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This smoked pork loin is tender, juicy, and full of rich, smoky flavor. Seasoned with a simple spice rub and slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an easy yet impressive main dish that’s perfect for cookouts, holidays, or weekend dinners.
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 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 making Smoked Pork Butt. 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 You’ll Need
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.
- Pork Loin Roast – you really can use any size and the cooking time doesn’t change much.
- Olive Oil
- Brown Sugar
- Kosher Salt
- Chili Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Paprika
- Black Pepper
- Cayenne Pepper
- Celery Salt
- Cumin
You are making your own sweet dry rub for this recipe. If you have a spice rub you like or you have The Best Dry Rub on hand or even Dry Rub For Ribs, you can easily swap that out for the spices listed.
How To Smoke Pork Loin
- Set Up Smoker. Start by preheating your smoker. Get it set up to cook around 225º F. Use your favorite chips, I like apple wood or something mild for pork.
- Prep 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.
- Season. Rub the roast with a tiny bit of olive oil to help the rub to stick. Generously coat the pork with the rub.
- Cook. 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 145º 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.
- Rest and Serve. 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 145º 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.
Storage
Store any leftover pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. You can reheat in the microwave or heat slices in a hot skillet.
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
Ingredients
- 3-4 pound pork loin roast
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
Sweet Rub
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Preheating your smoker to 225º 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.3-4 pound pork loin roast
- Mix all of the ingredients together for the rub.1/4 cup light brown sugar, 1 Tablespoon kosher salt, 2 teaspoon chili powder, 2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon celery salt, 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Rub the roast with a tiny bit of olive oil to help the rub to stick.1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 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 145º F.
- Once the pork is cooked let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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What a great recipe! Perfect as a main dish for any sort of meal from fancy to every day!
Wow! I am so adding this to our weekend menu! Love this!
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!
Such a fantastic recipe! This looks incredibly delicious!!
I can’t wait to try this recipe! My family would love it!!
Such a great recipe for summer; easily a new favorite in our home! Loved all the flavor!