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!.
PERFECTLY MOIST PORK LOINLike this recipe? Pin it to your MAIN DISH pinboard!Follow Real Housemoms on Pinterest
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 lean cut of meat that can be intimidating for home cooks to make. The biggest concern is usually ending up with an overcooked dry pork roast. The key to a moist tender pork loin is baking it at the ideal temperature. Follow this guide to learn exactly what temperature to use when baking pork loin roast.
Choosing the Right Pork Loin Roast
The first step is selecting a high-quality pork loin roast at the store Look for a roast that has a thick layer of fat on top and some marbling throughout The fat helps keep the lean pork meat moist and adds flavor. Boneless loin roasts are easiest to work with. Plan on about 1/2 to 3/4 pound of meat per person. A 2 to 3 pound roast will feed a small family.
Prepare the Pork Loin Before Baking
Before baking, trim off any excess fat and silver skin from the pork roast. The silver skin is the thin, shiny membrane on the surface. Leave a thin layer of fat to help keep the meat tender.
Next, rub the pork all over with a little olive oil or melted butter. This helps the spices stick and promotes browning. Generously season the pork roast with salt, pepper and any other spices you enjoy. Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano and rosemary are all good options.
You can also rub the pork with a spice blend, herb mix or pork rub for extra flavor. Let the seasoned roast sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven. Bringing the pork to room temp helps it cook evenly.
What Temperature Should You Bake Pork Loin Roast?
The optimal oven temperature for baking pork loin roast is 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature allows the pork time to cook through gently without drying out the exterior.
Higher temperatures like 400°F (200°C) can be used if you want a dark, crispy crust on the pork. But be careful, as very high heat risks overcooking the meat.
Lower oven temps around 325°F (160°C) work well for extra large roasts that need more time to cook through without burning the outside.
Use a Meat Thermometer
A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of pork doneness. Pork should be baked until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). At this temp, the pork will be slightly pink but completely safe to eat.
For well done pork, continue cooking until the thermometer reaches 160°F (71°C). The pork will be firmer and less juicy at this higher internal temp.
Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the loin, taking care not to touch any bones. Check the temp in a few different spots to ensure even doneness.
How Long to Bake Pork Loin at 350°F
- 2 lb roast: 45 to 60 minutes
- 3 lb roast: 60 to 75 minutes
- 4 lb roast: 75 to 90 minutes
- 5 lb roast: 90 to 120 minutes
These time ranges are just general guidelines. Always rely on the internal temperature for doneness, not the clock. Pork loin roast can vary greatly in shape and thickness, which affects baking times.
More Tips for Moist, Tender Pork Loin
-
Let the roast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
-
Use a meat fork or instant read thermometer to check doneness rather than piercing with a knife, which can cause juices to escape.
-
Add herbs, broth or apple juice to the bottom of the pan to add moisture and flavor.
-
Cover the pork loosely with foil at the start of baking, then uncover at end to brown exterior.
-
For maximum tenderness, bake at lower temps like 300-325°F. It will take longer but results are worth it.
-
Brining the pork in a saltwater solution before baking helps it stay juicy.
-
Always slice pork loin roast across the grain for a tender texture.
Baking pork loin roast at 350°F (175°C) allows the pork time to cook through gently without overcooking the exterior. Rely on a meat thermometer to determine when pork reaches the ideal internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let the roast rest before slicing and use seasoning or brining to maximize moisture and flavor. Follow these tips for a tender, juicy pork loin roast.
/roast-pork-loin-2500-58a4aefd5f9b58819cf4bf25.jpg)
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
Is it better to cook a pork loin at 350 or 400?
What temperature should pork loin roast be cooked at?
What is the best temperature to cook pork in the oven?
How long do you cook a pork loin in the oven?
Internal Temperature: Cook pork loin to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) on a food thermometer or instant read meat thermometer. Resting Time: Let it rest for at least 3 minutes before carving. Best Results Cooking Temperature: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Cooking Time: About 20 minutes per pound, but use a meat thermometer to be sure.
What temperature should a pork roast be cooked to?
The National Pork Board recommends cooking pork loin to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This is the temperature at which the pork is safe to eat and will be juicy and flavorful. To achieve this temperature, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Once it’s ready, place the pork roast in the oven on the middle rack and roast for 15 minutes.
What temperature should a pork loin be cooked at?
For a golden crust and a slightly faster cooking time, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Keep in mind that a higher oven temperature may result in a slightly drier pork loin, so it’s crucial to monitor the cooking process closely. On the other hand, if you want a more slow-cooked and tender result, you can lower the oven temperature.
How long do you cook a pork roast in the oven?
Rub liberally on all sides of the pork. Place seasoned pork roast, fat side up, on foil lined sheet pan and place in oven at 425° (F) for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, reduce heat to 375° (F) and continue roasting for about 45 minutes or until internal temperature of the pork is 145° (F) at the center of the roast.