This simple recipe will show you exactly how to cook a boneless pork loin roast. Did you know that unlike our parents and grandparents, we don’t have to cook pork roasts until they are as tough as leather? We now get to cook pork roasts to 145°F.
As a busy mom trying to feed my family quick, budget-friendly meals, I’m always on the lookout for great deals on quality meat. That’s why I love grabbing huge, affordable pork loin roasts from Costco The price just can’t be beat!
However cooking these massive cuts of meat can be daunting for even seasoned home cooks. Undercook it and you face dry, tough pork. Overdo it, and you end up with unevenly cooked meat ranging from juicy to bone-dry all in one roast!
Through much trial and error, I’ve discovered the best techniques for cooking Costco pork loin so it turns out tender and mouthwateringly delicious every time. Read on as I share my secrets to flawless pork loin along with some of my family’s favorite seasoning ideas and serving suggestions.
Choosing the Right Pork Loin at Costco
When tackling a cut as large as Costco pork loin, proper selection is key. Here are my top tips:
-
Opt for a boneless roast if possible. The bone can shield part of the meat, causing uneven cooking.
-
Go for a size you can use within 3-4 days. The huge roasts can be hard to finish before they spoil.
-
Avoid pre-marinated cuts. You’ll have more flavor control with a plain roast.
-
Check the sell-by date and pick the freshest option.
-
Examine the fat cap. It should be firm and white, not yellow or soft.
Prep Work for Delicious Results
Once home, take a few easy steps to prep your pork loin for the oven or grill:
-
Let it come to room temp. This helps it cook evenly. Leave it out for 30-60 minutes before cooking.
-
Trim the fat cap. Score the fat in a diamond pattern which allows melting fat to baste the meat.
-
Season generously. A salty, herbaceous rub ensures a flavorful crust.
-
Consider marinating. For extra juicy and tender meat, soak in a marinade for 1-2 hours.
-
Tie it up. For even cooking, ask your butcher to tie it with kitchen twine.
With proper prep, your Costco pork loin is ready to turn into a mouthwatering family meal!
Oven Roasting for Fork-Tender Perfection
Oven roasting allows the pork’s juices to gently concentrate, yielding incredibly moist and tender meat. Follow these steps:
-
Sear the roast in a hot pan to form a flavorful brown crust before roasting.
-
Use a low temp (325F) to cook the pork evenly without drying it out.
-
Roast 30-40 minutes per lb until it reaches 145F internally. Rest 10 minutes before slicing.
-
Make a flavorful jus from the drippings to serve alongside the pork. Heavenly!
With this method, your pork loin becomes fall-apart tender with a delicious browned exterior.
Grilling for Smoky, Succulent Pork
Want to add tempting smoky flavor to your Costco pork loin? Grilling brings out the best in this cut:
-
Pat dry and coat with oil to prevent sticking. Season boldly.
-
Sear over direct high heat to caramelize the exterior. Move to indirect heat to finish.
-
Cook to 140F internally with the lid closed to capture smoky flavor.
-
Let rest so juices reabsorb for irresistible tenderness.
-
Slice thinly against the grain to maximize juiciness and flavor.
With minimal effort, the grill transforms an inexpensive pork loin into a restaurant-worthy meal.
Slow Cooker for Foolproof Shreddable Pork
With the slow cooker, you can transform Costco pork loin into insanely tender and flavorful shredded pork in just a few easy steps:
-
Brown the roast in a skillet before slow cooking to boost flavor.
-
Season boldly. The slow cooker will mellow the spices over time.
-
Add flavorful liquid like broth, root beer, or apple cider.
-
Cook 8-10 hours on low until fall-apart tender.
-
Shred with forks and toss with your favorite bbq sauce.
-
Pile high on buns or serve over baked potatoes for easy weekday meals.
The slow cooker does all the work for delicious shredded pork loin at a fraction of the cost of restaurant takeout.
