Pork loin is grilled alongside potatoes in this Grilled Pork Tenderloin Foil Packet. An easy summer meal perfect for busy weeknights!.
There is nothing that screams summer quite like a good grilled dinner, right? I love it!
About a month ago, Mr. Maebell changed jobs and now works a more forgiving schedule. It has been great for us! It is so nice to have more family time. My favorite thing has been that he is home every night for dinner.
We just recently learned that some types of Smithfield® Marinated Pork are gluten-free, and it has become our go-to for a quick and hearty grilled dinner. You can get these easy dinner ideas at your local Food Lion. There are a lot of different flavors to choose from.
The Golden Rotisserie Marinated Fresh Pork Tenderloin flavor has been our favorite. It has a rich flavor that goes well on the grill. For a quick and easy dinner, try it with our favorite grilled potatoes with herbs. It only takes 30 minutes.
As an avid griller, I’m always looking for easy, foolproof ways to cook meat that turns out moist and delicious every time. One of my favorite tricks is grilling pork loin in foil packets. This method produces incredibly tender, juicy pork with tons of flavor in under an hour.
Cooking pork loin on the grill wrapped in foil allows the meat to gently steam and baste in its own juices, The foil pouch seals in moisture and prevents the lean pork from drying out over direct heat It also makes cleanup a breeze compared to grilling directly on the grates
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through everything you need to know to grill pork loin in foil like a pro. You’ll learn how to prep the meat, make foil packets, choose the best cooking times and temperatures, add flavorful ingredients, and avoid common mistakes
Let’s get started grilling up some melt-in-your-mouth pork!
Benefits of Grilling Pork Loin in Foil Packets
Here are some of the biggest benefits of using the foil packet method:
-
Seals in moisture – Foil prevents pork loin from drying out.
-
Enhances tenderness – Meat gently steams and becomes very tender.
-
Infuses flavor – Pork soaks up spices, herbs and marinades.
-
Minimal mess – Foil packets contain juices and drippings.
-
Quick cooking – Pork cooks fast in foil over direct heat.
-
Easy cleanup – No scrubbing charred meat off grill grates!
Choosing the Right Pork Roast for Foil Grilling
The best cut of pork for grilling in foil is a boneless center-cut pork loin roast, ideally 2-3 pounds. You want a roast that is:
- Boneless for even cooking
- Lean to avoid excess grease
- Uniformly shaped to cook evenly
- Not enhanced or injected with broth (too salty)
Pork tenderloin is too small and thin for foil grill packets. And bone-in cuts take too long to cook through. Stick to a nice boneless pork loin roast.
Prep Work for Grilling Pork Loin Packets
Preparing the pork loin for foil grilling only takes a few minutes:
- Trim excess fat – Leave a thin layer for moisture.
- Rub with oil – Helps browning and ensures even cooking.
- Season well – Use spices, herbs, garlic, etc. They’ll really pop!
- Sear (optional) – In a hot pan to add flavor.
- Cut into chunks – For more even cooking in packets.
And that’s it – the pork is ready for the foil and grill!
Building Foil Packets for the Pork Loin
You’ll want heavy-duty aluminum foil that won’t tear on the grill. For a 2-3 lb roast, cut two sheets about 18 inches long.
To make packets:
- Place pork chunks in center of foil sheets.
- Top pork with sliced onion, garlic, seasoning.
- Add a drizzle of oil or sauce if desired.
- Seal packets by bringing together foil edges and folding over several times.
- Fold and crimp edges to tightly seal pouch while leaving room inside for steam circulation.
The pork is now ready to head outside to the hot grill!
Grilling Times and Temperatures for Pork Loin
The grill heat and total cooking time depends on how large/thick your pork loin roast is:
-
2 lb roast – Grill at medium heat (350°F) for 25-35 minutes.
-
3 lb roast – Grill at medium heat (350°F) for 35-45 minutes.
-
4-5 lb roast – Grill at medium heat (350°F) for 50-60 minutes.
No peeking! Resist opening the foil or you’ll lose moisture and heat. Use a meat thermometer through the foil to check doneness – pork should reach 145°F.
Let rest 10 minutes before carefully opening packets. Beware of hot steam. Then dig into your succulent grilled pork loin!
Flavoring Ideas for Foil-Grilled Pork Loin
One benefit of the foil method is infusing the pork with lots of flavor. Try mixing in:
- Chopped onions, garlic, peppers – classic aromatics
- Fresh herbs – rosemary, thyme, sage, etc.
