Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to cook a pork roast?
Look no further than your Traeger pellet grill!
With just a few simple steps, you can have a juicy and flavorful pork roast that will impress your family and friends.
Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a beginner, this guide will walk you through the process of cooking a pork roast on your Traeger grill.
So fire up your grill, grab your favorite rub, and let’s get started!
How To Cook A Pork Roast On A Traeger Grill?
Step 1: Preheat Your Traeger Grill
Before you start cooking, preheat your Traeger grill to 180°F with the lid closed for 15 minutes. For optimal flavor, use Super Smoke if available.
Step 2: Season The Pork Roast
Season the pork roast with your favorite Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub on all sides. Place the roast in an aluminum foil pan and pour apple juice on top.
Step 3: Smoke The Pork Roast
Insert the probe into the thickest part of the roast. Place the pan on the grill grates and smoke with the lid closed for 1 hour.
Step 4: Increase The Temperature And Continue Cooking
Remove the roast from the grill and increase the Traeger temperature to 275°F. Preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes. Return the pan to the grill and cook with the lid closed for another 2 hours.
Step 5: Cover And Cook Until Done
Cover the pan with aluminum foil, return to the grill, close the lid, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 205°F, about 3 hours more.
Step 6: Rest And Serve
Remove the roast from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve with roasted onions, potatoes, carrots, and/or apples.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Pork
Choosing the right cut of pork is crucial when cooking a pork roast on a Traeger grill. The cut of pork will determine the flavor and texture of the final dish. Here are some popular cuts of pork that work well for roasting:
1. Pork Loin: This is a premium cut of pork that is lean and tender. It has a layer of creamy fat on top that adds flavor and moisture to the meat. Pork loin can be roasted whole or cut into chops.
2. Pork Shoulder: This is a fattier cut of pork that is full of flavor. It has a thick layer of fat on the outside and marbling inside, which makes it juicy and succulent when roasted. Pork shoulder can be slow-cooked in stews or roasted whole.
3. Pork Belly: This cut is heavily streaked with fat, which makes it perfect for slow-roasting. It has become more popular in recent years and is known for making excellent crackling.
When choosing pork, look for meat that is firm to the touch and evenly covered with a layer of white fat. Avoid meat that looks greasy or grey, as this can mean it is past its best. The color of the pork should be reddish-pink to purplish-red, indicating that it is fresh and flavorful.
It’s also important to cook pork to the correct temperature to prevent foodborne illness. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for whole cuts and 160°F for ground pork. By choosing the right cut of pork and cooking it properly, you’ll be able to create a delicious and flavorful pork roast on your Traeger grill.
Preparing The Pork Roast For The Grill
Preparing the pork roast for the grill is an important step to ensure that your meat is tender, juicy, and flavorful. Here are some steps to follow:
Step 1: Remove The Pork Roast From The Fridge
Take the pork roast out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will allow it to come to room temperature and cook more evenly.
Step 2: Season The Pork Roast
In a small bowl, mix together your favorite dry rub ingredients. Rub the mixture onto all sides of the pork roast, making sure to cover it evenly. You can also use a marinade if you prefer.
Step 3: Get The Grill Ready
Heat your Traeger grill for indirect-heat cooking as directed by the manufacturer. For best results, use a two-zone cooking technique. One area of the grill should be turned to high, while the other should be low or unlit. Use the high-heat area for direct cooking and the low-heat area for indirect cooking.
Step 4: Sear The Pork Roast
Place the pork roast on the high-heat area of the grill and sear it for 5 minutes per side. This will help to create a crispy crust and seal in the juices.
Step 5: Move To Indirect Heat And Continue Cooking
Move the pork roast to the low-heat area of the grill and continue cooking it over indirect heat. Cook for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Step 6: Rest And Serve
Once the pork roast is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to settle and make the meat more tender. Slice into 1/4-inch slices and serve with your favorite sides.
By following these steps, you can cook a delicious pork roast on your Traeger grill that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Seasoning And Rubbing The Pork Roast
To ensure a flavorful and juicy pork roast, it’s important to season and rub it properly before cooking. Start by selecting your favorite Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub and generously apply it to all sides of the roast. Make sure to massage the rub into the meat to ensure it penetrates and flavors the pork.
Once you’ve seasoned the roast, place it in an aluminum foil pan and pour apple juice on top. The apple juice will help keep the pork moist during the long cooking process and add a subtle sweetness to the flavor profile.
After you’ve added the apple juice, insert a probe thermometer into the thickest part of the roast. This will allow you to monitor the internal temperature of the meat throughout the cooking process and ensure it’s cooked to perfection.
Now that your pork roast is seasoned and ready to go, place the pan on the grill grates and smoke with the lid closed for 1 hour at 180°F. After an hour, remove the roast from the grill and increase the Traeger temperature to 275°F. Preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes before returning the pan to the grill.
