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 tenderloin is a lean tender cut of meat that makes for a quick, delicious dinner. When properly prepared it can be succulent, flavorful and an impressive centerpiece for any meal. However, nailing the ideal balance of moist, tender pork with browned, crispy edges can be tricky. One of the keys is knowing exactly how long to cook pork tenderloin per pound.
Follow this guide for expert tips, timing guidelines, and recipes to master cooking times for phenomenal pork tenderloin.
Why Pork Tenderloin is a Go-To Choice
Pork tenderloin has gained popularity for several compelling reasons Home cooks and chefs alike appreciate its unique attributes that make it a versatile ingredient for all sorts of dishes
Lean and Tender – Pork tenderloin is exceptionally lean and tender. The lack of excess fat allows it to absorb flavors incredibly well.
Quick Cooking – Compared to other pork cuts, tenderloin has a relatively quick cooking time. When prepared properly, it can be ready in as little as 25-30 minutes.
Mild Flavor – With its subtle sweet and mildly porky flavor, it adapts well to all kinds of seasonings and pairs beautifully with various sauces.
Versatile – It’s suitable for roasting, grilling, pan searing, and even slow cooking. So you can explore endless recipes from Mediterranean to Asian-inspired.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Achieving the ideal doneness relies heavily on picking the right cooking time. To cook pork tenderloin to juicy, tender perfection, consider these key factors:
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Weight – Heavier tenderloins require longer cook times than smaller, thinner ones.
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Thickness – Similarly, thicker cuts need more time to cook through than thinner pieces.
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Cooking Method – Quick, high-heat methods like grilling or pan searing shorten the cooking time versus slower roasting.
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Temperature – Higher oven or grill temperatures cook the meat faster than lower temperatures.
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Starting Temp – Meat straight from the fridge takes longer than meat at room temp.
Keeping these variables in mind helps you adjust timing and technique for flawless results.
How Long to Cook Pork Tenderloin Per Pound
For 1-pound pork tenderloins, a general guideline is to cook for 15-20 minutes per pound at an oven temperature of 375°F (190°C).
However, cooking times vary depending on size, shape, temperature, and technique.
To ensure safety and perfect doneness, always use a meat thermometer. Cook until it reaches the target internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). After resting, it will continue cooking to 150°F (65°C) for hot, tender pork.
Here are more specific pork tenderloin cooking times per pound:
- Roasting – 20-25 minutes per pound at 375°F (190°C)
- Grilling – 15-20 minutes per pound on medium-high heat
- Pan Searing – 5-7 minutes per pound over medium-high heat
Once again, let your thermometer be the judge regardless of method.
Oven Roasting Method
Roasting is a simple, hands-off approach to cooking pork tenderloin. Here are step-by-step instructions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Pat dry tenderloin and coat with oil. Season generously with salt, pepper and spices.
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Place seasoned tenderloin on a baking sheet or pan.
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Roast 20-25 minutes per pound, until thermometer reaches 145°F (63°C).
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Allow to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing into medallions.
The key is removing the pork from the oven when it’s slightly underdone. As it rests, the temperature will continue rising to a perfect 150°F (65°C).
Grilling Method
Grilling imparts delicious smoky notes. Follow these tips for grilled pork tenderloin:
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Prepare a medium-high grill, around 400°F (205°C).
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Pat dry and coat tenderloin with oil. Season all over.
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Sear tenderloin over direct heat 1-2 minutes per side.
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Move to indirect heat, close lid, and grill 15-20 minutes per pound until it reaches 145°F (63°C).
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Let rest before slicing.
Use tongs instead of piercing with a fork to avoid losing juices. Time carefully and use your thermometer for best results.
Pan Searing Method
Pan searing is a quick weeknight technique:
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Pat dry pork tenderloin and season all over.
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Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil.
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Cook tenderloin 5-7 minutes per pound, flipping occasionally until 145°F (63°C).
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Rest before slicing into medallions.
Searing develops an irresistible, caramelized crust. Monitor temperature closely to prevent overcooking.
Cooking Times for Smaller Cuts
For 3/4 pound tenderloins, reduce cooking times by a few minutes. Follow the same methods.
- Oven roast for approximately 15-18 minutes.
- Grill or pan sear for 10-15 minutes.
For 1/2 pound cuts, reduce cooking times further:
- Oven roast for roughly 12-15 minutes.
- Grill or sear for just 8-10 minutes.
Remember to account for thickness and allow resting time. Rely on your thermometer for perfectly cooked results.
Let It Rest
After roasting, grilling or searing, always allow the pork to rest at least 5 minutes, up to 10 minutes.
Resting gives time for juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
Slice into the pork too soon, and the juices will run out, leaving you with a dry, tougher finished product.
So resist temptation and let it rest!
Pair with Perfect Side Dishes
Pork tenderloin deserves complementary sides. Consider:
- Roasted or mashed potatoes
- Sauteed veggies like Brussels sprouts
- Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
- Quinoa or brown rice
- Warm rolls or crusty bread
Pork pairs wonderfully with sweet or tart options like applesauce, chutneys or fruit relishes too.
With the proper cooking time per pound and resting period, you can look forward to flawlessly prepared pork tenderloin with any flavorsome sides for a complete, satisfying meal.
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!
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!.
Pork Tenderloin Basics
FAQ
Is it better to cook a pork loin at 350 or 400?
How long to bake 1 lb pork tenderloin at 350 degrees?
How long do you cook pork per pound at 350 degrees?
How do you cook a pork tenderloin without drying out?
How long do you cook a 1 pound pork tenderloin?
Depending on the size of your tenderloin, roast the pork for 20-27 minutes. A ½ pound tenderloin should be cooked closer to 20 minutes, while a 1½ pound tenderloin should be cooked for the full 27 minutes. Both of these high, direct heat methods are great options for preparing BBQ or marinated pork.
How long to cook pork tenderloin in oven?
Put the baking dish with the pork in the preheated oven. The cooking time will depend on the size and weight of your pork tenderloin. As a general guideline, cook it for about 20-30 minutes per pound. A meat thermometer is your best friend here. The pork is ready when its internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
How do you cook leftover pork tenderloin?
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover pork tenderloin on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Stovetop method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter.
How long does it take to cook a pork loin?
Timing will depend on how much you’re heating, but one serving (6 ounces) should take about 1 minute. Reheat in the Oven for 10-15 minutes at 300 F. Wrap in foil to prevent drying out. Will this pork loin shred?