- Spice rubs – chili powder, cumin, paprika, etc.
- Teriyaki, bbq sauce, mustard – for saucy flavor
- Lemon, lime, orange – bright citrus notes
- Sauerkraut, pineapple – sweet and tangy combo
Get creative with ingredients you love! The sealed packet traps every bit of flavor.
Mistakes to Avoid When Grilling Pork Loin in Foil
To get perfect results, steer clear of these common pork loin grilling mistakes:
- Poking holes in the foil – Causes moisture loss.
- Cooking over direct high heat – Can burn exterior before interior cooks.
- Not sealing packet well – Juices will leak out.
- Undercooking – Use a meat thermometer to check 145°F.
- Overcooking – Pork dries out quickly over 160°F.
- Flipping packet – Just leave alone for even cooking.
- Opening foil too soon – Causes moisture loss.
Follow my tips and you’ll get tender, juicy pork loin every time thanks to the foil!
Can You Grill Pork Loin Without Foil?
While grilling in foil is a very effective technique, you can also cook pork loin directly on grill grates. The keys are:
- Use indirect heat, around 350°F.
- Pre-sear meat for enhanced flavor.
- Monitor temperature closely.
- Baste with sauce to prevent drying.
- Allow resting time before cutting.
Grilling without foil requires a bit more attention, but can give great charred exterior flavor. Foil packets remain the easiest, most foolproof method in my experience.
Serving Up Your Perfectly Grilled Pork Loin
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving your flavorful grilled pork loin masterpiece. Here are some of my favorite ways to plate it up:
- Slice into medallions and top with chimichurri sauce.
- Chop or shred for tacos with pineapple salsa.
- Pair with grilled veggies and couscous salad.
- Rest on hoagie rolls for Italian pork sandwiches.
- Dice and toss with barbecue sauce and slider buns.
- Slice thin for grain bowls with rice and kimchi.
Any way you serve it, foil-grilled pork loin is guaranteed to be a big hit! Juicy, tender and full of flavor, this is about to become your new go-to grilling recipe.
Can I Use Another Veggie?
Of course! But since you’ll be grilling the vegetables along with the pork, you should choose a vegetable that takes about the same amount of time to cook as the potatoes.
How to Grill Pork Tenderloin
You haven’t had pork loin cooked on the grill in foil until now! Here are the basic steps to cook pork tenderloin on the grill in foil:
- We start with simple, wholesome ingredients. Smithfield® Golden Rotisserie Marinated Fresh Pork Tenderloin, small red potatoes, garlic, Parmesan, fresh rosemary and sage, a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- We cut the potatoes into eighths and put them in a bowl.
- Toss the potatoes in olive oil so that they are all covered. Then we add our parmesan, herbs, salt and pepper.
- Get a big piece of foil and spray cooking spray on it. Put the Smithfield® Marinated Pork Tenderloin in the middle and the potatoes on either side of it.
- Then shut the package up tight so that all the flavors cook at the same time on the grill.
How To Grill Pork Loin – Plus A Simple Honey Mustard Glaze
FAQ
How do you keep a pork loin from drying out on the grill?
Should I wrap my pork loin in foil?
How long does it take to grill a pork loin?
Is it better to grill or bake pork loin?
How long should you cook a pork loin on a grill?
Place the seasoned pork loin directly on the grill grates over indirect heat and cook for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. Remove the pork from the grill and allow to rest for 15 minutes before slicing into 1/4 inch slices and serving.
How do you cook a pork loin on a gas grill?
Once that temperature is reached, transfer the pork loin to the cooking grate that is directly above the lit burners on the gas grill or the charcoal on the charcoal grill top side down. Sear until the internal temperature reaches 145˚F and remove and cover with tin foil and allow to rest for 15 minutes.
How long do you cook a pork loin on a charcoal grill?
Place the pork loin on the cooking grate over the non-lit burner (s) or where there is no charcoal. Grill for about 1 hour, checking at the 30 minute mark. When the temperature reaches 130˚F, move the pork over the direct heat – the burners that are on or directly over the charcoal – top side down.
What temperature should a pork loin be on a grill?
Grill the pork loin until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F in the thickest part of the meat (in the center). Make sure to insert your thermometer accurately, then rest before serving. The pork loin will be hot once it comes off the grill.