Cooking pork perfectly on the barbecue can seem daunting to many backyard chefs. With a little knowledge and the right techniques, though, you can master grilling moist, flavorful and safe pork in no time.
How Long to Cook Pork Chops on a BBQ
The cooking time for pork chops on a BBQ grill can vary depending on the thickness of the chops. Here are some general guidelines for how long to cook pork chops on a grill:
- 1/2 inch thick pork chops – 4 to 6 minutes per side, for a total of 8-12 minutes
- 1 inch thick pork chops – 6 to 8 minutes per side, for a total of 12-16 minutes
- 2 inch thick pork chops – 8 to 10 minutes per side, for a total of 16-20 minutes
The best way to tell if pork chops are done is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature to reach 145°F. This will ensure the pork has cooked through fully but remains juicy.
Also keep in mind that pork chops will continue cooking for a bit once you take them off the grill from residual heat. So pull them off just shy of 145°F and the temp will rise to perfection.
How Long to Cook Pork Tenderloin on BBQ
A whole pork tenderloin usually takes 45-60 minutes to cook through on the barbecue. The cooking time can vary a bit depending on a few factors:
- Size and thickness – Larger or thicker tenderloins may take longer (closer to 60 mins)
- Cooking method – Indirect heat will require more time than direct grilling
- Temperature – Cooking over very high heat will speed up the cooking process
For a 1-1.5 lb pork tenderloin, you can estimate 45-55 minutes over direct medium heat on the grill. Use an instant read thermometer to check for doneness, until it reaches 145°F internally.
You’ll also want to turn the tenderloin every 5 minutes or so to get even cooking on all sides. And allow the meat to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into it.
How Long to Cook Pork Shoulder on BBQ
Pork shoulder usually takes much longer to cook than other pork cuts since it is a tough, fatty cut that benefits from low and slow cooking. Here is a general timeline for smoking or barbecuing a whole pork shoulder:
- 6-8 lb bone-in pork shoulder – Allow 1 – 1 1/2 hours per pound, so 6 to 12 hours total
- 4-6 lb boneless pork shoulder – Allow 45 minutes – 1 hour 15 minutes per pound, so 3 to 7 hours
The most foolproof way to know when pork shoulder is finished cooking is to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meat. You want it to reach 195-205°F when done.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, the meat should be very tender and shred easily when poked with a fork when done.
How Long to Cook Pork Ribs on a BBQ
Pork ribs can take different amounts of time depending on the cut:
- Baby back ribs – Usually take 2-3 hours to cook since they are smaller and more tender. Cook for 45 minutes to 1 hour per side.
- Spareribs – Take around 4-5 hours to become tender and fall off the bone. Cook for 1 1/2 – 2 hours per side.
- Country-style ribs – More like pork chops, so they take less time – usually 1-1 1/2 hours total or 8-12 minutes per side.
Use the bend test to check for doneness – the ribs are ready when you can lift them with tongs and they bend easily without breaking.
How Long to Cook a Pork Loin on the BBQ
A boneless pork loin roast takes about 1 hour to cook thoroughly on the grill. Use medium heat and rotate the roast every 15 minutes or so for even cooking.
For a bone-in pork loin, estimate 12-15 minutes per pound since the bone will slow the cooking time slightly. So a 3 pound roast will need 35-40 minutes total.
The internal temperature should reach 145°F for both boneless and bone-in pork loin to be considered safely cooked.
How Long to Cook Pork Sausage on the BBQ
Fresh pork sausages usually take about 15-25 minutes to cook on the barbecue depending on thickness. Thinner sausages will cook faster than thick ones. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally.
Here are some more specific sausage cooking times:
- Fresh breakfast links – 8-12 minutes
- Fresh bratwurst – 15-20 minutes
- Fresh Italian sausage links – 18-22 minutes
Precooked smoked sausage takes less time since it only needs to be heated through. Aim for about 8-12 minutes flipping occasionally.
Check sausages are cooked through by cutting into one to ensure the inside is no longer pink.
How to Tell When Pork is Cooked on the BBQ
Here are some ways to test pork for doneness when cooking on a barbecue grill:
- Use an instant-read thermometer – Insert it into the thickest part of the meat without touching bone. All pork should reach 145°F.
- Slice into it – The interior should not have any pink color remaining.
- Check juice – Cut into the meat and check if the juices run clear rather than pink.
- Poke it – Meat should feel firm with no indentations remaining. It should shred easily with a fork.
- Cut into sausages – Sausages are done when the inside is no longer pink.
Trusting a thermometer is the most reliable doneness indicator. But the visual tests can also give you confidence the pork is thoroughly cooked.
Tips for Cooking Moist, Flavorful Pork on the BBQ
Follow these top tips for perfectly grilled pork every time:
- Use the right heat – Pork does best over medium heat around 350-450°F. High heat can cause charring.
- Don’t pierce the meat – Piercing with a fork can cause juices to escape.
- Use a 2-zone fire – This gives you direct and indirect heat for better cooking control.
- Flip frequently – Turn the meat every few minutes for even cooking.
- Let it rest – Allow 5-10 minutes resting time before slicing for juicier meat.
- Use a marinade – Marinating pork can make it extra moist and flavorful.
- Maintain grill – Clean the grates before cooking for ideal heat transfer.
Pork Cooking Times Chart
This chart summarizes approximate grilling times for various pork cuts:
| Pork Cut | Thickness/Weight | Grilling Time |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless pork chop | 1/2 inch | 4-6 minutes per side |
| Boneless pork chop | 1 inch | 6-8 minutes per side |
| Pork tenderloin | 1-1.5 lbs | 45-60 minutes total |
| Pork shoulder | 6-8 lbs (bone-in) | 6-12 hours |
| Pork shoulder | 4-6 lbs (boneless) | 3-7 hours |
| Baby back ribs | Rack | 2-3 hours |
| Pork loin roast | 3 lbs (bone-in) | 35-45 minutes |
| Bratwurst links | NA | 15-20 minutes |
Conclusion
Knowing approximate grilling times for different pork cuts takes the guesswork out of barbecue cooking. Aim for the recommended cooking times in this article. But always rely on a thermometer for perfectly cooked pork. Insert it into the thickest section of meat without touching bone to get an accurate reading. All pork should reach the USDA recommended safe minimum internal temperature of 145°F before removing it from the heat source.
With the proper grilling times for each type of pork, some temperature monitoring, and a few recipe tips, you can master cooking juicy, tender and flavored pork on the barbecue every time. So fire up those grills and enjoy your next outdoor pork feast.