This Grilled Pork Loin is slow cooked to tender perfection and then reverse seared creating a crispy exterior. A simple, delicious summer meal that won’t heat up the house.
Find out how to do a reverse sear on the grill so that the outside of the pork loin is crispy and the inside is soft. It’s got a great seasoning blend that you can customize and is ready in about an hour. Plus, grilling it means all that heat stays outside.
For many grill masters, pork loin is a go-to choice for its lean yet remarkably tender texture when cooked properly. Achieving the ideal internal temperature is key to pork loin grilling success. Undercooked loin runs the risk of bacteria while overcooking leads to a tough, dry disaster.
With a few fundamental guidelines, you can nail delicious grilled pork loin worthy of any barbecue. We’ll cover the optimal temperature range, timing, preparation tips, and flavor ideas so your pork loin turns out perfectly cooked with a kiss of smoke. Let’s get grilling!
Why Temperature Matters for Grilling Pork Loin
Cooking pork loin requires more precision than fattier, more forgiving cuts of pork Here’s why temperature matters
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Pork loin is very lean, so can dry out if overcooked.
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The tenderloin area in particular dries out faster due to less fat and connective tissue.
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Undercooking risks dangerous bacteria since loin is considered whole muscle meat.
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Exceeding 400°F can cause charring instead of ideal sear due to lack of surface fat.
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The sweet spot between juicy and safe is 130-140°F for medium rare to medium doneness.
Now let’s look at the ideal target temperature range when grilling this lean cut.
Best Temperature for Grilling Succulent Pork Loin
The optimum internal temperature for juicy, flavorful grilled pork loin is 145°F, with a range of 140-150°F for medium doneness.
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140-145°F = pink, tender interior (medium rare).
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150-155°F = faint pink interior (medium).
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160°F+ = fully cooked through but can dry out (well done).
Use an instant read thermometer to check temperature in the thickest part without hitting bone. Rest loin 5-10 minutes before slicing into juicy perfection.
Handy Pork Loin Grilling Time and Tips
Along with target temperature, proper grilling time and technique helps prevent overcooking:
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Grill over medium heat, 350-375°F. Higher risk burning the exterior before interior cooks.
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Cook time is 8-12 minutes per pound. A 1-1.5 lb loin takes 15-20 minutes.
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Rotate loin every 5 minutes for even cooking on a hot spot prone grill.
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Insert thermometer midway through estimated time to monitor temp.
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Once removed from grill, tent foil loosely over pork loin to rest.
Now that we’ve covered the key temperature and timing, let’s explore flavorful preparation tips before grilling.
Pre-Grill Prep for Delicious, Juicy Pork Loin
Proper preparation is key to amplified flavor and moisture:
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Trim excess fat and silver skin to prevent flare ups and bitter taste. Leave a thin layer of fat for flavor.
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Brine or marinate 1-2 hours to infuse additional moisture and taste into the lean meat.
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Pat very dry and coat with a light layer of oil to facilitate ideal sear and caramelization.
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Apply rubs or seasonings before grilling to form a flavorful crust.
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Score fat cap in a criss-cross pattern to help render fat and prevent buckling.
With quality pork, simple salt and pepper allows the natural flavor to shine. Now let’s take it up a notch with mouthwatering flavor ideas.
Infusing Your Pork Loin with Bold, Craveable Flavors
Beyond basic salt and pepper, consider these flavor profiles to make your grilled pork loin truly stand out:
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Citrus – Orange, lemon, lime juices or zest brighten up pork’s richness.
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Herbs and garlic – Rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano add woodsy notes while garlic packs a punch.
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Spice blends – Cajun, jerk, barbecue rubs add some heat and complexity.
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Smoky – Soak wood chips in water for 30 minutes then add to coals or smoker box. Apple, hickory, oak work well.
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Sweet and savory – Glazes with maple syrup, honey, hoisin or peach preserves provide delicious contrast.
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Ethnic flavors – Mexican chili powder and cumin or Chinese 5 spice seasoning liven up pork.
The next time your fire up the grill, take your pork loin to new heights by marinating, seasoning, or smoking.
Troubleshooting Common Pork Loin Grilling Problems
If your pork loin doesn’t turn out right, here are some quick fixes:
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Undercooked – Return to grill and cook 5 minutes more until 145°F internal temperature.
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Overcooked, dry – Wrap in foil and let rest longer to redistribute juices. Use lower heat next attempt.
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Burned exterior – Use more moderate temperature and move around grill to prevent scorching.
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Rub sloughed off – Apply rub just before grilling once meat is dry and slightly tacky.
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Bland flavor – Try marinating or use bolder spice rubs and don’t underseason.
