Traeger Pellet Smoker: Pork Loin

Smoking a pork loin on a Traeger pellet smoker is one of the easiest ways to impress your guests at your next barbecue. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a succulent and flavorful dish that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

First things first, let's talk about the weight of your pork loin. It's important to note that the cooking time will vary depending on the weight of the meat. As a general rule of thumb, you'll want to smoke the pork loin for 30-40 minutes per pound at 225°F on your Traeger pellet smoker.

Now, let's dive into the rub. A good rub is essential to give your pork loin the flavor it deserves. Here's a simple yet delicious recipe that will enhance the taste of your meat:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt

• 2 tablespoons smoked paprika

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon onion powder

• 1 tablespoon dried thyme

• 1 tablespoon black pepper

Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl and apply the rub generously all over the pork loin, making sure to massage it into the meat. Let the pork loin sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before putting it on the smoker.

When you're ready to start smoking, preheat your Traeger pellet smoker to 225°F. Once the smoker is up to temperature, place the pork loin on the grill grates and let it smoke until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. This should take about 2-3 hours for a 4-5 pound pork loin.

One of the great things about using a Traeger pellet smoker is that you can add wood pellets to enhance the flavor of your meat. For this recipe, we recommend using hickory or applewood pellets. Hickory pellets will give your pork loin a bold and smoky flavor, while applewood pellets will give it a sweet and fruity taste.

Another tip to keep in mind is to avoid opening the smoker lid too often. This will let out the smoke and heat, which can cause the cooking time to increase and affect the flavor of the meat.

When the pork loin is finished cooking, take it off the smoker and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing it. This will allow the juices to settle back into the meat, making it tender and juicy.

In conclusion, smoking a pork loin on a Traeger pellet smoker is a simple and delicious way to cook a flavorful and juicy piece of meat. With the right rub, wood pellets, and cooking time, you'll have a dish that will be the star of your next barbecue. So fire up your Traeger and get ready to impress your guests with this amazing recipe!