Pork loin is one of the most affordable hog cuts that come out perfectly when cooked on a grill. And while most people are used to a charcoal grill, you can also prepare a tasty dish with this pork cut on a gas grill. The fat in the pork loin melts into the meat, giving you a delicious juicy effect that blends with any side dish.
Do note that pork loin shouldn’t be confused with pork tenderloin, as is the standard case. Tenderloin is cut from the muscles surrounding the lower backbone and offers slightly tougher meat. But pork loin is gotten from the back area and provides more tender meat with better marbling. Knowing this difference is vital to making sure you get the recipe right.
Pork Loin Nutrition Facts
Tips for Gas-Grilled Pork Loin
Before you dive into cooking pork loin on the gas grill, it’s imperative to note these hints;
Watch the Internal Doneness- The pork needs to reach particular doneness to be considered safe to eat. As such, you need to grill the pork loin till it reaches an internal temperature of 145F. Once this temperature is attained, the meat is ready to eat, and any longer on the grill will overcook it and render a dry chew.
Use a Double-Probe Meat Thermometer-The best way to cook pork loin on a gas grill is to observe both the internal temperature of the meat and the heat level of the grill. And you’ll need a double probe meat thermometer for this purpose. While one probe is inserted in the pork’s center to check for internal doneness, the other sits on the grate to confirm the grill’s temperature. With both numbers in mind, you can be sure not to overcook the meat and keep the grill at the prescribed temperature simultaneously.
Use Indirect Heat-Pork loin is a heavy chunk of meat, with most options hitting up to four pounds. And cooking such size of pork over high heat won’t get the insides to reach the proper doneness temperature. So, it’s best to cook the meat at low heat, which is why you should set the grill to indirect heat.
Add a Smoking Ingredient-If you’d like the smoky flavor infused from a charcoal grill, add a smoking element to the gas grill as you cook. You can use the smoker box on the grill if it has one or put some smoking wood under the grill. You can also direct smoke from a tube smoker onto the grill or use foil-packed smoking wood chips.
Cooking Pork Loin on a Gas Grill
Once you’ve covered these bases, the next step is to cook your pork loin on the gas grill. Here’s an overview on how to go about it.
Prepare the Grill
Set the grill at medium heat, so the power isn’t overwhelming. You’ll also need to grease the grates with cooking oil, so the meat doesn’t stick to it. But note that the recommended low heat for gas-grilled pork loin is between 275F to 350F. This doneness, of course, depends on the size of the meat, so adjust accordingly. A rough parameter for this purpose will be 325F for a four-pound pork loin.
Season the Pork Loin
While the grill heats, sprinkle a dry spice mix onto the pork loin and massage it gently into the meat. You can use your favorite seasoning mix for this purpose, as pork loin offers a mild but tasty flavor when cooked. Options to consider include black pepper, paprika, garlic and onion powder, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper.
Cook and Flip the Pork Loin
Toss the pork loin on the grill and cook, turning every 15 to 30 minutes, so all sides get enough heat. The indirect heat allows the insides to cook to doneness before the surface goes too brown.
Check for Doneness
Observe the meat thermometer to ensure the gas grill stays at 325F, and take the meat down when the internal temperature reaches 145F. For a four-pound pork loin, this process should take you about an hour and 45 minutes.
Rest the Pork Loin
When the proper internal doneness is reached, set the pork loin down and leave it to rest for 10 minutes. As it sits, the juices will be reabsorbed by the tissues, and the meat will come out juicy and tender.
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Gas-Grilled Pork Loin (8 Servings)
Ingredients
- Four pounds pork loin
- One tablespoon cooking oil
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
- A dash of cayenne pepper
- Salt
Instructions
- Set the grill to medium heat and adjust till the temperature reaches 325F. Then, brush the grate with cooking oil.
- Combine the spices in a bowl and dust over the pork loin. Be sure to cover every surface and gently massage it with your fingers.
- Place the pork loin at indirect heat and cook for one hour and 45 minutes. Be sure to turn the meat every 15 to 30 minutes. Poke the pork with a double probe thermometer, one probe in the pork loin’s center and the other on the grill. Make sure the heat stays at 325F.
- When the pork loin’s internal doneness hits 145F, set it down and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then, slice and serve as pleased.
For more ideas on gas-grilled pork loin, watch this video recipe.
More pork cooking help
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