With the right temperature, preparation, and technique, you’ll achieve tender, juicy pork loin perfection.
Savor the Smoke with Sauces and Sides
Planning perfect pairings completes your grilled pork loin meal:
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Sauces – Apple cider reduction, chimichurri, hoisin glaze, mustard crema
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Sides – Roasted vegetables, grilled pineapple, couscous salad, macaroni and cheese
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Bread – Crusty rolls, cornbread, biscuits, to soak up the juices
Grilled pork loin is so versatile. Round out your plate with bright, fresh flavors and textures.
Time to Grill Juicy, Golden Brown Pork Loin
Armed with the knowledge for proper temperature, timing, flavor, and technique, your next grilled pork loin will be sublime. Aim for 145°F, allow ample time for the interior to reach temp, and use preparations for boosted moisture and taste. With a lightly charred crust encasing a juicy pink center, success is within reach! Fire up the grill and enjoy sensational, smoke-kissed pork loin.
What’s The Difference Between Pork Loin And Pork Tenderloin?
Before we get started grilling the pork loin, I think it’s important to understand the difference between a pork loin and a pork tenderloin. They’re very different cuts and, although their names are similar, they come from very different parts of the pig.
Pork loin is a large cut of meat from the back of the pig. It can be sold bone-in or boneless. Generally, pork loin runs between two to five pounds. I believe the two-zone cooking method is the best way to grill it. First, cook it over indirect heat, and then sear the loin on the other side over direct heat. I also have a post about how to roast a pork loin in the oven, which is another great choice.
It’s a thin, small piece of meat that comes from the hip to the shoulder of the pig. On average, this cut is generally about 1 pound. Because of its size it’s best cooked quickly over high heat.
Because these are such different cuts, it’s important not to substitute one for the other.
How To Cook A Whole Pork Loin On The Grill
We now know the difference between a pork loin and a pork tenderloin. Let’s talk about how to prepare and cook this cut of meat so that it doesn’t turn out dry and flavorless.
The first thing I like to do is season the pork loin. This not only makes it taste better, but it also makes the outside crispy and delicious. My favorite seasoning is my Homemade Pork Rub and Seasoning Blend which has been developed specifically for pork. I have included the base recipe for the rub in the recipe below. If you want to make it your own, click on the recipe to make a deeper, richer blend or a spicier blend. If you brined your pork loin like this recipe says to (it will make it taste better and be more juicy), leave out the salt in this recipe.
Before I season the pork loin, I pat it dry so that the moisture from the package doesn’t make a space where the pork will steam.
Once the pork loin has been seasoned, I get my grill ready. As I mentioned above, I use a two-zone grilling method for the pork loin. Basically, it’s grilled over low heat (300–350˚F) for an hour and then seared on the other side to make a crunchy crust. This method ensures that the pork stays tender and the seasoning caramelizes and doesn’t burn.
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. We’re looking for an internal temperature of 130˚F on an instant read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the pork loin.
Move the pork loin to the cooking grate that is directly above the lit burners on a gas grill or the charcoal on a charcoal grill. Place the pork loin on the grate with the fat side down. Sear the meat until it reaches 145˺F on the inside. Take it out, cover it with tin foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Note that 145˚F is the minimum safe temperature for pork. In other words, you could take it off the grill before it gets there and let it rest until it reaches 145˺F. Having said that, I know that a lot of people don’t like pork that is a bit pink. You might want to wait for it to get closer to 150˚F before taking it off the grill if that’s the case. Either way, I love to serve this with my Apple Potato Salad. It’s the perfect accompaniment.
Grilled Pork Loin on the BBQ | How to Grill Pork Tenderloin
FAQ
What temperature is pork loin done on the grill?
How long to cook pork on grill at 350?
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Pork Chop Grill Temp
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Bone In Pork Chop Grill Time
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½ in / 1cm thick
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1 in / 2½ cm thick
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350°F (177°C)
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10-12 min
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20-22 min
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400°F (204°C)
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9-10 min
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15-18 min
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450°F (232°C)
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7-8 min
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12-14 min
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How long does it take to grill a 2.5 pound pork loin?
What temperature should a pork tenderloin be grilled?
The best temperature to grill pork tenderloin is 350 to 375 degrees F. Grill until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees F on an instant read thermometer, flipping once halfway through. Twelve to 15 minutes is how long it takes to grill pork tenderloin. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
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.
What temperature should a pork loin be cooked at?
For grilling a pork loin, the grill is preheated to 350 degrees F. Cook the pork loin over indirect heat until its internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F. Always remember to cook to temperature and not to time with meat.
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.