Cook with the lid closed for another 2 hours before covering the pan with aluminum foil. Return to the grill, close the lid, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 205°F, about 3 hours more.
Once your pork roast is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
By following these simple steps for seasoning and rubbing your pork roast, you can create a delicious and impressive meal on your Traeger grill that is sure to impress your guests.
Setting Up Your Traeger Grill For Cooking
Before you start cooking your pork roast, it’s important to properly set up your Traeger grill. This will ensure that your grill is ready to go and that your pork roast will cook evenly and come out delicious.
Step 1: Assemble Your Traeger Grill
If you’re using your Traeger grill for the first time, you’ll need to assemble it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will typically involve attaching the legs, wheels, and other components to the main body of the grill.
Step 2: Season and Burn-In Your Traeger Grill
The first time you use your Traeger grill, you’ll need to go through a seasoning and burn-in phase. This ensures that any oil is burnt off and your auger is primed and ready. Traeger has a helpful video that runs through the entire process.
To season your Traeger grill, remove the grill grates and heat shield so you can see the pellets enter the burn pot. Pour some pellets into the hopper, plug in your grill, and turn it on by pressing the temperature control dial. Select “Auger” from the menu and then choose “Prime Auger”. Once you see pellets start to fall into the fire pot, select “Done” to turn off the Auger.
Turn the temperature dial to 350°F and press the dial in to set the temperature. Once your grill reaches 350°F, leave it for 20 minutes before increasing the temp up to 450°F and leaving for an additional 30 minutes. Shut down the grill by pressing and holding the temperature dial for 3 seconds. Once the shutdown cycle finishes, your grill has been seasoned and is ready for use.
Step 3: Add Wood Pellets To The Hopper
Add wood pellets to your grill’s hopper. This is the large metal box attached to the main body of the grill. If your Traeger ran out of pellets while cooking, you can add more from the hopper.
Step 4: Preheat Your Traeger Grill
To preheat your Traeger grill, open the grill’s lid and switch it on by toggling the power switch found on your unit’s control panel to the On setting. Look for the Traeger smoke setting on the small temperature dial on the control panel. Turn the knob on the dial to the Smoke setting. If your grill doesn’t have this option, set the Traeger smoke setting temp to between 160°F (71°C) and 200°F (93°C).
Let the grill come up to temperature by letting it sit for around 5 minutes. Once the grill starts making a lot of noise, it is a sign that it has reached the target temperature. At this point, shut the lid until you are ready to start adding food to preserve heat and smoke.
Step 5: Hang A Grease Bucket By The Side Of The Grill
Don’t forget to hang a grease bucket by the side of the grill to collect all the grease from grilling or smoking.
By following these steps, you’ll be ready to cook a delicious pork roast on your Traeger grill with ease!
Cooking The Pork Roast On Your Traeger Grill
Cooking a pork roast on a Traeger grill is a great way to infuse the meat with smoky flavor while keeping it juicy and tender. Here are some detailed steps to follow:
Step 1: Prepare The Pork Roast
Remove the pork roast from its packaging, pat it dry with paper towels, and trim off any excess skin, silver skin, or fat. Brush the meat with oil and sprinkle your favorite Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub over all sides of the pork loin.
Step 2: Preheat Your Traeger Grill
Preheat your Traeger pellet grill to 215°F. Once the grill is heated up, place the pork loin on the grill and cook for one hour.
Step 3: Increase The Temperature And Continue Cooking
After an hour, raise the temperature to 375°F and continue cooking until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F. This will take anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the size of your pork loin. Be sure to check the temperature at 1.5 hours so you don’t overcook it. If you are pressed for time, you can raise the temperature to 400°F and still end up with a juicy and flavorful piece of meat.
Step 4: Rest And Serve
Once the pork roast has reached its desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and tent it with foil. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
By following these steps, you can cook a delicious and flavorful pork roast on your Traeger grill that will impress your family and friends.
Checking The Internal Temperature Of The Pork Roast
Checking the internal temperature of the pork roast is crucial to ensuring that it is cooked properly and safe to eat. The USDA recommends cooking fresh cuts of pork to an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. To check the temperature of the pork roast, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, being careful not to touch any bones or fat.
During the smoking process, it’s important to monitor the temperature of the pork roast regularly. The Traeger grill’s built-in thermometer can give you a general idea of the temperature inside the grill, but it’s recommended to use a separate meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork roast.
Once the internal temperature of the pork roast reaches 205°F, it’s done cooking and ready to be removed from the grill. Letting it rest for 10 minutes before slicing will allow the juices in the meat to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
By following these steps and monitoring the internal temperature of the pork roast, you can ensure that your Traeger-grilled pork roast is cooked to perfection and safe to eat.