How to Cook the Perfect Small Pork Loin Roast

As a busy home cook who loves serving my family delicious dinners, pork loin is one of my favorite meats to cook The tender, juicy meat has a mild flavor that pairs well with almost anything Small pork loin roasts, around 2-3 pounds, are the perfect size for a weeknight family meal. With minimal prep, you can have a tasty pork roast on the table in about an hour.

In this detailed guide, I’ll share my best tips for selecting preparing seasoning, and roasting a small pork loin. Whether you are a novice cook or a seasoned pro, these simple steps will help you achieve tender, mouthwatering pork perfection every time. Let’s get cooking!

Selecting the Right Small Pork Loin

When shopping for a small pork loin roast, you’ll usually find options ranging from 15 to 3 pounds I recommend choosing a 2-3 pound roast, which will serve about 4-6 people. Here’s what to look for

• Even shape all the way through, no odd lumps or curves
• Uniform light pink color throughout
• Good marbling of white fat streaks in the meat
• Thin white fat cap on top side

Avoid roasts with dry or discolored spots. For the best flavor and texture, go for the freshest looking option.

Prepping the Pork Loin

Before seasoning and roasting, there are a few quick prep steps:

• Trim excess fat: Use a sharp knife to slice off any thick sections of fat. Leave about 1/4 inch.

• Score the fat cap: Cut shallow slits in a diamond pattern which allows seasoning and heat to penetrate.

• Dry thoroughly: Pat the roast very dry with paper towels to aid browning.

• Tie with kitchen twine: Tie roast at 1-2 inch intervals to keep it in an even shape.

Best Seasonings for Pork Loin

Pork loves bold, aromatic seasonings. Here are some of my favorites:

• Rosemary, thyme, sage – classic herbs
• Chili powder, cumin, oregano – southwest spice
• Brown sugar and maple – sweet and savory
• Whole grain mustard – tangy creaminess
• Citrus zest – bright flavors

Apply seasonings evenly all over the pork roast, rubbing them into the slits in the fat cap. Go heavy on the seasoning since the flavor mellows as it cooks.

How to Cook a Small Pork Loin Roast

Oven Roasting Method

My top choice for pork loin is oven roasting. The dry heat evenly cooks the meat while adding delicious caramelized flavor.

• Preheat oven to 400°F
• Place seasoned roast on a rimmed baking sheet fat-side up
• Roast 25-35 minutes until 145°F internal temperature
• Rest 10 minutes before slicing

Pro Oven Roasting Tips:

• Elevate roast on a rack for better air circulation
• Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness
• Roast at 400°F for best texture and browning
• Let meat rest to retain juices

Stovetop Sear then Oven Roast

For extra flavor, first quickly brown the pork loin on the stovetop before roasting.

• Pat roast dry and season all over
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat
• Brown roast on all sides, 2-3 minutes per side
• Transfer to a baking dish and roast at 400°F for 15-25 minutes until 145°F internal temperature

The quick sear adds wonderful caramelized flavor while the oven finishes it off gently.

Slow Cooker Method

A small pork loin roast also does well with slow, moist heat.

• Pat roast dry and coat with seasoning
• Brown in a skillet on all sides (optional)
• Place in a slow cooker and add 1/2 cup broth or water
• Cook on low for 7-8 hours until fork tender

The slower cook time results in incredibly tender and juicy pork.

Grill Method

For tasty char-grilled flavor, cook the pork loin on an outdoor grill.

• Rub roast all over with oil and seasonings
• Grill over direct medium heat for 12-18 minutes, flipping occasionally until 145°F internal temperature
• Move to indirect heat if flare-ups occur

The grill adds wonderful smoky, charred flavor to the pork.

Pork Loin Roasting Times

A 2-3 pound pork loin roast will take right around 1 hour to cook in the oven at 400°F.

Here are estimated roasting times:

• 1.5 pounds = 30-40 minutes
• 2 pounds = 35-45 minutes
• 2.5 pounds = 40-50 minutes
• 3 pounds = 45-60 minutes

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

Slice your succulent pork loin roast and serve it with:

• Sauteed apples and onions
• Loaded baked potatoes
• Fresh green beans or asparagus
• Warm rolls or crusty bread
• Simple green salad

It also shines in tacos, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and more. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for later use.