Pork leg roast also known as fresh ham can make for an impressive centerpiece for a special meal. With its big, meaty shape and delicious flavor, pork leg roast has a wonderful presence on the dinner table. However, cooking it just right can seem daunting. Undercook it and the meat will be tough. Cook it too long and you’ll end up with dry, stringy pork.
The cooking time for pork leg roast depends on a couple of key factors. In this article, we’ll explain exactly how long to cook pork leg roast per kg (kilogram) to help you turn out perfect roast pork every time.
Why Cooking Time Per Kilogram Matters
To determine the cooking time for pork leg roast, the most useful piece of information is the size of the roast. Pork roast cooking times are usually given per pound.
For example, a recipe might say to cook a 5 pound pork roast at 350°F for approximately 90 minutes, or 18 minutes per pound.
If you are used to cooking with kilograms instead of pounds, the cooking time per kilogram is essential to know You want to be sure you are cooking the pork properly based on its actual size
The cooking time per kg varies slightly based on the recipe, but a general guideline is:
Cook pork leg roast at 180°C for 40 minutes per kg
So for a 3 kg pork roast, you would cook it for approximately 2 hours.
40 minutes x 3 kg = 120 minutes or 2 hours
This gives you a starting point to adapt to your specific recipe and preferences. Cooking times may vary a little depending on the size and shape of your particular roast.
Now let’s look at some key steps for achieving a tender, juicy pork leg roast using the per kg cooking time.
Steps for Cooking a Perfect Pork Leg Roast
Follow these helpful tips for cooking pork leg roast in the oven to perfection:
1. Prepare the Roast
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Choose a good quality pork roast, ideally with some fat marbling for flavor and moisture. Avoid very lean roasts.
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Pat the roast dry thoroughly with paper towels.
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Score the fat cap by cutting shallow slits to allow the fat to render as it cooks.
2. Season Well
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Generously season the pork all over with salt, pepper and any other spices or herbs you desire.
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Let the seasoned roast sit at room temperature for about 1 hour before cooking.
3. Sear the Roast
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In a large skillet, heat 1-2 Tbsp oil over high heat.
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Add the pork and brown well on all sides until a nice crust forms. This seals in the juices.
4. Roast in the Oven
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
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Place the seared pork roast in a roasting pan, fat side up.
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Roast for 40 minutes per kg until the internal temperature reaches 60-65°C.
5. Rest and Carve
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Remove roast from oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
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The temperature will rise further as it rests.
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Carve into slices and serve!
The simple formula of 40 minutes per kg, plus searing and resting, results in a juicy, beautifully cooked pork leg roast.
How to Tell When Pork Leg Roast is Done
Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to determine when your pork leg roast is cooked to perfection.
Here are the ideal target temperatures:
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60°C (140°F) – The pork will be slightly pink with juicy, tender meat.
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65°C (150°F) – The pork will be barely pink in the center.
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70°C (160°F) – The pork will be white throughout but still moist if not overcooked.
Pork leg roast is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temp of 63°C (145°F). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, the roast should feel firm but yield slightly when pressed.
Tips for the Most Tender, Juicy Pork Leg Roast
Here are some additional tips for ensuring your pork leg roast turns out juicy and delicious using the cooking time per kg:
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Low and slow – Cook at lower oven temps (175-180°C) for best results. High heat can dry out the meat.
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Use a meat thermometer – It takes the guesswork out and guarantees perfect doneness.
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Let it rest – Allowing the roast to rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute for moist meat.
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Sear for flavor – Browning the outside over high heat adds texture and delicious flavor.
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Baste with pan juices – Spoon juices from the roasting pan over the pork as it cooks for added moisture and flavor.
With the simple formula of 40 minutes per kg, you can confidently cook pork leg roasts of any size. A flavorful spice rub, proper searing and resting, and using a meat thermometer will take your roast pork to new heights. Enjoy juicy, beautifully cooked pork leg roast using this easy reference for cooking time per kg.
Choose your size
Larger joints tend to shrink less in the oven, so if you can, buy a little bigger than you need. You can always use the extras another time. Pick a joint that is nicely shaped and has a good layer of fat under the rind if you want a good layer of crackling. The rind should be scored at finger width intervals. Take 225 grams of boneless meat for every person. That means that if you want to feed 6 people, choose a loin, leg, or shoulder joint that is about 1 5 â 2kg.
Choose the best cut
Which pork joint you choose for roasting depends on personal taste. Leg and loin joints of pork are great for roasting because they have lean meat and good crackling. A rack of pork is also a very nice-looking roast. If you prefer something richer, then shoulder joints and pork belly are ideal. They have a higher fat content that renders down during cooking to give lovely tender meat. If you want a quick and easy roast, a piece of pork fillet will roast in 30-40 minutes. Itâs lean and delicious when wrapped in a few slices of parma ham before roasting.
How to Make – Roasted Pork Leg – Crispy Pork♦️ Cracklings – Countertiop #legofpork #cracklings
FAQ
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