Grilled Honey Chipotle Pork Loin

There is something truly amazing about honey chipotle pork loin and the combination of sweet and spicy flavors, especially when paired with a perfectly grilled cut of pork loin. The tender meat absorbs the smoky char from the grill while the sweet and spicy injection caramelizes to create a mouthwatering glaze. This delightful blend of flavors creates a dish that is sure to impress friends and family alike at your next backyard barbecue.

Quick Recap of Pork Loin vs Pork Tenderloin

This may not be for you but there is always a lot of confusion as to whether you have a pork loin or pork tenderloin. If you are confident that you know what you have feel free to skip this section, if you are questioning what you have, read on my friends. Hopefully this next section helps!

What Is Pork Loin?

Pork loin is a leaner cut of meat from the back of the pig. It is most likely to be bought boneless but can be found with the bone in. If you are a Costco shopper you will find the boneless version there. It is thicker and longer than a tenderloin. It will also have a decent fat cap on it. Pork loin is better smoked hot and fast, or if grilled, seared and then roasted over medium heat. In the case of the recipe below, I am flipping this with a reverse sear. Because it is leaner cut of pork, it is not good for a shredded pork and is best served sliced or as pork chops.

What Is Pork Tenderloin

Tenderloin is also a leaner cut. It is the muscle that runs along the backbone of the pig. It is always going to be boneless. If you are buying at Costco it is sold in packs of two. When compared to a loin, it is smaller and not as thick. There is no real fat cap on a tenderloin. In a similar fashion to the loin, smoked pork tenderloin needs to be done hot and fast or if grilled done so in the same manner as the loin. Both, if not cooked correctly are subject to being dried out.

The smaller size of the tenderloin lends itself not so much to a pork tenderloin sandwich as much as it does a slider.

Honey Chipotle Injection

Frequently people will complain about dried out pork loin. I have done a couple other recipes all them injected and I never get a dried out pork loin. Here are a couple of those recipes: Christmas Smoked Pork Loin Roast and Smoked Pork Loin.

This injection consists of three ingredients:

• Honey
• Chicken broth
• Chipotle powder

Take the broth, add to a small pot then add in the honey and chipotle powder. Let simmer over a low heat for about 5-10 minutes. Continue to stir until the honey has melted and mix in with the broth and powder. You will get a nice maroonish hue to the injection when it is done.

When the injection is done, you can start to inject the pork loin. I would suggest, placing the loin in a pan and then liberally injecting.

Sweet Chipotle Rub

We can now move into this delicious sweet chipotle rub that pairs perfectly with a honey chipotle injection. This combination of flavors will take your pork loin to the next level and have your guests coming back for seconds.

Here is an incredible rub with a easy set of ingredient you should have in the house:

• brown sugar
• chipotle powder
• garlic powder
• black pepper

After measuring them out, combine them, mix well and then start applying to the pork loin. Apply the rub to all sides. No binder should be needed, the rub should stick no issues. Apply it and then we are ready to start smoking.

Grilling Honey Chipotle Pork Loin

Get your grill up and running for 375°. Pork loin likes hot and fast, even when being smoked. There is little to no fat so low and slow serves little purpose. Keep it on too long and you just sap the moisture from it making it dry and unenjoyable.

Once on, you are going to do indirect heat for the first stage. For about an hour you will run the pork loin, with indirect heat until it reaches an IT of 130°. As soon as it reaches 130°, move to direct heat. You are going to now grill over direct heat for about 10 minutes. until the pork loin get to 140°.

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You can do this with the lid open, I actually rotated it a couple of times, and even used some tongs to hold it on the side so I was getting decent grill marks all around. Take the honey chipotle pork loin to an IT of 140°, maybe a couple of degrees more if you don’t feel comfortable pulling it at 140°. We are going to let it rest for about 15-20 minutes covered with foil.

While resting, the carryover will bring it to a safe IT of 145°. From there you can slice it. Slicing the pork is all about how you like it. You can make them thinner, how I cut this this particular pork loin, or if you like a nice thick cut that works as well. Pork loins will not shred so if you are looking to something different, you can always chop it.

Enjoying The Best Honey Chipotle Pork Loin

Whether you are enjoying a grilled honey chipotle pork loin for dinner with your family or serving it up at a summer BBQ with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. The sweet and spicy flavors of the honey chipotle marinade combined with the juicy tenderness of the pork loin create a mouthwatering meal that is perfect for any occasion. So fire up the grill and get ready to impress your guests with this delicious and satisfying dish!

Thanks for being here and checking out this Grilled Honey Chipotle Pork Loin recipe. I hope you enjoy it! We always appreciate comments, 5 star recipe rating and social media shares. As always, keep that smoke rolling!

Considering some other ideas? Here are a few suggestions for the grill:

• Grilled Steak Fajita Bowl
• Easy Grilled Chicken Strips
• Grilled Shrimp Tacos
• Grilled London Broil
• Grilled Turkey Recipe
• Authentic Grilled Carne Asada
• Easy Grilled Beer Brats

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