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 pellet grill is an ideal way to infuse pork roasts with rich smoky flavor while keeping the meat incredibly moist and tender. With proper preparation and cooking technique you can achieve pork roast perfection each time on your pellet grill. This guide will walk through everything you need to know for cooking mouthwatering pork roasts from start to finish.
Selecting the Best Pork Roasts for Pellet Grills
The right cut of pork is key for success. Opt for a boneless pork loin roast or bone-in pork shoulder, both of which are nicely marbled and well-suited for low and slow cooking. A 3 to 5 pound roast feeds 6 to 8 people. Check for good marbling, uniform color, and no off odors. Avoid roasts with lots of blood spots or a tacky feel. The bone-in shoulder roast has the most flavor and moisture due to its fat content and bone.
Preparing Pork Roasts for the Pellet Grill
Proper preparation is essential for maximum flavor and tenderness. Trim off any excess fat or silver skin for better browning. Pat the roast dry so seasoning adheres. Apply a dry rub marinade or your favorite barbecue sauce. Allow to marinate 12 hours or up to 24 for the best flavor penetration. Refrigerate during this time for food safety.
Bring meat closer to room temperature before grilling for more even cooking. Insert a meat probe into the thickest section if your grill doesn’t have a built-in thermometer. Finally, lightly coat the roast with olive oil or vegetable oil to encourage browning.
Setting Up Your Pellet Grill for Indirect Cooking
Indirect cooking is key for tender, evenly cooked pork roast. Follow these steps:
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Preheat your pellet grill to 225-250°F using your favorite wood pellets.
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Place a drip pan on the grill grates below where the roast will sit.
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Position the roast over the drip pan, being sure not to overcrowd.
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Maintain a temperature of 225-250°F for the entire cook time.
Determining Cook Times for Pork Roasts
Pork roasts benefit from lower, slower cooking. Follow these time estimates:
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Boneless loin roast:
- 20-25 minutes per lb
- Target internal temp: 145°F
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Bone-in shoulder roast:
- 60 minutes per lb
- Target internal temp: 195°F
Use a leave-in meat thermometer to monitor doneness. Times vary based on size, grill temp, and other factors. Let the thermometer be your guide.
Monitoring and Controlling the Cook
Maintaining proper pellet grill temperature and monitoring the roast are important. Here are some tips:
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Keep the grill temp steady at 225-250°F.
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Avoid peeking; only open the lid when necessary.
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Check the roast’s temp periodically.
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Add smoke wood chips or pellets for more flavor.
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Brush with sauce during last 30-60 minutes if desired.
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Insert second probe if grill probe seems inaccurate.
Allowing the Roast to Rest
Never slice into a roast straight off the grill! Resting allows juices to redistribute for better moisture. Follow these steps:
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Remove roast when the target temp is reached.
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Tent loosely with foil and let rest 15-30 minutes.
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Temperature will rise slightly during this time.
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The roast can be wrapped and rested in a cooler for up to 2 hours.
Serving Up Flavorful Pork Roasts
Your rested, smoked pork roast is ready to be carved and served! Here are some tasty serving suggestions:
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Carve into thick slices and serve with barbecue sauce.
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Pull or shred meat and pile on buns for sandwiches.
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Chop and incorporate into tacos, nachos, potatoes, beans, etc.
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Pair with traditional BBQ sides like cornbread, coleslaw, and baked beans.
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Stuff into tortillas along with sliced onions and cilantro.
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Dice or shred for breakfast hash with peppers, potatoes, and eggs.
With the right prep and techniques, you can masterfully cook incredible pork roasts on your pellet grill. The possibilities are endless for serving up these flavorful, tender roasts.
Handy Tips and Tricks
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Injecting broth, apple juice, or marinade deep into the meat adds extra moisture and flavor.
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Coating the outside of the roast with a rub or mustard helps form a flavorful, textured bark.
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Use apellet tube smoker to add extra smoke without altering the grill temp.
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Try using a combination of wood pellet flavors like hickory, cherry, apple for layered smoke.
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If the ends of the roast start to overbrown, wrap them in foil.
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Spritz roast with apple juice or broth if it seems dry during cooking.
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Let roast rest in a cooler wrapped in towels to keep hot for several hours.
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Mix juices from drip pan with barbecue sauce for an easy serving sauce.
Troubleshooting Common Pork Roast Problems
Issue: Roast is undercooked
Should I cook the pork loin fat side up or down
There are two schools of thought when it comes to cooking meat fat side up or down. A lot of people think that the meat should be cooked side up so that the fat can melt off and baste it as it cooks.
Some people think that the meat should be cooked with the fat side down to keep it from getting too hot.
Either way will make a great piece of meat, but on my Traeger grill I like to cook it with the fat side down. The heat is coming from the bottom, and I like having the fat right on the grill grates to keep it from drying out.
Pork Loin Vs. Pork Tenderloin
This recipe for a pork loin roast on a Traeger pellet grill is not the same as a pork tenderloins recipe. Pork tenderloins are a thin small cut of meat that comes from a different part of the pig. They are often found pre-marinated in the meat section and are usually best cooked over high heat. This Pressure Cooker Pork Tenderloin recipe is a fantastic example way to use tenderloins.
Pork loin is a thick, long cut of meat that can be cooked slowly on a grill. It can be bought with or without the bone. For this pellet grill pork tenderloin, we use a boneless cut of meat and smoke it on low for an hour. Then, we raise the heat and cook it through in a reasonable amount of time.
Anytime Pork Roast | Traeger Wood Fired Grills
FAQ
How long does it take to smoke a pork roast on a pellet grill?
What temperature do you cook pork on a pellet grill?
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Item
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Temperature
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Time
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Pork Butt (Pulled)
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250° F
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1.5 hours per pound
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Pork Butt (Sliced)
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250° F
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1.5 hours per pound
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|
Pork Loin
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250° F
|
2.5 hours
|
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Pork Shoulder
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250° F
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1.5 hours per pound
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How do you keep pork moist while smoking on a pellet grill?
What is the best way to cook a pork loin on a pellet grill?
How do you cook a pork roast on a pellet grill?
Once your pork roast is seasoned to your liking, it’s time to fire up the pellet grill. Set it to a temperature of around 225°F, and allow it to preheat while you prepare the roast. When the grill is ready, place the seasoned pork roast directly onto the grill grates and close the lid.
How do you cook a pork roast on a grill?
Set it to a temperature of around 225°F, and allow it to preheat while you prepare the roast. When the grill is ready, place the seasoned pork roast directly onto the grill grates and close the lid. The pork roast should be smoked for several hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
How do you cook wood pellets on a pellet grill?
Follow these steps to ensure a flawless cooking process: Preheat: Start by preheating your pellet grill to a temperature of 225°F (107°C). This low and slow method will allow the flavors to develop and keep the meat juicy throughout. Add Flavor: If desired, add a handful of your favorite wood pellets to the hopper.