How Much Does a Whole Pork Loin Weigh? A Detailed Look at This Versatile Cut of Meat

Pork loin is one of the most versatile and flavorful cuts of pork. But if you’ve never cooked a whole pork loin before, you may be wondering – how much does a whole pork loin weigh? In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at pork loin weights so you know exactly what to expect when purchasing and cooking this fantastic roast

The pork loin sits along the back of the pig and runs from the shoulder to the leg. It contains a spinal bone and connects three primal cuts – the shoulder, loin and leg.

Pork loin is extremely lean and tender. It’s considered one of the highest quality cuts of pork. Due to its versatility, pork loin can be roasted, grilled, or pan seared and used in everything from Chinese char siu to Italian porchetta.

Pork loin can be purchased bone-in or boneless. It’s also available whole or cut into individual chops or roasts.

When left whole and roasted, the pork loin transforms into a beautiful centerpiece roast perfect for feeding a crowd. It can then be sliced to serve.

Average Weight of a Whole Pork Loin

So how much does a whole pork loin weigh on average?

There is some variability in pork loin weights, but on average, a whole bone-in pork loin weighs 8 to 10 pounds. Boneless pork loin tends to be slightly lighter at around 7 to 9 pounds.

Here are some more details on typical pork loin weights:

• Whole bone-in pork loin: 8 to 10 lbs
• Whole boneless pork loin: 7 to 9 lbs
• Bone-in pork loin roast: 3 to 5 lbs
• Boneless pork loin roast: 2 to 4 lbs
• Thick-cut bone-in pork chops: Approximately 8 oz each
• Boneless pork chops: Approximately 6 oz each

Of course, weights can vary a bit depending on the size of the pig and how the butcher fabricates the cuts. But in most cases, you can expect a whole pork loin to weigh somewhere between 7 and 10 pounds.

Buying and Preparing a Whole Pork Loin

Because of its large size and elongated shape, cooking a whole pork loin requires some special consideration. Here are some tips for buying and roasting a whole pork loin:

• Inspect the fat cap: Look for a pork loin with an even 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch layer of fat cap covering the top. The fat will baste the meat as it cooks.

• Tie the loin: Ask your butcher to tie the loin with butcher’s twine at 1 to 2 inch intervals. This will hold the shape during cooking.

• Choose a roasting pan: Use a roasting pan just large enough to hold the pork loin. You don’t want extra space that will cause the drippings to burn.

• Prep the meat: Season the pork several hours before cooking, or even a day ahead. This allows the seasoning to penetrate deep into the meat.

• Roast low and slow: Roast the pork loin at a lower temperature, around 325°F, until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Then let it rest before slicing.

• Rest before slicing: Let the roast rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat.

Get Creative with a Whole Pork Loin

While roasting is the most common cooking method, there are tons of unique ways you can prepare a whole pork loin:

• Grill it: Get nice grill marks and a smoky flavor by grilling the pork over indirect heat.

• Smoke it: Turn your pork loin into pulled pork by smoking it low and slow until fall-apart tender.

• Make porchetta: Debone the loin, stuff it with aromatics, and roll and tie it for incredible Italian porchetta.

• Cut into chops: Ask your butcher to slice the loin into bone-in or boneless chops for easy weeknight meals.

• Freeze for later: Portion and freeze extra pork loin to have ready-to-cook cuts on hand.

No matter how you cook it, a whole pork loin is sure to deliver incredibly moist, tender, and flavorful pork. With its average weight of 8 to 10 pounds, one pork loin can generously feed a crowd or provide you with multiple meals throughout the week.

Typical Prices for Whole Pork Loin

The price of pork loin will vary depending on factors like quality, whether it’s bone-in or boneless, and where you purchase it. Here are some typical price ranges:

• Whole bone-in pork loin: $2.99 to $4.99 per pound
• Whole boneless pork loin: $3.49 to $5.49 per pound
• Bone-in pork loin roast: $3.99 to $6.99 per pound
• Boneless pork loin roast: $4.99 to $7.99 per pound
• Bone-in pork chops: $3.99 to $7.99 per pound
• Boneless pork chops: $3.99 to $7.99 per pound

Buying a whole loin is almost always the best value rather than purchasing individual roasts or chops. And purchasing directly from a butcher or meat market can help you find the best price.

Get Your Hands on a Whole Pork Loin

If you’ve never cooked a whole pork loin before, hopefully this article has given you a good idea of what to expect when it comes to size, weight, price, and preparation. With its tender meat and mild, versatile flavor, pork loin is a cut that every home cook should get to know inside and out.

Next time you’re looking for a delicious and impressive roast to feed a crowd, consider picking up a whole bone-in or boneless pork loin. Or ask your butcher to fabricate it into convenient roasts or chops for easy weeknight meals. However you choose to cook it, pork loin rarely disappoints.