Perfectly Moist Pork Loin is the BEST recipe for “set it and forget it”! It’s simple to prepare, quick to cook, and tastes great.
Do you have reluctant pork eaters in your family? We definitely did. My boys wouldn’t eat any pork that wasn’t covered in BBQ sauce, like these Honey BBQ Pork Chops, which are a family favorite! That was until we crafted up this Perfectly Moist Pork Loin recipe.
Now my family is requesting pork nearly every week (without any BBQ sauce in sight). When I say this easy pork loin is moist, I mean it. It is tasty, juicy, and tender pork. It’s the perfect main dish for your hungry family!.
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Pork. It can be SO SO good, or it can be SO SO meh. To cook a pork loin that isn’t dry, bland, and tough, you really do need a good recipe. Don’t believe me? I’ve cooked a lot of bland pork roasts and dry pork chops already.
Things have changed here in the Real Housemoms kitchen though – pork is no longer bland and boring. Pork is my favorite meat to cook with. My husband loves it, my kids beg for it, and I love how simple it really can be!.
This pork loin roast recipe is great because it’s simple and everyone will love it, even picky eaters. The flavor palate is simple – garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil. You wouldn’t believe how well those few ingredients could work together to make a delicious meal that the whole family would love. All it takes is a sprinkle of seasoning and a few hours in the oven.
Perfectly Moist Pork Loin is a family favorite for all seasons. In the fall, pork and apples go well together, so I’ll cook a pork loin and serve it with my famous baked apples.
During the winter, it goes great with warm, creamy mashed potatoes (you need to try these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes).
I also serve pork loin roast with chilled pasta salads when the weather gets warmer in the spring and summer. This Pesto Pasta Salad is perfect for that!
Pork loin roast is a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be the star of any meal. When roasted in the oven, the pork loin becomes tender and juicy with a delicious crispy exterior. But cooking it just right can be tricky The cooking time per pound is key to achieving perfect doneness
Follow this complete guide to learn everything you need to know about how long to bake a pork loin roast per pound.
Choosing the Right Pork Loin Roast
The first step is selecting the right pork loin for roasting. Here are some tips:
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Boneless vs Bone-in – Boneless roasts are easier to carve and serve. Bone-in roasts take a bit longer to cook but some prefer the added flavor.
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Size – Allow 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person. Smaller roasts cook faster than larger ones.
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Trim – Look for solid fat cap coverage to prevent drying out Trim off any hard fat
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Color – Opt for roasts with pinkish-red meat without dark spots. Indicates freshness.
Calculating Cook Time Per Pound
As a general rule, pork loin roast takes 18-22 minutes per pound to reach safe internal temperatures. But consider:
- A 5 lb roast takes 90-110 minutes
- A 3 lb roast takes 55-65 minutes
Larger roasts over 5 pounds may need up to 25 minutes per pound since the center takes longer to cook. Monitor temperature rather than time.
Oven Temperature
350°F is ideal for pork loin roast. Higher temps give a crisper exterior but dry out the interior. Lower temps result in a juicier roast but longer cook times.
Internal Temperature
Always rely on a meat thermometer for doneness, not time. Insert into the thickest part without touching bone.
- 145°F – Safe, pink center
- 160°F – Well done, no pink
Once removed from oven, let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Seasoning and Prep
Proper prep ensures delicious flavor:
- Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic, herbs
- Sear all sides in a hot skillet before roasting
- Tie roast for even shape (optional)
- Coat with oil or rub for browning
Roast Pork Loin Step-By-Step
Follow these simple steps:
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Pat roast dry and season all over.
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In a hot skillet, brown roast on all sides until crispy, about 2 minutes per side.
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Place roast in roasting pan, fattiest side up. Insert meat thermometer.
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Roast until thermometer reaches 145°F, about 18-22 minutes per pound.
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Remove roast from oven, tent with foil and let rest 10-15 minutes.
