Are you looking for a new way to cook pork loin that will impress your family and friends?
Look no further than the Big Green Egg!
This versatile grill can be used for both smoking and grilling, making it the perfect tool for cooking a delicious pork loin.
Whether you prefer a sweet and tangy glaze or a smoky rub, we’ve got you covered with these easy-to-follow recipes.
So fire up your Big Green Egg and get ready to cook up a mouth-watering pork loin that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
How To Cook Pork Loin On Big Green Egg?
First, start by trimming the fat cap and silver skin from the pork loin roast. If you’re using a boneless pork loin, remove any excess fat or connective tissue.
Next, season the pork loin with your favorite rub or marinade. For a simple yet flavorful marinade, whisk together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice. Place the pork loin in a zip-top bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
When you’re ready to cook, set up your Big Green Egg for indirect cooking at 250 degrees Fahrenheit with your choice of smoking wood. Apple wood is a great option for pork.
Once the grill is preheated and the smoke has turned a blueish gray, remove the pork loin from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
Place the pork loin on the cooking grid and close the lid. Cook for approximately 1-1.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Once the pork loin is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Preparing Your Pork Loin For The Big Green Egg
Before cooking your pork loin on the Big Green Egg, it’s important to prepare it properly. Start by trimming any excess fat or connective tissue from the pork loin roast. If you’re using a boneless pork loin, remove any excess fat or connective tissue.
Next, you’ll want to season the pork loin with your favorite rub or marinade. For a simple yet flavorful marinade, whisk together olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice. Place the pork loin in a zip-top bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
When you’re ready to cook, set up your Big Green Egg for indirect cooking at 250 degrees Fahrenheit with your choice of smoking wood. Apple wood is a great option for pork.
Once the grill is preheated and the smoke has turned a blueish gray, remove the pork loin from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
Place the pork loin on the cooking grid and close the lid. Cook for approximately 1-1.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
Once the pork loin is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. By properly preparing your pork loin for the Big Green Egg, you’ll ensure that it comes out juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
Smoking Your Pork Loin On The Big Green Egg
Smoking your pork loin on the Big Green Egg is a great way to infuse it with a smoky flavor while keeping it moist and tender. To get started, set up your grill for indirect cooking at 250 degrees Fahrenheit with your choice of smoking wood. Apple wood is a popular choice for pork, but you can use any wood that you prefer.
Once your grill is heated and the smoke has turned a blueish gray, remove the pork loin from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Season it with salt and pepper, or your favorite rub or marinade.
Place the pork loin on the cooking grid and close the lid. Cook for approximately 1-1.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
During the cooking process, you’ll want to check the temperature of your grill and adjust the vents as needed to maintain a steady temperature. You may also need to add more smoking wood or charcoal to keep the smoke going.
Once your pork loin is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
Grilling Your Pork Loin On The Big Green Egg
Grilling your pork loin on the Big Green Egg is a great way to infuse it with smoky flavor while keeping it tender and juicy. To start, trim the fat cap and silver skin from the pork loin roast and season it with your favorite rub or marinade.
Set up your Big Green Egg for indirect cooking at 250 degrees Fahrenheit with your choice of smoking wood. Once the grill is preheated and the smoke has turned a blueish gray, remove the pork loin from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
Place the pork loin on the cooking grid and close the lid. Cook for approximately 1-1.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
If you want to add some extra flavor, you can baste the pork loin with a glaze during the last few minutes of cooking. To make a simple glaze, combine maple syrup and balsamic vinegar in a liquid measuring cup.
Once the pork loin is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.
Adding Flavor With Rubs And Glazes
To add even more flavor to your pork loin, consider using a rub or glaze. A rub is a mixture of spices and herbs that are rubbed onto the surface of the meat before cooking. A glaze, on the other hand, is a sweet or savory sauce that is brushed onto the meat during cooking or just before serving.
To make a rub, combine your favorite spices and herbs in a small bowl. Some popular options for pork include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and brown sugar. Once you have your rub mixture, generously coat the pork loin with it before placing it on the grill.
For a simple glaze, mix together maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. Brush the glaze onto the pork loin during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. You can also try using a fruit-based glaze, such as apricot or peach, for a sweet and tangy flavor.
When using a rub or glaze, be sure to monitor the pork loin closely to prevent burning or overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and adjust the cooking time as needed.
By experimenting with different rubs and glazes, you can create a variety of delicious flavor combinations for your pork loin on the Big Green Egg.
Tips For Perfectly Cooked Pork Loin Every Time
Cooking pork loin can be challenging because it can easily become dry and tough if overcooked. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfectly cooked pork loin every time:
1. Use the pan-sear and roast method: This method involves pan-searing the pork loin over medium-high heat to achieve a golden crust, then finishing it in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit until the interior is cooked to your desired doneness. This method ensures that the pork loin is juicy and tender.
2. Don’t overcook the meat: Pork loin is a lean cut of meat that cooks quickly, so it’s important not to overcook it. A few minutes per side for tenderloin, maybe three or four for chops should do it. Bake exactly 5 1/2 minutes per pound at 350F and adjust +/- according to your oven’s accuracy and heat retention. Turn off the oven and do not open the oven door for 45 minutes.
3. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that your pork loin is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The final temperature by the end of this recipe should be at least 145F, which is the lowest safe temperature for pork.
4. Brine or marinade the pork: If you’re not confident in your cooking skills, soaking the pork in a brine or marinade can guarantee a tender outcome even if you cook it too long. A simple brine solution of 1 cup kosher salt and 2 quarts water can be used, along with herbs, peppercorns, sugar, bay leaves, and other seasonings or spices as desired. Rinse off the brine before cooking to avoid oversalting. A marinade with vinegar or citrus can also tenderize the meat and add flavor.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to cook pork loin on your Big Green Egg to perfection every time.
Serving And Enjoying Your Delicious Pork Loin
Now that your pork loin is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy it! There are many delicious side dishes that pair well with pork loin, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. You can also slice up the pork loin and serve it on tortillas with roasted peppers and onions for a tasty taco night.
Leftover pork loin can be used in a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to stir-fry. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When serving your pork loin, be sure to slice against the grain for maximum tenderness. You can also drizzle some of the juices from the pork loin over the slices for added flavor.
Enjoy your delicious pork loin with friends and family for a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s sure to impress.