How Long to Grill a Boneless Pork Loin for Perfectly Juicy Meat

Grilled pork loin is a classic summer dinner. The boneless loin roast cooks up juicy and flavorful especially when prepared properly on the grill. But exactly how long does it take to grill boneless pork loin? Follow along for tips on achieving the ideal cook time.

What is Pork Loin?

Pork loin refers to the loin muscle that runs along the back of the pig This large cut of meat is very lean and mild in flavor It can be cut into smaller roasts or sliced into pork chops,

For grilling, I prefer using a boneless center cut pork loin roast. The bone has been removed so the meat cooks evenly. With the fat cap left on, it stays nice and moist while developing color and char on the grill.

How Long to Grill Boneless Pork Loin

So how long should you expect to grill a boneless pork loin roast? The approximate grill time is:

• 1 to 1 1⁄2 hours for a 2 to 3 pound roast
• 20 minutes per pound of meat

This allows time for the interior to come up to the safe finishing temperature of 145°F without drying out.

Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness instead of relying on time alone. But the times above work well for a typical size boneless pork loin roast grilled between 325-375°F.

Grill Times for Smaller and Larger Roasts

The 1 to 1 1⁄2 hour timeframe is for a normal 2-3 pound boneless pork loin. But cook times can vary slightly depending on the exact size of your roast:

• 1 pound roast – about 30-40 minutes
• 1.5 pound roast – about 45-60 minutes
• 2 pound roast – about 60-75 minutes
• 3 pound roast – about 90 minutes to 2 hours
• 4 pound roast – about 2 to 2 1⁄2 hours

In general start checking temperature after the first hour of grilling. Then monitor it closely until it’s fully cooked through.

For very large roasts over 4 pounds, it helps to turn off the burners directly under the meat halfway through cooking. Let it finish over indirect heat only to prevent overcooking the outer portions before the center is done.

Grilling Methods for Pork Loin

There are a couple different grilling methods you can use to cook boneless pork loin:

Direct Heat

This involves grilling the roast directly over the heat source the entire time. Use medium heat around 375°F. Turn the roast every 5 minutes or so to prevent burning.

Direct heat gives great charring and is faster, but requires close monitoring to avoid overcooking. It works better for 1-2 pound cuts.

Indirect Heat

With indirect grilling, the heat source is only on one side. Place the pork loin on the opposite side and cover the grill. The roast cooks from the ambient heat in the grill rather than direct contact with the flame or hot grates.

Use a medium-low temperature around 325°F for indirect cooking. This slower method allows for more even cooking and is great for larger roasts.

Combination Method

You can also start with direct heat to sear both sides, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking through. I like to sear for 2-3 minutes per side over direct heat before switching to indirect cooking until it reaches 145°F internally.

How to Tell When Pork Loin is Done

Using an instant read thermometer is the most reliable way to check for doneness. Unlike beef, pork is safe to eat and enjoy at lower temperatures:

• 140°F – Light pink
• 145°F – Medium pink
• 150°F+ – No pink

For juicy, tender pork loin, I recommend removing it from the grill at 140-145°F. The temperature will rise another 5-10 degrees during the resting time.

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check for visual signs of doneness. The meat should have firmed up and be mostly pale throughout when poked with a knife tip or skewer. Any remaining pink tones should be very light.

Once it reaches the target temp, transfer the pork loin to a cutting board and tent it loosely with foil. Letting it rest for 10-15 minutes allows the juices to reabsorb for a moist and tender texture.

How to Grill a Juicy Pork Loin

Follow these simple tips for grilling a flavorful, juicy pork loin roast every time:

• Choose a boneless loin – Bones conduct heat unevenly. Boneless distributes heat for even cooking.

• Leave the fat cap – The outer fat bastes the meat and keeps it tender.

• Direct sear, then indirect – Get nice charring on the outside by searing over direct heat before moving to indirect heat to finish cooking.

• Use a meat thermometer – It takes the guesswork out and guarantees perfect doneness.

• Rest before slicing – Letting the meat rest allows juices to redistribute for a moist texture.

• Slice across the grain – Cutting across the grain shortens the muscle fibers for the most tender bites.

Tasty Seasonings and Sauces

The mild flavor of pork loin pairs well with lots of different seasonings. It also loves a good sauce for serving. Try these options:

Dry Rubs: Chili powder, cumin, garlic, brown sugar, citrus zest

Marinades: Apple cider, bourbon, brown sugar, ginger, mustard

BBQ Sauces: Sweet and tangy, spicy, fruity, mustard-based

Get creative with your own spice blends and sauce flavors! Pork loin is the perfect canvas for whatever your tastebuds crave.

Grilled Pork Loin Recipe

To highlight the juicy grilled flavor, I like to keep the seasoning simple. This easy recipe always delivers delicious results.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lb boneless pork loin roast
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1⁄2 tsp pepper

Instructions:

1. Coat pork loin with olive oil and season all over with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear both sides over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Move roast to indirect heat, close grill lid, and cook until it reaches 140-145°F internally, about 1-1 1⁄2 hours.
4. Remove pork loin from grill and let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing to serve.

Get ready to enjoy the juiciest, most flavorful pork roast you’ve ever tasted! Grilled pork loin is simple to make, easy to adapt with different seasonings, and sure to satisfy.

FAQs about Grilling Pork Loin

What temperature should I grill pork loin at?

Aim for 325-375°F on the grill. Lower temperatures around 300-325°F are best for slower indirect cooking. Higher heat up to 400-450°F can be used for faster direct grilling.

Can I grill pork loin from frozen?

It’s best to thaw pork completely before grilling for the most even cooking. If needed, frozen loin can be grilled but will take 50% longer. Use indirect heat and monitor the temperature closely.

Should the fat cap be on or off for grilling?

Leave it on! The outer fat cap helps keep the pork roast moist and adds flavor. Sear the cap side down first for optimal browning.

Can I grill pork loin that’s already marinated?

Yes, marinating adds lots of flavor. Grill marinated cuts as you normally would. Baste with the marinade during grilling if desired.

Is grilled pork loin done at 145°F?

Yes, 145°F is the ideal temperature for juicy pork loin. The meat will continue cooking after removal from the grill, so any temperature between 140-145°F will result in properly cooked pork.

Mastering the ideal grilling times and temperatures allows you to achieve tender, succulent pork loin every time. For your next cookout, give boneless pork loin a try and enjoy this incredibly easy, delicious grilled dinner.