Handy Tips for Foolproof Pork Loin
Over the years, I’ve discovered some super helpful tips for cooking flawless Costco pork loin every time:
-
Watch the temp carefully and don’t overcook. Use a leave-in thermometer.
-
Baste with pan drippings during roasting for added moisture and flavor.
-
Let rest before slicing so juices redistribute evenly.
-
Carve across the grain for tender, sliceable meat.
-
Use leftovers within 4 days for maximum freshness and flavor.
With proper handling, this inexpensive cut can truly shine and satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
Satisfy Your Family for Less with Costco Pork Loin
Cooking an affordable pork loin roast from Costco may seem daunting, but have no fear! With my simple tricks for selecting, seasoning, and cooking the meat, you can serve incredibly tasty, juicy pork any night of the week.
Impress your family with gourmet-quality roasted pork loin,succulent grilled chops, or savory shredded pork for tacos or sandwiches. The possibilities are endless! I’d love to hear your own tips and favorite ways to prepare Costco pork loin.
How to Cook a Boneless Pork Loin Roast
When you cook pork roast, the middle will be a little pink. This takes some getting used to. The first time I made it my Mom was appalled. APPALLED. That’s the only word I can use. She couldn’t believe that I was trying to kill my family by feeding them under cooked pork.
Why am I writing this short how-to? Because this is the NEW way to cook a pork loin roast without bones. No shoe leather. Gravy is a tasty extra that you don’t have to have if you don’t want to choke on a bone dry roast. If you treat pork roasts like beef roasts instead of chicken (because we all freak out when chicken is pink!), you will love them again.
How Many Minutes Per Pound for Pork Loin?
The rule of thumb is usually 25 minutes per pound at 350 °F. I use the high heat method, which means I put the roast in the oven at 450 °F for 15 minutes to seal in the juices. After that, I lower the temperature to 300 °F. With my method, you can also count on another 20 minutes per pound of meat AFTER the first roasting at 450°F. This is because the oven will still be very hot for a while after you turn it down.
The only exception is when you have a thinner pork loin roast or a thicker one. For the pictures, I used a huge pork loin from Costco (you’ve seen those things, right? I don’t want to know what kind of giant pig they came from!). The roast in these pictures cooked on low heat for 120 minutes. IF you have a thinner pork loin roast, adjust accordingly. Also, for those Costco pork loins, cut them in half and freeze each half separately. Or in thirds. They are so big and so cheap!.
Pork Loin Recipes
FAQ
How to cook pork from Costco?
How to cook Costco pork loin?
Grilling is a popular method for cooking Costco pork loin, as it adds a smoky flavor and crispy exterior to the meat. To start, preheat your grill to medium-high heat with a surface temperature of 450° to 500°. It’s important to note that the surface temperature, not the thermometer on the grill hood, is what you should be aiming for.
How much does a Costco pork tenderloin weigh?
The average weight of a Costco Pork Tenderloin is 1.1 pounds. Each package of Swift Pork Tenderloin sold at the warehouse contains four loins, weighing about five pounds. Costco sells two types of chops: Pork Loin Top Loin Chops (Boneless) and Pork Loin Rib, and Loin Chops cost $2.49 per pound. The main difference is where the meat comes from.
Is a Costco pork loin a good deal?
A Costco pork loin, however, is usually a pretty good deal in more ways than one, even if all you ever do is make pork chops out of it. Butchering a piece of meat can be an intimidating process if you’ve never tried it before, but fear not, my friends: the pork loin is the perfect beginner piece.
How do you smoke a pork tenderloin at Costco?
Right before you bring it to the smoker, paint the pork loin roast with a mixture of Dijon mustard and soy sauce. Then sprinkle on liberal amounts of fresh rosemary, thyme, and Greek oregano. The pork loin roasts and pork tenderloins at Costco take well to roasting, smoking, or searing on a Traeger wood pellet grill.