You only need three simple things to make this easy Traeger Smoked Pork Loin Roast on your wood pellet grill. The meat is juicy and tender.
A lot of grill masters see cooking a juicy pork roast as an important step in their career. Getting that tender, juicy pork enclosed in a beautifully caramelized crust requires finesse. Even though this cut of meat can be baked in the oven, the taste is even better when cooked on a Traeger wood pellet grill.
Traeger grills combine the smoky essence of true barbecue with the consistent temperature control of an oven. Follow this complete guide for tips on choosing a pork roast proper prep methods, ideal Traeger models foolproof cooking techniques, timing, doneness temperatures, and more. You’ll be serving up professional-quality pork roast off your Traeger in no time.
Benefits of Cooking Pork Roast on a Traeger
Traeger pellet grills offer distinct advantages for pork roast:
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Infuses smoke flavor from real hardwood pellets. Apple, hickory and maple work great.
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Provides even heat distribution for thorough, no-fuss cooking.
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Allows precise temperature control for perfect doneness
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Traps in moisture exceptionally well.
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Minimizes hands-on time once up to temperature.
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Delivers that authentic wood-fired flavor profile.
These features give Traeger the edge for cooking moist, wood-kissed pork roast.
Choosing the Right Pork Roast
Not all roasts are created equal when it comes to Traeger cooking. Look for:
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Boneless shoulder or loin roast – easiest to prep and carve.
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Weight between 3 to 5 pounds – optimal size for even cooking.
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Good marbling – fat streaks baste the meat while cooking.
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Trimmed of excess fat cap – prevents burning flare-ups.
With an ideal roast, you’re ready to prep for the grill.
Must-Have Tools for Pork Roast Success
Having the right gear makes Traeger pork roast a breeze:
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Instant-read thermometer – monitors doneness.
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Carving knife – slices perfect portions after resting.
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Grill mat – minimizes flare-ups under the roast.
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Disposable foil pan – catches drippings for basting.
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Basting brush – coats roast while cooking.
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Spice shaker – evenly distributes rub on the roast.
Investing in these tools streamlines the entire cooking process.
Perfecting Your Pork Roast Rub
A flavorful dry spice rub ensures a mouthwatering crust:
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Use a blend of brown sugar, salt, pepper and paprika as a base.
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Consider savory herbs like garlic powder, onion powder, thyme or sage.
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Mustard powder, chili powder and cumin also add kick.
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For added depth, incorporate coffee, citrus zest, or ground fennel seed.
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Coat the roast evenly, patting to adhere rub into meat.
Take time crafting a signature rub – it makes a big difference in the end result.
Setting Up Your Traeger Grill
Pre-heating your grill properly is paramount:
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For most models, set temperature to 225°F to 250°F to start.
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Allow 15-20 minutes warm-up before cooking.
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Place a drip pan with 1⁄2 inch of water under the roast if desired.
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Use a grill mat on the grates to minimize flare-ups from fat.
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Insert meat probe into thickest section of chilled roast before placing on grill.
With everything prepped, you’re ready for perfectly cooked pork roast!
Step-By-Step Cooking Method
Follow these simple steps for smoky, succulent pork roast:
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Trim any excess fat from the roast and pat dry. Apply your signature spice rub all over.
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Preheat Traeger grill to 225°F-250°F with lid closed 15-20 minutes.
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Place prepared roast on grill mat on preheated grill. Insert meat probe.
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Close lid and cook until internal temp reaches 145°F, about 1 hour 15 min per pound.
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At 145°F, tent pork loosely with foil and continue cooking until 205°F for pull-apart texture.
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Remove roast when done and let rest 15 minutes before slicing.
Low and slow cooking followed by a rest yields incredibly moist pork roast.
Estimating Cook Times
Pork roast thickness impacts required cook time on a Traeger grill:
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3 pound roast: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes
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4 pound roast: Roughly 4 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 45 minutes
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5 pound roast: Around 5 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes
Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness readout.
Resting and Carving the Roast
Once cooked, be sure to:
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Tent roast loosely in foil and allow to rest 15-20 minutes. This redistributes juices.
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Place rested roast on a cutting board and slice across the grain for tenderness.
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Take care not to lose any flavorful juices – save for serving.
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Serve warm or at room temperature to highlight the smoky rub flavors.
Proper resting and carving transforms your pork masterpiece from grill to plate.
Side Dishes for the Perfect Plate
Serve your mouthwatering Traeger pork roast with:
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Herb-roasted potatoes or root vegetables
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Fresh green salad or garden slaw
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Savory sage stuffing or cornbread
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Sauteed greens like kale or spinach
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Baked sweet potatoes or squash
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Grilled peppers and onions
The possibilities are endless for incredible roast pork meals!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Enjoy your masterful roast for days to come by:
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Letting cooked pork cool completely before refrigerating.
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Storing tightly wrapped for 3-4 days.
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Freezing meal-size portions up to 4 months.
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Reheating in microwave until warmed through.
With proper storage and reheating, Traeger pork roast leftovers are terrific too.
Cooking pork roast low and slow on a Traeger grill infuses incredible smokehouse essence in every bite. Prepping the right cut of meat, applying flavorful rubs, maintaining ideal grill temperatures, and properly resting and slicing are all keys to success. In no time, you’ll be impressing family and friends with supremely juicy, wood-fired pork roast. Fire up the Traeger and enjoy your new go-to roast recipe.
Checking the temperature of meat
My go-to tool for checking food temperatures is the Thermapen. Unfortunately they don’t sell on Amazon, but they really are a great investment for grilling and roasting meats. They are top of the line and give an instant readout that is accurate and so convenient.
Do I need to let meat rest
YES! Allowing meat to rest helps the juices stay in the meat. As soon as you cut into a piece of meat straight from the grill, the juice will start to flow out. This will leave you with a dryer piece of meat.
Being patient is the last thing on my mind, but when it comes to resting meat, I won’t rush through it. I implore you to let the pork loin rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing into it. 20-25 minutes is more ideal.
Anytime Pork Roast | Traeger Wood Fired Grills
FAQ
What temperature do you cook pork on a Traeger?
How to cook a pork roast on a pellet smoker?
What temp should a roast be cooked to on a Traeger?
How long to smoke a 3lb pork roast?
How do you cook a pork roast on a Traeger Grill?
Sprinkle pork roast with Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub on all sides. Place roast in an aluminum foil pan and pour apple juice on top. Place roast in the grill and smoke the for 1 hour. Remove roast from grill and increase Traeger temperature to 275℉ and preheat, lid closed 15 minutes. Cook roast for an additional 2 hours, uncovered.
How do you cook a stuffed pork loin on a Traeger?
First, place the stuffed pork loin directly on the Traeger grill grates and smoke it for 1 hour with the lid closed. Next, remove the pork loin, increase the Traeger temperature to 350˚F and allow it to preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. Finally, place the loin back on the Traeger, close the lid, and cook it for 30-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135˚F.
How to cook Traeger pork loin on a pellet grill?
To cook Traeger pork loin on a pellet grill, rub the pork with honey and then coat it with the dry rub. Place it on the grill and smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours at 250 degrees or until the internal temperature is 140-145 degrees. Let it rest covered with foil for 15 minutes before slicing.
How long do you cook pork loin on a Traeger?
Place the pork loin back on the Traeger, close the lid and cook for 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135˚F. Do not cook the ribs on a Traeger in this step. After removing the pork from the grill, let it rest for 15 minutes before removing and discarding the butcher’s twine, slicing and serving.