Why You’ll Love this Grilled Pork Loin Recipe
You’ll love this Grilled Pork Loin Recipe for its perfect blend of flavors and ease of preparation.
Trust me, it’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple. The marinade infuses the pork with a savory richness, making every bite tender and juicy.
Plus, it requires minimal effort—just mix the ingredients, let the pork soak overnight, and grill it the next day.
You won’t need to spend hours in the kitchen, and yet your guests will think you’ve slaved over it. It’s a fantastic option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
You’re going to want this recipe in your collection!
Ingredients of Grilled Pork Loin
When it comes to preparing a mouthwatering grilled pork loin, the ingredients play an essential role in achieving that savory, rich flavor we all crave. Thankfully, you won’t need a treasure trove of exotic spices or fancy sauces. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of common ingredients that come together to create something truly special.
So, let’s gather what you need to get started on this delicious adventure.
Here’s a handy list of ingredients for your Grilled Pork Loin:
- 2/3 cup canola oil
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 boneless pork loin roast (2 1/2 to 3 pounds)
Now, let’s chat about these ingredients for a moment. You might be thinking, “What’s with the canola oil?” Well, it’s the unsung hero here, providing moisture and helping to create a lovely sear on the grill.
And don’t fret if you don’t have red wine vinegar on hand; apple cider vinegar works just as well in a pinch. As for the pork loin, aim for a nice, even cut—something that will cook uniformly and stay juicy.
The marinade is where the magic happens, so don’t skimp on soaking time. Letting that pork soak overnight is like giving it a mini vacation in flavor-town.
How to Make Grilled Pork Loin
Alright, let’s explore the delicious world of making grilled pork loin. It all starts with that fantastic marinade. You’ll want to grab a large zippered plastic bag and mix together 2/3 cup of canola oil, 1/3 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce.
Add in those 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tablespoons of ground mustard, 1 1/2 teaspoons of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good shake and a mix, then pop in your beautiful boneless pork loin roast, which should weigh in at about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds. Seal that bag up tight and turn it around a few times to coat the meat evenly with all those flavorful goodies.
Now comes the hardest part—letting it marinate overnight in the fridge. Yes, I know, patience isn’t always my strong suit either, but trust me, it’s going to be worth it.
The next day, it’s time to fire up the grill! Prepare your grill for indirect heat. If you’re like me, you might need a little help with this part, so here’s a quick tip: if you’re using a charcoal grill, push the coals to one side and leave the other side empty. If you’re using gas, just turn on one side of the burners.
Now, drain that marinade off your pork loin (we don’t want it swimming in sauce while grilling) and place the loin over the indirect heat. Close the lid and let it do its thing for about 1 1/2 hours. I know, it feels like forever, but this slow cooking method allows the pork to become tender and juicy, while also reaching that magic internal temperature of 160 degrees.
Once it’s done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time is essential—allowing the juices to redistribute means you won’t be left with a dry piece of meat. And who wants that?
Grilled Pork Loin Substitutions & Variations
While the classic grilled pork loin recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to explore that can elevate your dish even further.
You might try swapping canola oil for olive oil for a richer flavor or using balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar for a sweet twist.
For a spice kick, add some cayenne pepper to the marinade. If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
You can even experiment with different cuts of pork, such as tenderloin, for a quicker cook time. The possibilities are endless!
What to Serve with Grilled Pork Loin
To truly elevate your grilled pork loin experience, pairing it with the right sides can make all the difference.
I love serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes, which complement the savory flavors beautifully. A fresh, vibrant salad, like a mixed greens salad with citrus vinaigrette, adds a revitalizing crunch.
For something hearty, consider grilled vegetables, such as zucchini and bell peppers, which enhance the smoky taste. Finally, a tangy apple or cranberry sauce can provide a delightful contrast to the pork.
These sides not only complete the meal but also enhance its overall appeal. Enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
When grilling pork loin, it’s essential to keep a few key tips in mind to guarantee the best results.
First, always let the meat rest after grilling; this helps redistribute the juices for maximum flavor.
I recommend investing in a meat thermometer to make sure your loin reaches the perfect 160 degrees.
Also, don’t skip the marinating step—overnight marination enhances the taste considerably.
If you want a smoky flavor, consider adding wood chips to your grill.
Finally, experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade to personalize your dish.
Happy grilling! You won’t be disappointed.