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Slice roast against the grain and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Preventing Overcooking
To avoid drying out the pork, follow these tips:
- Remove roast once thermometer hits target temp
- Skip opening the oven door unnecessarily
- Use a timer and check temp halfway through
- If browning too fast, tent with foil
Troubleshooting
If roast is undercooked, return to oven and continue roasting until thermometer hits 145°F.
For an overcooked dry roast, make au jus or gravy to add moisture. Slice roast thinly across the grain.
Tips for Juicy Pork Loin Roast
- Brine overnight for added moisture
- Roast at lower 325°F temp
- Baste roast while cooking
- Do not overcook past 160°F
Roasting a pork loin is simple when you calculate the cook time per pound. For best results, allow 18-22 minutes per pound at 350°F until the roast reaches 145°F internally. With the proper prep, seasoning, and roasting method, you will achieve a juicy, fork-tender pork roast.
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Ingredients for Perfectly Moist Pork Loin
- Boneless pork loin roast
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
When I went to the grocery store to buy meat, I felt a little lost because I had never cooked with pork before because I couldn’t make it taste good! There are SO MANY different cuts of pork. You can choose from pork chops, pork loin, and pork tenderloin (yes, they are different, who knew?). It can be hard to decide which cut to get.
For this recipe, you’ll want to purchase a pork LOIN. Not chops, not tenderloin. The pork loin is different from other meat cuts because it is wide enough to cut into big pieces and has a lot of fat on top.
During cooking, this layer of fat is very important because it helps keep the meat’s juices inside. That’s what makes it so moist!.
How to Cook Pork Loin
- Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Even though the oven temperature will go down in the end, you start it off hot to really seal in the moisture on the outside of the pork loin!
- Next, sprinkle the pork with the spices (onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil). Do this on all sides. Make a small bowl of dry rub and put it on yourself. You can also use them one at a time. I like it better when it’s all mixed together before I put it on the meat. That way I know it’s being rubbed all over the roast evenly!
- Put the pork loin in the roasting pan with the fat side facing up. Putting the fat on top lets it baste the roast as it cooks. This step keeps the pork from getting tough and dry!
- Put the pork loin in an oven set to 400 degrees for 10 minutes. It will help make a “crust” on the meat that will keep the juices inside.
- Next, turn down the oven heat to 350 degrees F and cook the roast for another 20 minutes per pound of meat. Yes, it takes some time. But believe me, it’s worth the wait!.
- After the pork loin has reached 145 degrees F on the inside, take it out of the oven. After roasting the pork loin, set it aside for about 10 minutes with a piece of foil over it. Another very important step to keep the juices inside the meat where you want them to stay!! Patience is a virtue
When I make this pork loin roast recipe, my family comes running into the kitchen, almost begging for dinner to be ready. Someone or something about the long roasting time makes the whole house smell like delicious pork. My oldest son always says that the last 10 minutes of “rest” time for the meat seem like they last forever!
Boneless Pork Loin Roast Basics
FAQ
How long should a pork loin be cooked per pound?
Is it better to cook a pork loin at 350 or 400?
How long to cook a 1 lb pork tenderloin at 350 degrees?
What temperature should a pork loin roast be when cooked?
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 long do you cook boneless pork loin?
In general, boneless pork loin needs to cook for 20-25 minutes per pound of meat. It’s also important to note that the temperature of your oven can affect cooking time. For example, if you’re using a lower temperature such as 325°F, you may need to add an additional 5-10 minutes per pound of meat.
How long do you cook a pork loin at 350 degrees F?
To cook a pork loin at 350 degrees F, follow this rule of thumb: 25 minutes per pound. The internal temperature should be at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). Use a thermometer to know when it’s done. The National Pork Board recommends the following cooking times for roasting pork loin in the oven:
How should I cook a pork loin in the oven?
To cook a pork loin in the oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Let the pork loin sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking. Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels before cooking to help the seasoning stick better.