Smoked Pork Loin Recipe
Smoking meat isn’t just a way to cook, but a creative process that adds incredible flavor and juiciness to your favorite meats. A great option for a smoky treat is the pork loin. It’s simple to make and super tasty. I always serve it for family gatherings, backyard barbecues, or any event where I want to impress my guests. In this smoked pork loin recipe, I will show you the steps to smoke a mouth-watering pork loin that will have everyone talking.
Smoked Pork Loin Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pork loin, about 2-3 lb
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup hard apple cider
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Equipment:
- Smoker or grill, capable of low, indirect heat
- Wood chips (hickory, apple, or cherry is recommended)
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
Why Smoked Pork Loin?
Smoked pork loin is a tasty and adaptable option. The rich flavors can be enhanced with different marinates and rubs, and the smoking gives the meat a distinct smokiness that you just can’t get from regular cooking way. It’s also a fantastic dish for gatherings, as it’s simple to make yet looks great on the table.
How to Marinate Pork Loin for Smoking?
Step 1: Prepare the pork loin. Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels to help the rub adhere better and prevents steaming during cooking. If possible, I would recommend trimming any excess fat, but leaving some for moisture.
Step 2: Marinate the pork loin. If you want to amp up the flavor and tenderness, consider marinating the pork loin. Combine apple cider, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon Mustard in a large resealable bag, add the pork, and make sure it’s well-coated. Seal the bag up and refrigerate for 4-12 hours, or overnight for the best results.
Marinate Pork Loin
Step 3: Make the dry rub. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper until everything is evenly combined.
Step 4: Rub the pork. After marinating, take the pork loin out of the bag and dry it off again. Rub it with olive oil, then generously sprinkle the dry rub all over, making sure it’s fully covered.
How to Smoke Pork Loin?
Step 1: Preheat your smoker. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). If you are using a grill, set it up for indirect heat by lighting one side only.
Step 2: Prepare the wood chips. Next, soak your wood chips in water for at least 30 minutes. For smoking pork loin, I would totally recommend hickory and apple wood. After soaking, drain the chips before tossing them into the smoker.
Step 3: Start to smoke pork loin. When your smoker is ready, place the pork loin directly on the grill grates or on a rack inside. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the loin, avoiding the bone. A wireless meat thermometer is a wiser choice as it allows you to monitor the meat and smoker temperatures remotely.
Smoke Pork Loin
Step 4: Monitor the temperature. Smoke the pork loin until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C)., which usually takes about 2-4 hours, depending on the meat size and smoker temperature. Keep the lid closed as much as you can to maintain heat. That’s why I go for the wireless meat thermometer.
Step 5: Rest the pork loin. Once the pork loin reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the smoker and wrap it loosely in aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful meat.
What to Serve with Smoke Pork Loin?
Slice the smoked pork loin into thick pieces to highlight the beautiful smoke ring and juicy interior. It goes great with sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, or roasted veggies. For an added vibe, serve with a tangy barbecue sauce or a fresh apple chutney.
The Bottom Line
Smoked pork loin is more than just a meal, it’s a way to gather your friends and family together around the table. This recipe offers a tasty mix of sweet and savory notes, all wrapped around the juicy goodness of the pork, making it perfect for your next feast. Just give this smoked pork loin a shot, and you taste buds will be grateful. So, get that smoker on fire and prepare to enjoy a dish that’s just as fun to cook as it is to devour!
