How to Cook a Whole Pork Loin on the Grill

pork loin cooked on the grill

Cooking a whole pork loin is a great option for holiday parties or family gatherings. You can cook a pork loin any way you want, but grilling it sets the bar for the flavor. This post explores how to cook a whole pork loin on the grill.

 

Why should you grill a whole pork loin roast?

There are so many reasons you should grill a whole pork tenderloin. First of all, it is super convenient to cook a pork loin this way. You just have to heat the grill, marinate the pork loin, and that’s it. Place it on the grill and let the grill do the work. Secondly, you get a rich, smoky flavor that stands out! The juiciness of the pork, the flavors from the marinade, and the grill’s smokiness amp up the taste. If you keep an eye on the temperature, the pork loin always turns out to be very juicy and perfect!

 

Tips for making whole grilled pork tenderloin

pork loin cooked on the grill

Keep these few tips in mind when grilling whole pork loin:

  • Always clean the grill and heat it before you place the meat on it. It is crucial for perfect grilling and juicy meat.
  • The cooking time of the pork loin depends greatly on its size and weight. The heavier the pork loin is, the more time it will take to cook.
  • Although you can check the doneness of the meat by touching it, it is better to use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat.
  • Remove the meat when it is 5 degrees less than your desired final temperature. That’s because the temperature increases even after you take it off the grill.
  • You can season the pork loin with any dry rub or wet marinade.
  • Always let the meat rest for 15 minutes before slicing it. The best way is to wrap aluminum foil around it. This way, the meat will be juicy and moist.

 

What to serve with grilled whole pork loin

pan of homemade mashed potatoes

You can serve grilled whole pork loin with several sides. There are no hard and fast rules on what goes best with pork loin. You can serve whatever you love the most. Here are a few simple sides that go well with this grilled dish:

  • Vegetables: Vegetables are always a hit with meat. You can either serve the meat with grilled vegetables like bell pepper, corn on the cob, or asparagus or enjoy steamed or even boiled vegetables.
  • Potatoes: Potatoes come in many different forms. You can enjoy creamy mashed potato or crispy potato wedges. Baked potatoes are also a great choice!
  • Salads: Try fresh vegetable salads or creamy potato salads. You can choose from a wide range of salads that will taste just perfect with pork loin.
  • Sauces: Try simple BBQ sauce, soy sauce, or creamy honey mustard sauce with pork loin. You can enjoy a buttery garlic sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon sauce, or a simple hoisin sauce.
  • Mac and cheese: Mac and cheese goes well with almost every main dish. And when it comes to BBQ or grilled items, mac and cheese is perfect.
  • Casseroles: There are so many fantastic casserole recipes out there. From a humble green bean casserole to a creamy vegetarian casserole, you can enjoy any type of casserole with pork tenderloin.

 

How to store leftover grilled pork loin

Have leftover grilled pork loin? No problem at all! You can easily store it for another delicious meal at a later time. Once the pork loin reaches room temperature, wrap it in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

You can also freeze grilled pork loin. Place it in a freezer-safe container or a plastic zip-lock bag. Freeze for up to a month. Although you can freeze the whole grilled pork loin, it is best to slice it first and then freeze the slices. This way, you can divide it into portions.

 

Easy Recipe: How to Cook a Whole Pork Loin on the Grill

whole pork loin cooked on a grill

  • Preparation time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking time: 60 minutes
  • Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Serving: 4

Ingredients

  • 3 lb. pork loin
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • ½. Mix well using a fork to combine everything.
  • Place the pork loin on a flat plate. Using a kitchen towel, pat the pork loin dry.
  • Season the pork loin generously with the dry marinade mix. Make sure you season it from all sides.
  • Prepare the grill by cleaning it. Now, preheat it until it reaches 350 degrees F.
  • Place the pork loin on a hot grill for about 60 minutes. Make sure to flip it every 20 minutes to ensure it cooks on all sides.
  • Check the internal temperature of the pork loin with a meat thermometer. If it reaches 145 degrees F, remove the pork loin from the grill.
  • Place it on a plate and cover it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
  • Slice the pork loin and serve with your favorite side.
  • Enjoy!
pork-loin

How to Cook a Whole Pork Loin on the Grill

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lb. pork loin
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt

Instructions
 

  • Add brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, black pepper, and salt to a bowl. Mix well using a fork to combine everything.
  • Place the pork loin on a flat plate. Using a kitchen towel, pat the pork loin dry.
  • Season the pork loin generously with the dry marinade mix. Make sure you season it from all sides.
  • Prepare the grill by cleaning it. Now, preheat it until it reaches 350 degrees F.
  • Place the pork loin on a hot grill for about 60 minutes. Make sure to flip it every 20 minutes to ensure it cooks on all sides.
  • Check the internal temperature of the pork loin with a meat thermometer. If it reaches 145 degrees F, remove the pork loin from the grill.
  • Place it on a plate and cover it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
  • Slice the pork loin and serve with your favorite side.
  • Enjoy!

You Might Also Like:

Written by Laurie Graves

Laurie is a 50-something wife and boy mom, who loves to share easy recipes, DIY home ideas, and food hacks. She truly believes that with a little inspiration, anyone can make their home and meals feel special.