This Pork Loin Marinade for Smoker is an awesome way to add intense flavor to your meat and ensure it is juicy and tender. It combines a handful of pantry staples with tasty spices to create a melt-in-your-mouth marinade that never fails to impress! Better yet, most of the magic takes place in the fridge, making this an easy process to ensure perfect results every time.

The oils bring healthy fats and moisture to the mix, while the pineapple juice tenderizes the pork to perfection. Oh, and don’t sleep on the sweetness and umami goodness you get from the soy sauce and maple syrup! So, if you’re looking for a new spin on pork (that’s super budget-friendly), this quick and easy marinade is dreamy. This marinade is perfect in our smoked pork loin recipe or our how to bbq pork loin recipe. Or try it with pork tenderloins!

🗒️ Ingredients for Smoked Pork Marinade

These are the basic ingredients you’ll need to get started with your tangy, tenderizing pork loin marinade. You’ll want to scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the details (and quantities!).

• Olive Oil and Sesame Oil: For carrying fat-soluble flavors into the meat and making things tasty.
• Pineapple Juice: Tenderizes the meat perfectly while adding a touch of acidity.
• Maple Syrup: If you don’t have maple syrup, honey is a great alternative here.
• Soy Sauce: For an umami flavor that gives tons of depth. Switch for tamari if you’re gluten-free.
• Garlic: Add a punch of savory flavor.
• Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy kick that cuts through the richness, infusing the marinade with a zesty brightness that pairs perfectly with the smoky flavors.
• Black Pepper: Brings a subtle heat and a pungent, earthy layer while balancing the marinade’s sweetness.
• Kosher Salt: Highlights the marinade’s flavors without overpowering.
• Onion Powder: Contributes a sweet yet sharp flavor while adding a layer of depth that complements the garlic and ginger.
• Smoked Paprika: Infuses a gentle smokiness and a hint of sweet pepper, pairing beautifully with the smokiness from the Traeger.

👨‍🍳 How to Make the Pork Marinade

This pork loin marinade genuinely couldn’t be easier to make, as you just whisk everything together. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for more detailed step-by-step instructions.

1. Prepare all the dry ingredients in a small bowl. Pour in the wet ingredients.
2. Whisk the marinade together until everything is nicely combined.
3. Move the marinade into a large dish or glass baking tray. Place the pork in the marinade for an hour or overnight.

🤔 Smoking Hot Pork Marinade Variations

• Although this marinade is perfect for pork loin, it’s equally delicious on chicken, turkey, and any other white meat. You can even use it for veggies or rice if you like!
• The base recipe for this marinade doesn’t contain many herbs. But you can throw in parsley flakes or rosemary if you want an even fresher flavor.
• If you don’t want to use olive oil, switch it out for avocado oil, as it is a more neutral oil and has a high smoke point in case you are searing the meat.
• Add some heat to the mix with cayenne or hot sauce!
• Try switching out pineapple juice with apple juice or cider.
• Use leftover marinade in other recipes, not just for your pork loin roast. Try to smoke pork tenderloin or chicken breast.

⏱️ Storing Pork Marinade

If you’re making this pork loin marinade ahead of time, proper storage is key to maintaining its freshness and flavors.

You can store this marinade in the fridge for 5 to 7 days in an airtight container or jar. You can probably get away with longer since the ingredients for the marinade are quite stable, but for the best flavor, use it within one week.

For longer storage, you can freeze the marinade. Pour it into a freezer-safe bag or container, leaving a little space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to use

Remember, if you’ve marinated meat in it already, do not reuse the marinade without boiling it first to destroy harmful bacteria. Or reserve some marinade for future use before tossing in the meat.

Oh, and you don’t want to waste the leftovers from your pork loin. So, I suggest turning them into tacos, sandwiches, sliders, or even a potato hash!

❓ Still Have Some Questions Marinating?

🎤 Marinated Pork Loin Mic Drop

Whether you’re prepping for game night or just want a delicious Sunday dinner (with all the trimmings!), this pork loin marinade has your back. Infused with the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, it promises to elevate your pork loin from just another meal to the star of the show. The harmonious balance of pineapple juice, maple syrup, and soy sauce, kissed by the warmth of garlic, ginger, and spices, ensures every bite is dripping with flavor. Just don’t blame me when you’re whisking it up every week – you’ve been warned.

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Did you make this recipe? Tell us about it in the comments below!