Can I make my own rub instead of purchasing one?

Absolutely! While we do have one of the best tasting BBQ rubs out there, you can use common household seasonings to make this smoked pork loin. Here's an amazing pork loin seasoning recipe for you to try.

Is pork loin and pork tenderloin the same thing?

While similar, pork loin and pork tenderloin are cut from 2 different areas of the pig. Pork loin is a much larger cut of pork and oftentimes cut into pork chops. I have a great smoked pork chop recipe on this site as well!

A pork tenderloin is a much more tender cut of pork with a stronger pork taste. If you wanted to smoke a pork tenderloin in place of a pork loin, the cook time would be cut by at least an hour due to its size.

Smoked Pork Loin Recipe

Servings8
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time2 1/2 hours
Skill Leveleasy

Ingredients

Main

Injection (optional)

  • 1/2 cup Apple juice
  • 1/4 cup Apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons Seasoning used on outside of meat
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

BBQ Tools

Steps

  1. Preheat the smoker

    Preheat smoker to 225°F. Most pellet grills don’t need it, but you can add a pan of water in the corner of the smoker to keep moisture inside. If using a Traeger with the Super Smoke setting, turn it on as well.

  2. Trim the pork loin

    Trim off any excess fat or silver skin. I usually leave 1/4" of fat on top of the pork loin to protect the meat and add additional flavor, but remove it if desired.

  3. Season and optionally inject the pork loin

    If injecting the pork loin, combine all of the injection ingredients in a tall, narrow glass. This makes it easier to pull the liquid into the injector. Inject the meat every inch in a checker board pattern across the entire pork loin. If using a custom seasoning, combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Apply a heavy coating of the rub to all sides of the pork loin. If desired, wrap seasoned pork loin in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours to overnight.

    Season and inject the smoked pork loin
  4. Smoke the pork loin

    Place the pork loin on the grill grates of your smoker and smoke for 2 1/2 - 3 hours. Cook until the pork loin reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. I recommend using a good leave-in meat thermometer so you don't have to constantly check the pork loin as it smokes.

  5. Rest the smoked pork loin

    Transfer the smoked pork loin to a cutting board, tent with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat resulting in a super juicy smoked pork loin.

Comments

Add Comment

  1. William Wallace
    Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
    The pork came out just as described. Tender and juicy with a nice smoke ring. I’ll never cook pork loins differently again. 5 ⭐️!
    Reply
  2. Clifford Odendaal
    Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
    Came out perfect. I put a bit of water and apple cider vinegar in the tray and laid the pork on a bed of sliced apples and peaches. Let it smoke 3 hours
    Reply
  3. Gary
    Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
    Do you recommend spritzing it while smoking? I usually spritz my ribs with apple cider vinegar and orange or apple juice. Thanks
    Reply
    1. Allan Kiezel
      Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
      Hey Gary, you don't have to sptriz the pork loin as the cook time isn't as long as ribs.
      Reply
  4. Stephanie Jeremiah
    Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
    Allan - this pork recipe is fabulous! We smoked one today and took it to my parents' house for my birthday. The pork was absolutely perfect! Juicy and tender, with a nice smoke ring and great flavor. I will definitely be making this one again!
    Reply
    1. Allan Kiezel
      Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
      So happy you liked it! Happy belated birthday!
      Reply
  5. Kathleen Shoemaker
    Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
    I am making pork loin for a outing this afternoon. It got done much sooner than I thought. Is there any way that I can keep it warm? Can I leave it in the smoker at a 100゚ or something? I smoked 15 pounds thought it would take 7 hours but looks like it maybe done in 4
    Reply
    1. John
      Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
      I’ve wrapped them in foil with slices of butter, then in a towel, and put it in a cooler (no ice lol) and it’s stayed warm for hours.
      Reply
  6. Kirsten
    Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
    Made this Sunday with a full pork loin. Best, juiciest pork loin I have ever had. We did not do the injection but did do a pan of water. Took off at 145 (my husband was a bit leery) and let is rest. It was sooooo good. So flavorful and moist!! Will be making it this way from now on!! Thank you!!
    Reply
    1. Allan Kiezel
      Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
      Hey Kirsten, this just made my day! Glad you guys love it! :)
      Reply
  7. Scott
    Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
    I followed the heating instructions on this post and my loin was done in an hour. Smoker temp set at 225 degrees. I used two separate internal probes. Anyone have any idea why it cooked so fast?
    Reply
    1. Allan Kiezel
      Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
      Hey Scott, did you use a pork loin or a pork tenderloin? A tenderloin is much smaller and will cook much faster. An hour seems very short for a full pork loin.
      Reply
  8. Steve harrop
    Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
    Awesome web page looking forward to seeing how this pork turns out
    Reply
    1. Allan Kiezel
      Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
      Thanks so much Steve!! Excited to hear how it goes!
      Reply
  9. Peter Philips
    Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
    That looks so good!! Gonna have to try that for sure.
    Reply
  10. Aaron
    Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
    This came out insanely good! Juicy, not overcooked and so darn easy, it will become a staple for sure. Thx
    Reply
  11. Donnie
    Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
    Omg yum, I haven't had smoked pork loin in ages!
    Reply
  12. Max
    Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
    Tried it. Loved it and I can't stop recommending it to others now. I have at least 3 friends that have said this recipe has become one of their favorites.
    Reply
  13. James M.
    Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
    I just tried your rub on some chicken thighs I had to meal prep, never going back, so so good!
    Reply
  14. Martin
    Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
    Trying this next week for our weekend get together with the whole family, fingers crossed I don’t mess it up haha.
    Reply
  15. Steven
    Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
    I have done this stuffed with kilbassa. Make an x by stiking a long knife throuh both ends and slide it id. Deliciouse moist smoked flavor.
    Reply
    1. Allan Kiezel
      Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
      Wow that sounds awesome! I'll definitely give it a try.
      Reply
  16. Danellle
    Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
    I'm going to try this with my own rub while my bf smokes his brisket. I'm going to butterfly it and lay bacon salt and pepper over it then roll it back up and tie it. I'll let you know how it turns out :)
    Reply
    1. Allan Kiezel
      Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
      Sounds awesome! Can't wait to hear how it comes out!
      Reply
  17. Rick
    Review Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star FilledReview Star Filled
    So much flavor in this recipe! Thanks for sharing!
    Reply