This just Smoked Pork Loin Roast is the perfect summer recipe. The slow cooking method keeps this lean pork roast juicy and full of flavor. All it takes is a simple spice rub and a little time to perfect this recipe!
A Simple, Juicy Pork Loin Recipe
I love pork loin roasts because they are a lean cut of meat but still cook up juicy and flavorful. The fat cap seals in moisture, especially when cooked with indirect heat, like in this smoker recipe.
This year, I am mastering my technique on my Traeger pellet grill. Whether you have a Traeger or another type of smoker, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
A simple homemade dry rub is all it takes before the pork loin is added to the smoker. No need to marinate or brine the meat, meaning you don’t need to plan this too far in advance.
I will never prepare a pork loin another way!
This results with a fantastic smoke flavor with this tender cut of meat. I love that it’s a forgiving cooking method because it’s hard to overcook. There’s a large window of time to take it off the grill.
What You’ll Need
- Boneless Pork Loin Roast
- Olive Oil (or Avocado Oil)
- Kosher Salt
- Black Pepper
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Paprika
- Thyme
Tools
- Smoker (A Traeger electric smoker or similar Pellet Smoker)
- Wood Pellets (I used Apple for this recipe, but use your favorite!)
- Instant Read Meat Thermometer
How to Make Smoked Pork Loin
Step 1: Add the Kosher salt and spices to a small bowl, and stir to mix into a spice rub.
Step 2: Coat the entire pork loin in olive oil. Sprinkle with the spice blend and rub into the meat.
Step 3: Preheat the smoker to 225º F. Add the whole pork loin roasts fat side down onto the grill grate of the smoker. Smoke for about 1 hour, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of about 130-140º F. *See chart below for pork cooking times.
Step 4: Remove the roasts from the smoker and set on a plate or cutting board. Allow the meat to rest for 10-15 minutes prior to slicing. Cover the meat with aluminum foil, if desired, to hold in the heat during this process. Use a sharp knife to cut thick slices of smoked pork.
Internal Cooking Temperature for Pork
Rare: It is not recommended to cook or eat pork cooked rare.
Medium rare: remove at 130°F. After resting, the internal temperature will be 140 to 145°F.
Medium: remove at 140°F. After resting, the internal temperature will be 150°F to 155°F.
Medium well: remove at 145°F. After resting, the internal temperature will be 155°F to 160°F.
Well done: remove at 150°F. After resting, the internal temperature will be 160°F to 165°F.
How to Serve Smoked Pork Loin
Once the pork roast has rested, cut the roast into thick slices to serve.
Smoked pork loin roast is a great main dish to serve during the summer season with a variety of side dishes!
Try these summer dinner side dishes:
- Healthy Asian Cabbage Slaw
- Zucchini Noodles with Pesto (great served raw and cold in the summer!)
- Keto Broccoli Salad
- Cauliflower Rice
Variations & Tips
Different Cuts of Meat: This method and spice rub works equally well with other types of pork, like pork tenderloin and pork chops. Since these cuts are thinner than a pork loin, reduce the cooking time and use the meat thermometer after about 20-30 minutes of smoking to ensure the meat doesn’t overcook. A pork shoulder roast can also be smoked although the cooking time will need to be increased to 2-3 hours.
Sweet and Spicy Rub: If you like the sweet and spicy flavor combo, add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and 1/8 teaspoon (or to taste) cayenne pepper to the spice rub. Or, experiment with your favorite rub for different flavors! Whatever you chose, keep the
What kinds of wood pellets are best for pork? Pork has a delicate flavor, so is best complimented with fruit wood, like apple wood and cherry wood. Hickory is another popular option although has a stronger flavor. Mesquite and oak have strong pronounced flavors and aren’t a good pairing for pork. Choose your favorite wood chips!
Should I serve this with a sauce? If you love BBQ sauce, choose one that is light and tangy and not overly sweet. We love this Homemade Honey BBQ Sauce that uses apple cider vinegar and honey.
Can I use a charcoal grill for smoked pork loin? Yes! A charcoal grill can be used for smoking meat, although more attention needs to be given to controlling the temperature of the grill. Light the charcoal, and once the coals are hot, spread them in a circle around the grill. Place wet chunks of smoking wood in the center of the hot coals so that they burn as the charcoal gently heats the grill. Watch the pork loin carefully to be sure it isn’t cooking too fast or overcooks.
Can I make this on a gas grill? Unfortunately a gas grill does not safely burn smoking wood.
Other Low Carb Meat Recipes
Try this recipe? Be sure to share your cooking with me on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram, and tag @BlissfullyLowCarb !
Smoked Pork Loin
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pork loin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
Instructions
- Add the Kosher salt and spices to a small bowl, and stir to mix into a spice rub.
- Coat the pork loin roasts in olive oil. Sprinkle with the spice blend and rub into the meat.
- Add the pork loin roasts onto the smoker grill. Smoke at 225º F for about 1 hour, or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of about 130-140º F. *See chart below for pork cooking times.
- Remove the roasts from the smoker and set on a plate or cutting board. Allow the meat to rest for 10 minutes prior to slicing.
Notes
Internal Cooking Temperature for Pork
Rare: It is not recommended to cook or eat pork cooked rare. Medium rare: remove at 130°F. After resting, the internal temperature will be 140 to 145°F. Medium: remove at 140°F. After resting, the internal temperature will be 150°F to 155°F. Medium well: remove at 145°F. After resting, the internal temperature will be 155°F to 160°F. Well done: remove at 150°F. After resting, the internal temperature will be 160°F to 165°F.How to Serve Smoked Pork Loin
Once the pork roast has rested, cut the roast into thick slices to serve. Smoked pork loin roast is a great main dish to serve during the summer season with a variety of side dishes! Try these summer dinner side dishes:- Healthy Asian Cabbage Slaw
- Zucchini Noodles with Pesto (great served raw and cold in the summer!)
- Keto Broccoli Salad
- Cauliflower Rice
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