Perfect for any time of the year, your family will absolutely LOVE this Chili Lime Grilled Pork Loin recipe!
The marinade is easy, and it’s easy to cook. My favorite thing about this recipe is that it works well grilled (my favorite way to make it), roasted, or in the slow cooker.
So you can prepare this well ahead of time, freeze it, and then pull it out at any time to make it for dinner.
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: Gril or Oven – 50 minutes (plus marinating time); Slow Cooker – High – 4 hours
- Main Ingredients: Pork loin, olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, chili powder, cumin, and honey
- Servings: 6
- Extras: Versatile cooking methods (grill, oven, slow cooker), perfect side dishes (roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice and beans, fresh salad)
- Tip: Marinate the pork overnight for the best flavor, and use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is perfectly cooked.
Simple Chili Lime Pork Loin Recipe: Cooked 3 Ways!
The chili powder, the lime juice… they just work SO well together. It’s got a nice tang, nice spice and just the tiniest bit of heat. go ahead and add some cayenne pepper if you really want it spicy!
I served this up with some grilled red potatoes and broccoli, and it was a hit at dinner!
So let me get into the 3 ways I make this chili pork loin for dinner, depending on what we’ve got going on:
Making Chili Pork Loin on the Grill
Grilling pork loin is one of my favorite ways to prepare this Chili Pork Loin recipe. The smoky flavor from the grill adds an extra dimension that my family loves.
I start by preparing the marinade, combining olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, chili powder, cumin, and honey in a small mixing bowl.
Once everything is well-blended, I place the pork loin in a freezer bag and pour the marinade over it.
Marinating the pork for at least four hours is key, though I prefer to let it sit overnight to really absorb the flavors.
When it’s time to cook, I preheat the grill to high heat. To ensure the pork cooks evenly without drying out, I use indirect heat.
I place the pork on one side of the grill and turn off the burners directly under it, keeping the burners on the opposite side on high.
I flip the pork every ten minutes to get those beautiful grill marks and even cook. After about 50 minutes, the internal temperature reaches 140+ degrees Fahrenheit.
I then let the pork rest for 15 to 30 minutes before slicing and serving. The result is a juicy, flavorful pork loin with a perfect blend of spices and a hint of lime.
Making Chili Pork Loin in the Slow Cooker
For days when I’m short on time or want a hassle-free meal, I turn to my slow cooker to make this Chili Pork Loin.
The slow cooker method is incredibly simple and yields tender, juicy pork every time.
Just like with the grilling method, I start by making the marinade with olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, chili powder, cumin, and honey.
After mixing these ingredients together, I put the pork loin in a freezer bag, poured the marinade over it, and let it sit in the fridge for at least four hours or overnight.
Once the pork is marinated, I transfer it to the slow cooker. Depending on my schedule, I choose the cooking time—four hours on high, six hours on medium, or eight hours on low.
The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the pork with the marinade’s rich, spicy flavors.
By the time it’s done, the pork is so tender it practically falls apart.
Making Chili Pork Loin in the Oven
The last on my list is my pork loin roast recipe; the oven is a simple way to get roasted pork loin in no time.
I begin by mixing the marinade ingredients, let it marinade, yada-yada like the last two cooking methods.
To cook the pork loin in the oven, I preheat it to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. I then place the marinated pork on a roasting pan and put it in the oven.
I leave the pork roast in the oven until it reaches between 140+ degrees Fahrenheit. This usually takes about 50 minutes.
Once the pork reaches the desired temperature, I remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 to 30 minutes.
This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful.
When it’s ready, I slice the pork and serve it, relishing the harmonious blend of spices and the slight tang of lime.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. pork loin
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 Tbsp lime juice or juice from 1 large lime
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except the pork in a small mixing bowl.
- Blend well.
- Place the pork in a freezer bag and pour the marinade over it.
- Marinade for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
- Preheat the grill to high (or preheat oven to 400).
- Cook over indirect heat. Place pork on one side of the grill and turn those burners off. Keep the burners on the opposite side on high.
