A tasty way to roast pork loin so that it is juicy in the middle and brown and crusty on the outside.
Awhile ago I posted my method for roasting pork perfectly. That pork roast recipe has gotten a lot of great feedback in the comment section. There are also a lot of questions there too. A question that comes up a lot is whether the same method can be used on pork loin or only on pork butt as the recipe says.
My answer is always no. Because pork loin is leaner than pork butt, the long way I cooked it would make the pork roasts very dry. I decided to try different ways to roast pork loin because I get asked about it a lot. This recipe for juicy oven-roasted pork loin is the best of the best.
A beautifully browned 4 pound pork roast makes an impressive centerpiece for a family dinner. When done right it emerges from the oven tender and moist, with a crisp, caramelized exterior.
But roasting pork can seem daunting for beginners Undercook it, and you risk foodborne illness. Overdo it, and you end up with a tough, dry disappointment
Follow my foolproof instructions for roasting a 4 pound pork shoulder. I’ll show you everything, from getting the meat ready to making sure it’s done. For sure, if you follow my advice, your pork roast will never be dry again!
Choosing the Right Cut
For roasting, pork shoulder is the best option. Also called pork butt or Boston butt, it has marbling that keeps the meat succulent. Other good choices are sirloin roast or pork loin roast. Avoid super lean cuts like tenderloin, which dry out easily.
Prepping the Roast
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Pat the 4 pound roast dry and let it sit out for 30 minutes to reach room temperature before cooking.
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Liberally coat the pork all over with olive oil or melted butter. This helps the spices adhere.
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Rub the meat evenly with your favorite spice blend. Good options are garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sage, rosemary, and thyme.
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For ultimate flavor, rub it the night before and let it marinate in the fridge.
Calculating Roast Time
The general rule of thumb for roasting pork is:
- 325°F oven temperature
- 25-30 minutes per pound
So for a 4 pound roast, estimate around 1 hour and 30 minutes total cooking time.
However, roasting is an inexact science. To confirm doneness, you must use a meat thermometer. There’s no other reliable way.
Step-by-Step Roasting Directions
Follow these steps for roasting pork shoulder perfection:
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Preheat oven to 325°F.
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Place pork directly on a rack in a roasting pan. This allows air circulation for even cooking and browning.
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Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, taking care not to touch any bones.
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Roast for around 1 hour and 15 minutes, until thermometer reaches 145°F internally.
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Remove pork from oven, tent with foil, and allow to rest for 10-20 minutes before carving.
Testing for Doneness
Pork is safe to eat and juicy when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. At this stage it will still have a hint of pink inside.
After resting, the temperature rises another 5-10 degrees. So pull it from the oven when it hits 140-145°F on your thermometer.
Let it rest so the juices redistribute. Then slice and enjoy your perfectly cooked roast!
Common Roasting Issues and Solutions
Follow these troubleshooting tips if your roast has problems:
If it’s undercooked: Return pork to oven and continue roasting until the thermometer reads 140-145°F internally.
If it’s dry and overcooked: Chop or shred the pork, then moisten it with broth or sauce to serve.
If the top gets too brown: Loosely tent foil over the roast, but don’t wrap tightly.
If it’s not browning: Increase oven heat to 350°F to encourage more surface browning.
If it takes longer to cook: Your roast may be larger or your oven may run cool. Let it keep roasting until the thermometer reads 140-145°F.
Serving Suggestions
A savory pork roast deserves equally tasty side dishes. Try serving it with:
- Herb-roasted potatoes or root vegetables
- Sauteed greens like kale or spinach
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli
- Sweet glazed carrots or parsnips
- Dinner rolls or biscuits
Learn my simple roasting method, use a meat thermometer, and test for doneness. Then relax and enjoy your perfectly cooked 4 pound pork roast! Juicy, flavorful pork awaits your next Sunday supper.
Temperature and Time For Pork Loin
Some people like their pork really well cooked. This is because it used to be recommended that pork be cooked to 160°F. People got used to that kind of pork and still like it best when it’s very white and dry instead of pink and juicy. That’s you. If you want your pork to be more done, set the temperature to 160°F. That’s 20 to 25 minutes per pound for a 3 to 5 pound roast and 11 to 15 minutes per pound for an 8 to 10 pound roast. After the roast has been cooked to 150F, it will be taken out and left to rest. The recipe then calls for the last high heat. The resulting temperature will be 160F.
If you prefer it juicy and very slightly pink at the center, then go with 145°. For a 3-5 lb. roast, this will be 18-23 minutes per pound , whereas for an 8-10 pound roast it will be 8-11 minutes per pound. You’ll take the roast out when it reaches 135F and then let it rest, and then do the final high heat cook. The final temperature will be 145F. These are the correct times and temperatures according to the the National Pork Board.
Because the roast is shaped like a cylinder, the number of minutes per pound goes down. Bigger pork loin roasts are longer but not thicker. It doesn’t take longer for heat to reach the middle of a longer roast from the outside in, so as the roast gets heavier, the time per pound goes down.
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You don’t need much to make a delicious and juicy pork loin.
- Pork loin roast, 3 – 5 pounds
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Salt
You’ll also need an oven-safe rack to set the pork loin on with it roasts. If you don’t have one, a few ribs of celery will work. The idea is to allow the hot air in the oven to circulate under the roast. A casserole dish that’s bigger than the roast will work as a roasting pan. You’ll also need aluminum foil.
Boneless Pork Loin Roast Basics
FAQ
How long does it take to cook 4 pounds of pork?
Is it better to cook a pork loin at 350 or 400?
How long do you cook pork per pound at 350 degrees?
What temperature is roast pork cooked at?
How long should you cook a pork loin roast?
To cook a pork loin roast, preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). The cooking time is approximately 20 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the roast reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Be cautious not to overcook for juiciness.
How do you cook a pork roast in the oven?
To cook a pork roast in the oven, first combine oil, pepper, and salt in a bowl. Rub the oil mixture over the pork and refrigerate while the oven preheats to 475 degrees F (245 degrees C). Place the pork on a roasting rack set in a large roasting pan and roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the pork from the oven and reduce the heat to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
How long to cook 4 lb Pork loin?
In this article, we will address this question directly and provide additional information about cooking pork loin to perfection. How long cook 4 lb pork loin? **The recommended cooking time for a 4 lb pork loin is approximately 20 to 25 minutes per pound at an oven temperature of 375°F (190°C).
How long does it take to cook a 3 lb roast?
A 3 lb pork loin roast takes about an hour to cook, as it requires 20 minutes per pound. This pork roast recipe is simple to make and can be perfect for a small dinner or a large one when company comes.