How to Cook a Pork Loin on the Grill

Ever wonder on how to cook a pork loin on the grill? Let me tell you this. The pork loin is a very lean meat with minimal fat. It's just as lean as chicken breasts without the skin. You must be careful as to not over cook this meat, because it will dry up.

When I first cooked my pork loins I grilled them. Being careful not to over cook them I watched the meat thermometer reach 160 degrees. Thinking that it was done I took them out and yes when I started to slice them up I quickly realised that they were overdone. What I never thought of is when the temperature reaches 160 degrees while the pork loin is still on the grill the temperature continues to climb even after you take it out. So what must be done is to remove the meat when the temperature reaches anywhere from 150 - 155 degrees. If you know if you will reheat it before serving it remove it at 145 degrees so you won't over cook it.

In case you were wondering where the loin is located, it is between the shoulder and leg. So in order to prepare the pork loin we will first get the ingredients together for the marinade that I have at the bottom. After mixing all the ingredients together pour it in a plastic bag and insert the pork loin in with it and refrigerate overnight.

The next day before you grill remove the pork loin from the refrigerator and leave it on the counter until the grill is ready. It's best to get the meat up to about room temperature before putting on the grill. Prepare the grill for indirect heat by placing the coals on one side of the grill. While the coals are getting ready soak some wood chips for about a half hour. The wood I like using for pork is apple, oak, or hickory or a combination of apple and oak. This gives it a very special taste.

When the charcoal is grey it's time to place the meat on the grill opposite the coals. Insert a meat thermometer set at 150 degrees. Place wood chips on top of the coals and cover the grill. After about 25 minutes remove the cover of the grill and rotate the pork loin 180 degrees so the meat will cook evenly. Check the temperature at around 45 minutes. When the temperature reaches 150 degrees plan on removing the meat. The internal temperature will continue to rise. This is why you need to remove the loin anywhere between 150-155 degrees and let it rest. I truly believe this is the best way on cooking a pork loin on the grill. The secret are the wood chips.

Try using the marinade I have to give it even a more tender feel to it. The taste is out of this world.

Two cups white wine
One-quarter cup olive oil
One-quarter cup chopped parsley
One medium white onion, chopped
Tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
One tablespoon chopped fresh garlic
One tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Two teaspoons salt
One teaspoon black pepper
Juice of one lime
One cup water