Grilling a delicious pork roast that is juicy and perfectly cooked requires knowing how long to grill it based on the size and thickness. The general guideline is to grill a pork roast for 30-35 minutes per pound at 300-350°F, but the timing can vary based on the specific cut, thickness, and doneness you want to achieve.
Calculating Grill Time Per Pound
The most accurate way to determine how long to grill pork roast per pound is to use these estimates:
- 30 minutes per pound for a 2-3 pound roast
- 32 minutes per pound for a 4-6 pound roast
- 35 minutes per pound for roasts over 6 pounds
So for example, if you have a 4 pound pork loin roast, you would grill it for approximately 128 minutes or 2 hours and 8 minutes (4 lbs x 32 minutes per lb).
These times are based on grilling at 300-350°F and pulling the pork off the grill when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. This should result in a juicy, perfectly cooked roast.
Factors That Affect Grill Times
There are a few factors that can alter the grilling time per pound for pork roast:
1. Cut and Shape
Different pork roast cuts take slightly different times to grill. A pork loin roast is cylindrical in shape so it cooks evenly, while a pork shoulder roast is irregularly shaped and thicker in some parts which requires more time. Pork loin takes approximately 30-35 minutes per pound while pork shoulder takes 35-40 minutes per pound.
2. Thickness
The thickness of the particular roast you are cooking affects the grilling time. Thicker roasts over 2 inches thick can take more time if the interior pork needs more time to come up to temperature. Monitor it closely with a meat thermometer.
3. Bone-In or Boneless
Bone-in pork roasts take longer to grill than boneless roasts. The bone acts as an insulator that slows down the cooking process. Allow about 5 extra minutes per pound for bone-in pork shoulder roasts.
4. Desired Doneness
The grill times are based on taking the pork roast to an internal temperature of 145°F which results in juicy, tender meat. If you prefer your pork cooked to a different doneness, adjust the time accordingly:
- 140°F for pink pork
- 145°F for juicy, tender pork (recommended)
- 160°F for well-done
Grilling Tips
Follow these tips for perfect grilled pork roast:
- Bring the pork to room temperature before grilling for more even cooking.
- Use indirect heat on a gas grill or place the roast on the cool side of a charcoal grill.
- Use a digital meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.
- Let the roast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Target an internal temperature of 145°F and let carryover cooking take it up to 150°F as it rests.
Recommended Internal Temperatures
These are the recommended internal temperatures for grilled pork roast based on desired doneness:
| Doneness | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| Rare | 140°F |
| Medium-rare | 145°F |
| Medium | 150°F |
| Well-done | 160°F |
An internal temperature of 145°F is ideal for juicy, tender pork roast with a hint of pink in the center. Always allow the roast to rest before slicing into it.
Cooking Times For Different Pork Roasts
Here are some approximate grilling times per pound for different cuts and sizes of pork roast:
Pork Loin Roast
| Roast Size | Grill Time Per Pound |
|---|---|
| 2-3 lbs | 30 minutes |
| 4-6 lbs | 32 minutes |
| Over 6 lbs | 35 minutes |
Pork Shoulder Roast
| Roast Size | Grill Time Per Pound |
|---|---|
| 2-3 lbs | 35 minutes |
| 4-6 lbs | 38 minutes |
| Over 6 lbs | 40 minutes |
Bone-In Pork Shoulder Roast
| Roast Size | Grill Time Per Pound |
|---|---|
| 2-4 lbs | 40 minutes |
| Over 4 lbs | 45 minutes |
Conclusion
The recommended grill time per pound for pork roast is approximately 30-35 minutes at 300-350°F, increasing the time slightly for larger/thicker roasts. A pork loin roast will take 30-35 minutes per pound and a pork shoulder usually 35-40 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness, pulling the pork off at 140-145°F for a juicy, tender result. Letting the roast rest before slicing is also essential. Follow these guidelines for perfect grilled pork roast!