This Grilled Pork Loin Recipe packs bold flavors into a surprisingly simple dish.
In my household, grilling is serious business. And it’s one of my husband’s passion projects when it comes to food. He has this skill down; he can turn a basic backyard barbecue into a spread that tastes like it came fresh off a professional smoker. Friends and family love gathering at our place for a cookout, and this easy pork loin recipe is the perfect thing to toss on the grill when you need to feed a crowd.
Part of the magic is in the rub, which does a lot of the heavy lifting. Savory cumin, paprika, and garlic powder combined with sticky-sweet brown sugar create a flavor-packed crust that caramelizes beautifully when it hits the hot grill. You’ll let the pork sit in the rub for at least two hours so the flavors have time to soak in. After a good sear, you get a tender, juicy result with the iconic grilled flavor that tastes just like a summer night.
Vary up the spice rub
The beauty of a spice rub is that you can modify it to suit your tastes. For example, if you like more heat, add a dash of cayenne powder, chipotle powder, or some chili flakes. For more depth, you could add some ground coriander, ginger, or curry powder. Onion powder and dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley are great mix-ins, too.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze leftover pork for up to 3 months; let it thaw in the fridge overnight before you reheat it.
Serving suggestions
This grilled pork loin will pair well with a number of sides. To round out a classic barbecue spread, make some Corn Casserole and a Grilled Pepper Salad to tie all those smoky flavors together. You could also opt for coleslaw, complete with The Perfect Coleslaw Dressing, or a delicious Kansas Chopped Salad With Peppercorn Ranch.
Grilled Pork Loin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch salt and black pepper
- 1 pound pork loin
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 a meat 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.
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