth the minimal effort.

Incredible Pellet Grill Pork Loin Recipes to Try

Take your smoked pork loin to the next level with these amazing recipes:

• Maple Bourbon Smoked Pork Loin – Smoked with maple pellets then glazed with maple syrup and bourbon.

• Porchetta Pork Loin – Seasoned inside and out with Italian herbs and spices.

• Brown Sugar and Chili Rubbed Pork Loin – Sweet with a touch of heat.

• Mediterranean Herb Crusted Pork Loin – Oregano, basil and lemon make this pop.

• Soy Sauce and Brown Sugar Pork Loin – Savory and sweet Asian flavors.

• Cracked Pepper and Herb Pork Loin – Elegant yet easy smoked loin.

• Apricot Glazed Smoked Pork Loin – Sweet apricot jam glaze is incredible.

With just a simple pork loin and your favorite rubs, brines and glazes, you can create amazing smoked masterpieces in your pellet grill. The possibilities are endless.

Smoking pork loin on a pellet grill results in incredibly moist, tender and flavorful meat with very little effort. Follow these tips for the best smoked pork loin and experiment with different seasonings and wood smoke flavors. You’ll impress yourself and any guests with these foolproof results.