Looking for something different to cook on the grill this summer? Look no further! You are about to find the best smoked loin recipe ever, which will make your family want more.
There are many classic barbecue foods that are family favorites, like steaks, patties, and sausages. But if you’re looking for a recipe that is a little different, then you will love what we have in store for you here.
Smoking a pork loin may seem intimidating for beginners, but it’s easier than you think with the right techniques The key is understanding how long to smoke pork loin based on its weight. With the proper smoking time per pound, you’ll get tender, juicy meat with that perfect hint of wood-fired flavor
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from prep to carving, to smoke pork loin to perfection every time. We’ll cover ideal internal temperatures, time per pound guidelines, and pro tips for keeping your pork moist. Let’s get smoking!
Determining Pork Loin Smoking Time
The general guideline for smoking pork loin is:
225°F smoking temperature: 45-50 minutes per pound
250°F smoking temperature: 35-40 minutes per pound
275°F smoking temperature 30 minutes per pound
So for a 3 pound pork loin at 225°F, expect around 2 1/4 – 2 1/2 hours of smoking time. Increase the temperature to shorten the cook time.
However, smoking times are just estimates. Rely on an instant-read thermometer to determine doneness instead of clock-watching.
Target Internal Temperature
The USDA recommends cooking pork to 145°F, but pulling it off around 140°F will yield better results. The temperature will continue rising as the meat rests.
Aim to pull the pork loin off the smoker when it reaches:
- 135-140°F for a slightly pink center
- 145°F for just a hint of pink
- 160°F for well done
Going above 160°F risks drying out the meat. Always allow a 10 minute rest before slicing.
Step-By-Step Smoking Method
Follow these steps for foolproof smoked pork loin:
- Trim – Remove excess fat and silver skin. Leave a thin layer of fat intact.
- Brine – Soak in a simple saltwater brine for added moisture.
- Season – Coat all sides with a dry rub for flavor and bark development.
- Smoke – Add pork to a 225-250°F smoker with wood chunks. Smoke until the target internal temp is reached.
- Rest – Lightly tent meat and let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Pork Loin Smoking Time Tips
- Monitor temperature rather than time, but use the per pound estimates as a starting point.
- Allow for carryover cooking by pulling pork around 5°F under your target temp.
- Let pork rest before checking temperature and slicing. Juices will redistribute during this time.
- Adjust time up or down if your smoker runs hot or cold. Get to know your equipment.
- For quicker cooking, smoke at 250-275°F. Time per pound will be reduced.
Common Pork Loin Smoking Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls for the best smoked pork loin:
- Not brining – Dry brining ensures seasoned, moist meat.
- Inadequate resting – Letting meat rest ensures juices stay in place when you slice.
- Overcooking – Going above 160°F dries out the pork. Use a probe thermometer.
- Uneven smoking – Ensure even heat circulation and flip meat occasionally.
- Cutting too soon – Let pork loin fully relax before slicing or it will dry out.
Foolproof Juicy Pork Loin
For guaranteed moist pork loin:
- Brine the loin in a saltwater solution before smoking.
- Smoke at 225-250°F for best moisture retention.
- Spritz with apple juice or broth during smoking.
- Pull 10°F before target temp.
- Tent loosely with foil when resting.
Mastering Smoked Pork Loin
Once you understand approximate per pound smoking times and use a thermometer to dial in doneness, you’ll be able to execute perfect pork loin every time. For more smoking recipes and tips, check out our comprehensive guide on how to smoke a pork loin. Now get outside and start enjoying the art of smoking your own juicy, tender pork loin!
How Long Do You Smoke A Pork Loin Per Pound?
Pork isn’t tricky meat to smoke, but if it is left in the smoker too long it will dry out, and there is nothing enjoyable about those chewing gum cuts of meat that you cannot even tempt the dog to swallow.
So how long should you smoke a pork loin in order to achieve the most succulent results?
To smoke a cut of pork loin, you will need to use a meat probe and cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit. Smoking your pork loin at about 220 degrees Fahrenheit should generate a cooking time of roughly half an hour per pound (so a 5-pound cut will cook in roughly 2.5 hours). The cooking time will vary according to the temperature you cook at, the quality of your smoker, and the thickness of your cut of pork loin, so it is advisable to keep an eye on your pork loin as it smokes and regularly tests its internal temperature.
How to Smoke a Pork Loin Perfectly
This article has been prepared to help you to smoke the best pork loin this summer. It will not only give you great and easy-to-follow cooking instructions, but it will also give you the ingredients you need to make a delicious rub that will make your cut of loin sparkle. Don’t worry—everything in today’s recipe is likely something you already have in your kitchen! That’s right, you won’t even have to go to the store!
Are you ready to try the deliciousness of a perfectly smoked pork loin? If so, read the recipe and information below.
Easy Smoked Pork Loin – How to Smoke a Pork Loin
FAQ
How long to smoke pork loin at 225 per pound?
What temperature should you smoke a pork loin at?
How long to cook a 5 lb pork loin at 250 degrees?
How long to smoke a 4 lb pork roast?