Perfectly Cooked Pork Loin on Your Pellet Grill – A Step-by-Step Guide

Juicy, tender pork loin hot off the pellet grill is a treat for any occasion. Learning how to properly cook a pork loin on a pellet grill ensures perfect results every time. Follow this complete guide for tips on choosing the right cut, proper seasoning techniques, ideal pellet grill settings, timing, internal temps and more!

Benefits of Cooking Pork Loin on a Pellet Grill

Pellet grills offer key advantages when cooking pork loin

• Superior moisture retention from controlled, indirect heating prevents the lean pork from drying out

• Infusion of delicious real wood smoke flavor into the meat

• Convection style heat circulates around the pork for even, consistent cooking.

• Precise temperature control with digital technology. Easily maintain the ideal temperature for tender pork.

• Large capacity accommodates most pork loin roasts.

• Versatility to use various wood pellet flavors to season pork.

Select the Right Cut

For the most tender, flavorful results, choose a boneless center-cut pork loin roast, 3-5 pounds. Boneless roasts offer the most even cooking. The center of the loin has the most marbling for enhanced moisture and flavor after grilling. Allow 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person.

Proper Seasoning

With its mild flavor, pork benefits greatly from spice rubs, brines and marinades. Consider:

• Dry rub – Coat loin evenly with olive oil, then rub. Try garlic powder, brown sugar, rosemary, sage.

• Brine – Soak overnight in saltwater mixture. Enhances moisture.

• Marinade – Let loin soak 4+ hours. Use oil, vinegar, herbs and seasonings.

• Stuffing – Butterfly loin, stuff and roll up. Use bread, apples, garlic, bacon.

Preheating the Pellet Grill

Always preheat your pellet grill 15-20 minutes before cooking. For pork loin, heat to:

• 225-250°F for low and slow smoking.

• 350-375°F for combination smoking and searing.

Pellet Grill Setup

• Place pork loin directly on grill grates for best sear. Use a small foil pan if concerned about flare ups.

• Insert a digital meat probe into the thickest part of loin, avoiding bone or fat.

• For smokier flavor, use “smoke” setting for first 20-30 minutes.

• No need to flip loin. Fat side should face up.

Maintain Proper Internal Temperature

• Remove pork from grill when it reaches 140-145°F internally.

• After resting, temp will rise another 5-10 degrees for safe doneness.

• If using a probe, monitor it closely near end to prevent overcooking.

• Allow pork to rest at least 10 minutes before slicing for juicy results.

Pellet and Smoke Tips

• For milder flavor, use apple, maple, cherry pellets.

• Mesquite, hickory, oak provide a bolder smoke profile.

• Mix pellets for more complexity. Apple with cherry works well.

• Avoid prolonged heavy smoke. It can overwhelm the delicate pork flavor.

• If desired, finish over higher direct heat to sear exterior.

Serving Suggestions

Allow pork to rest 10 minutes, then slice into 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices. Serve with:

• A salad with vinaigrette dressing.

• Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, potatoes.

• Quinoa or brown rice.

• Fresh baked rolls.

Pair the pork with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy your perfectly grilled pork loin feast!

Handy Pork Loin Pellet Grill Tips

• Choose roasts with some marbling or fat cap for flavor and moisture.

• Brine or marinate for added flavor and juiciness.

• Use a digital meat probe for accurate temperature monitoring.

• Preheat grill properly before cooking.

• Mix apple or cherry pellets with hickory or mesquite for balanced smoke flavor.

• Let pork rest before slicing to retain juices.

• Sear briefly over direct heat for crispy exteriors if desired.

Cooking pork loin on your pellet grill may soon become one of your go-to recipes! Follow this guide and you’ll be rewarded with the most tender, juicy and flavorful results every time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Pork Loin on a Pellet Grill

What is the best temperature to cook pork loin on a pellet grill?

For authentic smoked flavor, cook the pork loin at 225-250°F using the smoke setting on your grill for the first 20-30 minutes. Raise the temperature to 350-375°F near the end if you want more browning or crisping of the exterior.

Should the fat side of pork loin be up or down on the pellet grill?

Always place the pork loin fat side up on the grill. This allows the fat to render and baste the meat, keeping it moist and adding flavor.

How long does it take to cook a 5 lb pork loin on a pellet grill?

A 5 pound boneless pork loin roast will take approximately 2-3 hours at 225-250°F on a pellet grill. Use an instant read thermometer and remove from grill when internal temp reaches 140-145°F.

What pellets are best for cooking pork on a pellet grill?

For pork, milder fruit woods like apple, cherry, pecan and maple pair beautifully. Hickory and mesquite give a bolder smoke flavor. You can also mix pellets such as apple and cherry for a blend.

Should you wrap pork loin in foil on a pellet grill?

It’s not necessary to wrap pork loin in foil on a pellet grill. The indirect heat and controlled temperature already work to keep it moist. Wrapping can speed cook times but won’t improve moisture.

How do I prevent dried out pork loin on a pellet grill?

To prevent dried pork loin:

• Choose roasts with marbling or fat cap
• Brine or marinate before grilling
• Cook at 225-250°F using smoke setting initially
• Use a meat probe to monitor internal temp
• Don’t overcook – remove from grill at 140-145°F
• Allow to rest 10 minutes before slicing

Can you use rubs when cooking pork loin on a pellet grill?

Yes, dry rubs are a great way to add flavors like garlic, brown sugar, herbs and spices to your pork loin before grilling. Apply the rub evenly over all surfaces before cooking.