Smoked Pork Loin Roast – the most tender, juicy, and flavorful pork roast ever! Super easy to make and costed in a delicious sweet rub.
Traditionally when I think of pork loin roast I think of Sunday dinner with mashed potatoes, gravy, dinner rolls, and green beans; the works. But it is time to totally rethink that, because a smoked pork loin roast is unbelievably delicious and should be enjoyed any day of the week!
This smoked pork loin is perfect if you are feeding a crowd or just your family. It takes about 2 1/2 hours to smoke, so it isn’t a huge investment like when you are smoking a brisket. Plus pork loin is a reasonably priced cut of meat, so it is a great way to elevate it into something new.
If you have never tried smoking pork like this you are in for a treat. It isn’t the same as pulled pork, instead you get the sweet pork flavor in a super tender and juicy cut of meat.
What’s the Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin
This is a very common question. They look different when you are at the store, but people often wonder do they actually taste and cook differently. And the answer is yes. The pork loin is from higher up on the back of the pig, and is a bigger thicker cut of meat. Often pork loin chops are cut from the pork loin. It has a mild flavor and can be very tender when cooked properly.
The tenderloin is muscle that runs along the spine of the pig and is a long thin cut of meat. It is an incredibly tender cut of meat that can have a stronger flavor. It tends to cook quickly and is great sliced and used in dishes like Pork Lo Mein.
Smoked Pork Loin Rub
Usually when you are cooking ribs or pulled pork you want something that is more smokey and full of bold flavor. But a pork loin roast is different. It is a lean cut of meat that can really stand on its own. I use a sweeter rub that starts with brown sugar and things like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a little cayenne.
It is a simple rub, but it really brings out the flavor of the pork and doesn’t over power it.
How To Smoke Pork Loin
- Start by preheating your smoker. Get it set up to cook around 225 degrees F.
- While that is working prep your pork. Most pork loin roasts you buy at the store has a thin layer of fat on top. You want that there, it will help keep the meat nice and juicy. Just cut diagonal lines criss-crossing on the top of the roast. You want to cut about 1/4 inch deep and end up with diamonds across the top.
- Rub the roast with a tiny bit of olive oil to help the rub to stick.
- Generously coat the pork with the rub.
- Once the smoker is ready, place the roast (fat side up) and insert a meat thermometer probe if you have one. Cover and cook for about 2 1/2 hours, until it reaches 145 degrees F. There is no need to wrap a pork loin in foil when smoking, it is a quick cooking cut of meat and not something that you are cooking long enough to need.
- Once the pork is cooked let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to serve.
How Long To Smoke Pork Loin
Just like when you are smoking anything, this is subject to change slightly based on your smoker and how evenly it keeps the heat. I find that a 3-4 pound pork loin roast takes about 2 1/2 hours to reach 145 degrees F.
Measuring the temperature of your meat is the best way to know when it is actually done. I use this one from Thermoworks every time we grill or smoke. You can measure the temperature of the meat and the smoker, so it is makes getting it done right super easy with no guess work.
More Smoking Recipes
- Smoked Baby Back Ribs
- Smoked Pork Butt
- Smoked Pork Belly
- Smoked Whole Chicken
- Smoked Chicken Breasts
- Smoked Tri Tip
Smoked Pork Loin
Smoked Pork Loin Roast - the most tender, juicy, and flavorful pork roast ever! Super easy to make and costed in a delicious sweet rub.
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound pork loin roast
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Sweet Rub
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp celery salt
- 1/2 tsp cumin
Instructions
- Preheating your smoker to 225 degrees F.
- Meanwhile cut diagonal lines criss-crossing on the top of the roast about 1/4 inch deep to end up with diamonds across the top.
- Mix all of the ingredients together for the rub.
- Rub the roast with a tiny bit of olive oil to help the rub to stick.
- Generously coat the pork with the rub.
- Once the smoker is ready, place the roast (fat side up) and insert a meat thermometer probe if you have one. Cover and cook for about 2 1/2 hours, until it reaches 145 degrees F.
- Once the pork is cooked let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to serve.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 480Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 7gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 181mgSodium 1075mgCarbohydrates 7gFiber 1gSugar 6gProtein 60g
Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on dinnersdishesanddesserts.com should only be used as a general guideline.
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Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
What a great recipe! Perfect as a main dish for any sort of meal from fancy to every day!
Kevin says
Wow! I am so adding this to our weekend menu! Love this!
Jacque Hastert says
I have my husband running to the store to grab a pork loin for dinner tonight. I can’t wait to toss together this sweet rub and toss the loin on the grill. My mouth is already watering!
katerina @ diethood.com says
Such a fantastic recipe! This looks incredibly delicious!!
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes says
I can’t wait to try this recipe! My family would love it!!
Sara Welch says
Such a great recipe for summer; easily a new favorite in our home! Loved all the flavor!