- If roasting, leave it in the oven until the internal temperature is between 137 and 140 degrees.
- If grilling, flip every 10 minutes; pull from the grill when the internal temperature is between 137 and 140 degrees. It took mine 50 minutes to reach this temperature.
- Let rest for 15-30 minutes.
- Slice and serve.
- If using the slow cooker, cook on high for 4 hours (or medium for 6, low for 8)
Nutrition
Serving It Up With Amazing Sides
When it comes to serving my Chili Pork Loin, I love pairing it with a variety of sides that complement its bold flavors.
The first time I made this and posted it, I made grilled red potatoes and broccoli, but there’s so many other options I make it with now!
One of my go-to choices is roasted vegetables. The sweetness of caramelized carrots, bell peppers, and onions balances perfectly with the savory and spicy notes of the pork.
Additionally, a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast, providing a crisp texture and tangy flavor that enhances the overall meal.
For a heartier option, mashed potatoes are always a hit. The creamy texture of the potatoes soaks up the flavorful juices from the pork, making each bite rich and satisfying.
Another great accompaniment is rice and beans, which not only add substance to the meal but also bring a bit of a southwestern flair that pairs wonderfully with the chili seasoning.
If I’m looking to keep things light, a simple side of steamed broccoli or green beans works beautifully, adding a healthy and vibrant green element to the plate.
Cornbread is another favorite, especially when I want to add a bit of comfort food charm to the meal. Its slightly sweet flavor and crumbly texture are perfect for soaking up any extra marinade or juices from the pork.
To round out the meal, I often serve a refreshing beverage like iced tea or a crisp white wine, which complements the dish without overpowering it.
And for those who enjoy a bit of spice, a side of pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce can add an extra kick that elevates the entire dining experience.
These side dishes and serving suggestions enhance the flavors of the Chili Pork Loin and provide a well-rounded and satisfying meal that is sure to delight everyone at the table.
Easy Slow Cooker Recipes
If you love pork, check out my Crockpot Pulled Pork Recipe, it really is AMAZING!
And if you like this one, you might be interested in 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!
FAQs
How long should I marinate the pork loin?
For best results, marinate the pork loin for at least 4 hours. However, allowing it to marinate overnight will enhance the flavors even more.
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different cuts of pork, such as boneless pork loin roast or tenderloin, although the cooking times will vary.
This marinade also works well with chicken breasts or thighs.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I still make this pork loin recipe?
Absolutely! You can cook the pork loin in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the internal temperature reaches 145+ degrees Fahrenheit.
Alternatively, you can use a slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours, medium for 6 hours, or low for 8 hours.
Is pork loin the same as pork tenderloin?
No, pork loin and pork tenderloin are not the same. Pork loin is larger and thicker, and it takes longer to cook compared to the more tender and smaller pork tenderloin.
You can use pork tenderloin for this recipe, but you will need to adjust the cooking time according to the size of the meat.
I like using this seasoning for a pork roast since it’s so simple, but I’m also a big fan of a nice honey garlic marinade.
How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The pork should be between 137 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit when you remove it from the grill, oven, or slow cooker. It will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
What side dishes go well with Chili Pork Loin?
This pork loin pairs well with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or even rice and beans.
Final Thoughts
Making this Chili Pork Loin recipe has become a staple in my household, offering a versatile and flavorful option for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.
Whether I’m grilling it to achieve that smoky char, slow-cooking it for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, or roasting it in the oven for a simple yet delicious meal, this recipe never fails to impress.
The combination of lime, soy sauce, chili powder, cumin, and honey creates a marinade that’s both tangy and spicy, perfectly complementing the pork loin.
Try one of these cooking methods out, and let me know your thoughts on the marinade below!
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Tried this in the slow cooker. Totally overcooked with 40 mins left. Internal temperature was almost 200. Flavor is good but pork is dry. So either oven bake it or make sure you check the temp in the slow cooker.
This was also done on high and the total time was supposed to be 4hrs.