You can’t go wrong with any of the meats I listed above, but I wanted to make a pork loin recipe for the Big Green Egg (or any other grill or smoker you have at home).
When you cook a mild and lean cut of pork low and slow, it gets a lot more flavor. That’s why you smoke a whole pork loin. You can use spice rubs, marinades, or just the smokey kiss that we all love to make it taste better.
Get the full recipe below, but be sure to read through this whole guide. I’ll go over everything, from how to get ready to cook to how to set up your grill and the best way to serve and store your roast. Let’s dive in!.
Here is some helpful information that will help you with this recipe, answer some of the most common questions, and give you ideas for changing things around.
Find out how to smoke a traditional pork loin on your grill! This is the best BBQ recipe for the whole family.
Pair with my Keto Carolina BBQ mustard sauce for the perfect way to dip and enjoy!
Pork loin is a lean, tender cut of meat that can make for an easy, delicious dinner when cooked properly. While pork loin has a reputation for drying out easily, cooking it low and slow at 250 degrees Fahrenheit helps keep the meat incredibly moist and flavorful
But exactly how long does it take to cook pork loin at 250 degrees? In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know for cooking foolproof pork loin every time
Why Cook Pork Loin at 250 Degrees?
Cooking pork loin at a low 250 degree oven temperature does a few key things:
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Allows the roast to cook evenly from edge to center without burning the outside.
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Gives the collagen in the meat time to break down into gelatin, keeping it tender and juicy.
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Minimizes moisture loss by cooking slowly without high heat.
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Infuses the pork with smoky, roasted flavor over several hours.
While cooking at higher temps is quicker, it causes the pork loin to dry out. Low and slow is key for the best texture and flavor.
How Long to Cook a Pork Loin at 250 Degrees
The cooking time for pork loin at 250°F depends on the size and thickness of the roast. Here are general guidelines:
- 2-3 lbs: 1 1⁄2 to 2 hours
- 4-5 lbs: 3 to 4 hours
- 6-7 lbs: 4 to 5 hours
For accurate doneness, however, it’s best to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Cook until the pork loin reaches an internal temp of 145°F for slightly pink meat or 160°F for well-done.
The total cooking time can vary based on your specific roast shape and density. Focus on the internal temp, not just the time.
Step-by-Step Guide for Cooking Pork Loin at 250°F
Follow these simple steps for foolproof roasted pork loin at 250 degrees:
1. Prepare the Pork Loin
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Choose a 2-5 lb pork loin roast with some marbling or fat cap for moisture.
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Pat the meat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
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Tie with butcher’s twine to maintain shape (optional).
2. Season Generously
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Coat all sides with olive oil and then rub with spices like garlic powder, salt, pepper, rosemary, etc.
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Let sit 30-60 minutes to absorb flavors.
3. Sear the Pork Loin
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sear roast on all sides until nicely browned, 2-3 minutes per side.
4. Roast at 250°F
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Preheat oven to 250°F.
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Place pork loin on a wire rack atop a sheet pan.
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Roast until internal temp reaches 145-160°F, 1 1⁄2 to 5 hours.
5. Rest and Slice
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Remove pork loin and let rest 15 minutes before slicing.
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Carve into 1/2 inch slices and serve!
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Pork Loin
Follow these tips for the juiciest, most flavorful roasted pork loin:
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Let roast sit out for 30-60 minutes before cooking for more even cooking.
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Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked pork without overcooking.
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Let pork rest before slicing to allow juices to reabsorb for tender meat.
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Add liquid like wine, broth, or juice to the pan to baste and add moisture.
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Flip roast halfway through cooking to prevent uneven cooking on bottom.
