Savor the bold flavors of this Easy Grilled Pork Loin, a delightful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.
My husband fancies himself as a grill master. And to be honest, he is pretty good. He even crafted a homemade BBQ sauce that has received some regional accolades. (And because we love a pun, his slogan is that the sauce “makes ribs so good, Adam wouldn’t give one up.”) His repertoire is pretty expansive, including some delicious Grilled Salmon and Chicken Skewers, but this Pork Loin is at the top of my list.
He cooks with love (of course!), but I’m convinced that the secret sauce is the rub. The combination of brown sugar with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper packs a powerful flavor punch. He often lets the pork loins marinate overnight so that the rub can really sink into the meat. Honestly, it’s love at first bite. And second. And third…
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Just check out this recipe: a few key ingredients, and you have a knockout entree. Plus, it can pair with almost any side, making meal planning a breeze.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork loin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
How to Make – The Steps
Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and the seasonings. Mix well until combined.
Step 2: Rub the seasoning over the pork and place in the fridge for 2 hours.
Step 3: While the pork is marinating in the fridge, preheat your grill to 350° F. Grill the pork on each side for 5 minutes until browned and seared.
Step 4: Remove the meat from the grill and wrap it in aluminum foil. Reduce the grill’s heat to medium heat and cook the pork in the foil for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Flip over and cook for another 15 minutes or until the meat thermometer reads 145° F. Remove the meat from the foil and place it on a cutting board.
Step 6: Let the pork rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Slice the pork and serve it warm. Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Grilled Pork Loin
- Make sure to rub the spice evenly and all over the pork loin.
- Don’t jump the gun. It’s important to let your pork loin marinate for at least 2 hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork loin reaches an internal temperature of 145° F.
- If you want to ditch the brown sugar, use honey as an alternative. It’ll caramelize the outer layer too!
FAQs
Of course! I like to throw in some chili powder or a touch of rosemary.
Whatever you have will work. The key is to make sure you’re keeping the temperature consistent while you’re grilling.
This recipe works great with pork tenderloin or a shoulder roast but make sure to adjust the cooking times.
Mix in some garlic and herb butter with the marinade or wrap the whole thing in bacon. Another option: glaze the loin with pineapple before you grill.
This is something I do with most meat dishes I make, letting the meat rest allows the juices to redistribute within the loin. You will ensure each bite is delicious.
The general rule of thumb for grilling/cooking is 20 minutes per pound. You want a rosy pink inside and a brownish-red on the outside.
Serving Suggestions
This Grilled Pork Loin Recipe can pair well with a number of sides, from corn and roasted vegetables to a creamy coleslaw or light garden salad.
Make Ahead and How to Store
Go ahead and prep the rub and marinate your pork loin ahead of time—even overnight. Then, throw on the grill when you’re ready to eat. Refrigerated leftovers will last for up to four days. To reheat, warm it up slowly in the oven or microwave.
Grilled Pork Loin
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork loin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and the seasonings. Mix well until combined.
- Rub the seasoning over the pork and place it in the fridge for 2 hours.
- While the pork is marinating in the fridge, preheat your grill to 350° F. Grill the pork on each side for 5 minutes until browned and seared.
- Remove the meat from the grill and wrap in aluminum foil. Reduce the heat of the grill on medium heat and continue to cook the pork in the aluminum foil for 15 minutes.
- Flip over and cook for another 15 minutes or until the thermometer reads 145° F. Remove the meat from the foil and place it on a cutting board.
- Let the pork rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Slice the pork and serve it warm. Enjoy!
Nutrition
