Maple-Bourbon Smoked Pork Loin Roast

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 3 hours
🍽 Serves: 8
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Welcome to a flavor-packed journey with our Maple-Bourbon Smoked Pork Loin Roast. This recipe combines sweet, smoky, and savory notes into a truly mouth-watering dish, perfect for impressing your family or guests. Let's dive into creating this delightful centerpiece for your next meal.

Ingredients for Maple-Bourbon Smoked Pork Loin Roast

Pork loin roast is the star of the show—lean, tender, and perfect for absorbing flavors. The maple syrup brings a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during smoking. Bourbon introduces a rich, oaky undertone that complements the sweetness. Dijon mustard adds a slight tang and helps the spices adhere to the meat. Olive oil ensures moisture and helps distribute the rub evenly. Smoked paprika enhances the smoky flavor, while garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning, and fresh rosemary brings a fresh herbal note. Don't forget wood chips for that essential smoky infusion!

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a meat thermometer for accuracy; it’s your best friend for perfectly cooked pork.
  • Soak your wood chips in water for 30 minutes before smoking to prevent them from burning too quickly.
  • If you're short on time, marinate the pork overnight to deepen the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This pork loin pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots. A side of creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad also complements the flavors wonderfully. For a more rustic touch, serve with a hearty cornbread or warm dinner rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, a pork shoulder or tenderloin can work, but adjust the cooking time accordingly as these cuts vary in fat content and tenderness.
What if I don’t have a smoker?
You can use a charcoal grill with indirect heat, adding wood chips to the coals for a similar effect.

Maple-Bourbon Smoked Pork Loin Roast Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your smoker to 225°F. This low and slow method is key for a tender, juicy roast. While the smoker heats up, grab a small bowl and whisk together the maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and fresh rosemary. This mixture will be your flavor-packed rub.

Now, take your pork loin roast and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the rub stick better. Apply the rub generously over the entire surface of the meat, ensuring it's well coated. Don't be afraid to get your hands a little messy—it's part of the fun!

With your pork loin prepped, it's time to add wood chips to the smoker. Choose chips that complement pork, like applewood or hickory, for that classic smoky aroma. Once the chips are in, place the pork loin directly onto the smoker's rack.

Let the pork roast for about 2.5 to 3 hours. You're looking for an internal temperature of 145°F, which you can check with a meat thermometer. This ensures the pork is safe to eat and perfectly juicy. Once it's ready, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every slice moist and flavorful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet and smoky flavors.
  • Easy to follow, with minimal prep work.
  • Impressive dish that feels like a gourmet experience.
  • The bourbon adds a unique depth of flavor.

Ingredients

1 (4 lb) pork loin roast
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup bourbon
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced
Wood chips for smoking

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, Dijon mustard, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and minced rosemary.
3. Apply the mixture evenly over the pork loin roast.
4. Add wood chips to the smoker for flavor infusion.
5. Place the pork loin in the smoker and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. Remove from the smoker and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

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