Juicy Grilled Pork Loin (with a Sweet & Smoky Rub)

This grilled pork loin recipe consistently delivers an incredibly tender and juicy result, thanks to the sweet and smoky rub and simple grilling method. The hearty loin is packed with flavor and can be ready in just a few hours (including time to marinate).

Growing up, this grilled pork loin was a staple in our family, and it has been perfected over the years through backyard cookouts. It’s a no-fail method that I am excited to share with you!

 

Prep Time	Cook Time/Rest Time	Servings	Prep Level
2 hours	1 hour 30 minutes/10 minutes	6-8	Beginner +

DISCLAIMER: This post is sponsored by the Wisconsin Pork Producers Association. As always, the opinions are honest and are all my own. 

Julie’s Ingredient Notes

Light brown sugar will add a touch of sweetness and depth to the rub, which is balanced by the savory seasonings. If you like things super spicy, add some red pepper to the mix.

Full printable recipe with measurements and detailed instructions listed at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Start by adding the brown sugar and smoked paprika to a small mixing bowl. Smoked paprika will have a deeper flavor than regular paprika. You can use either one for this recipe. Use dark brown sugar for a deeper sweetness.

Pour the garlic salt, cumin, and onion powder into the bowl, along with the salt, black pepper, chili powder, and dry mustard, and mix to combine.

Place your pork loin in a baking dish. I used a baking dish large enough to hold the pork. It’s really the best way to keep the drippings inside the pan. You don’t need to grease the pan because you are only using it to refrigerate the pork while it rests with the dry rub.

I used a four-pound pork loin for the recipe, but you can use a smaller one if you aren’t feeding as many people. If you choose to use a smaller size of meat, cut the rub ingredients by half.

Spread the rub on both sides of the pork and place it in the refrigerator for at least two hours before grilling. You can leave it open or place some plastic wrap over the top.

Once the pork sits for a couple of hours, preheat the outdoor grill to 350 degrees. I kept the grill temperature at 350 degrees. For the four-pound loin, the cooking time was about one hour. If you have a smaller piece of pork, you will need to cook it for a shorter time, depending on its size.

Place the pork in the center of the grill rack on the open flame and let it cook on one side for five minutes to sear the meat. Searing the meat will keep the juices inside the pork and will help keep it tender as it cooks.

Flip the meat over and continue to cook for about 15 minutes. This is a remarkably easy grilling process, and the result is a juicy pork loin.

Flip the pork loin over and wrap it in aluminum foil to keep the sugar from burning on the outside. This will also help keep in the juices.

Cook for another 15-20 minutes and flip over one more time. Cook for approximately 10-15 more minutes. Keep the pork in the aluminum foil.

Allow the pork to sit for about five to 10 minutes before slicing so the juices will reabsorb into the meat and be perfectly tender.

The pork tasted perfect with the rub and had incredible flavor. You can also add your favorite BBQ sauce on the side, as well as maple syrup or your favorite store-bought rub.

More Pork Recipes With Different Cuts Of Meat

• Slow cooker ranch pork chops – this is some of the best pork out there, and your taste buds will thank you for this easy and delicious recipe.
• Ham and potato casserole – this is a great meal for the family. It’s hearty, filling, and has incredible flavor.
• Slow cooker pork chops and gravy is a wonderfully delicious meal that is tender, falls apart easily, is rich with flavor, and comes out perfect every single time.
• Slow cooker pork tenderloin recipe – this lean cut of meat turns out so tender and flavorful. It’s great with rice, mashed potatoes, and baked potatoes.

How To Store And Use Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container or cover them with plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator.

My dad and stepmom would often take any leftover pork, slice it up, add it to some pasta and red sauce, and eat it for dinner the next night. It tends to stay more juicy if kept unsliced until you are ready to eat it.

What To Serve With Pork Loin

It’s always fun to have some go-to easy sides for a grilling party, and these are my favorites:

• You can’t have a party without moist Jiffy cornbread. It’s easy to make, and the hacks make it a favorite.
• One of our favorite recipes is Chick-fil-A coleslaw. It’s easy to whip up, and everyone asks for seconds.
• With every cookout, you need some slow cooker beans. They are easy to prep and can be cooked before the grilling begins.