Pair With Delicious Side Dishes
Roasted pork loin makes a simple yet impressive entree. Pair it with sides like:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Honey glazed carrots
- Green bean almondine
- Buttery cornbread
- Rice pilaf
- Roasted root vegetables
Get Creative With Rubs and Sauces
Plain salt and pepper is delicious, but get creative with rubs and sauces:
- Cider herb rub
- Jalapeño lime rub
- Mustard and garlic rub
- Brown sugar and chili powder rub
- Peach bourbon barbecue sauce
- Ginger teriyaki glaze
- Spicy mustard sauce
Cooking pork loin low and slow at 250°F delivers tender, mouthwatering results every time. Refer to this handy guide for timing, temperature, seasoning, and side dish ideas for your next irresistible pork loin dinner.
What Woods Pair Best With Smoked Pork?
Lighter, fruit based woods are your best bet when working with pork based proteins on the smoker. Too strong of a wood (mesquite or hickory) will greatly overpower your meat and ruin the dish. Stick to one of the following:
- Pecan Wood
- Cherry Wood
- Apple Wood
- Peach Wood
- Maple
- Alder
I opted for a 1:2 ratio of cherry wood to pecan wood for this cook. The cherry gave it a nice beautiful color and the pecan layers beautifully as well. Place the wood throughout your charcoal pile so it doesn’t all burn up at once.
BBQ Pork Loin Preparation Methods:
You might need to trim and prepare your pork loin before cooking, depending on how it comes. I chose not to crosshatch or score the fat cap because it didn’t really have one when I bought it because it had very little fat cap left. I did inspect the meat and removed the silver skin and large pieces of connective tissue.
Spread a little mustard on the pork loin roast to get it ready for the rub. You want to see the meat through the binder you’re using. A little is all you really need here.
Evenly coat your meat on the top, bottom, and on all four sides. Pat it down as needed so it adheres. Because I wanted my roast to stay round, I tied it every few inches with butcher’s twine. This is simply for looks and has no other purpose, do so if you choose!.
Since grills and smokers aren’t always the same, it’s helpful to know how to tune yours and set it up the way the manufacturer says to. I used a ceramic kamado style grill (Big Green Egg) for this cook.
My grill was set for indirect heat, low and slow at 250 degrees F. You can even set it a little lower 225 degrees F. to give yourself some wiggle room if need be. I like 250 degrees F.
Place a foil drip pan under the grates or under the pork loin roast itself. I used a disposable foil pan with a cooling rack on top to let air flow. You can also put foil over your heat deflector plates to keep the fat and juices from getting all over the place. I’m all for fast and easy clean up whenever I can get it!.
HOW TO MAKE PORK LOIN ROAST IN THE OVEN
FAQ
How long does a pork loin take to cook at 250 degrees?
How long to cook pork at 250 per pound?
How long to smoke a 10 lb pork loin at 250 degrees?
How long to cook a pork loin at 275 degrees?
What temperature should a pork loin be cooked at?
You may want to try a slow cook pork loin in oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking your pork loin at a low temperature may take longer, but you end up with a more tender, juicier roast. To cook pork roast uncovered in the oven at 250 F, first preheat your oven and then pat your roast dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
How long do you cook a pork loin in the oven?
Internal Temperature: Cook pork loin to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) on a food thermometer or instant read meat thermometer. Resting Time: Let it rest for at least 3 minutes before carving. Best Results Cooking Temperature: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Cooking Time: About 20 minutes per pound, but use a meat thermometer to be sure.
How long do you cook a boneless pork loin roast?
This boneless pork loin roast weighing 1,2 kg/ 2.6 lbs will need about 50 minutes of cooking time at 200 degrees Celsius/ 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The internal temperature should reach 60 degrees Celsius/ 140 degrees Fahrenheit when you remove the meat from the oven.
What temperature should a pork roast be in the oven?
150 degrees fahrenheit is the perfect internal temperature for any pork roast recipe. When you take your pork roast out of the oven the thermometer should read 145 degrees. When you let it rest on the counter for 5-10 minutes that temperature will rise to 150 degrees in a few minutes after a few minutes.