Pork loin roast is a lean and tender cut of meat that makes for a delicious Sunday dinner or holiday meal Determining the right bake time per pound ensures your pork loin turns out juicy and flavorful every time.
Undercook it and the meat will be tough and dry. Bake it too long and you’ll end up with an overcooked disaster.
So how long should you bake a pork loin roast per pound? Let’s find out.
The Basic Formula
The general rule of thumb for baking pork loin roast is
- Bake for 25-30 minutes per pound at 350°F
For example, a 3 pound pork loin roast needs about 75-90 minutes total bake time.
This simple formula gives you the perfect bake time whether you’re cooking a petite 2 pound roast or a large 5 pound pork loin.
Factors Affecting Bake Time
While the basic minutes per pound formula is a great starting point, there are a few other factors that can alter total cook time:
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Oven temperature – Lower temps increase bake time, while higher temps reduce it slightly.
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Meat thickness – Thicker roasts take more time to cook through fully.
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Bone-in or boneless – Bone retains heat, so bone-in pork needs extra oven time.
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Meat thermometer – Be sure to calibrate your thermometer for accuracy.
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Brining – Soaking in a saltwater solution can increase bake time.
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Altitude – At higher elevations, food cooks slower.
Checking for Doneness
It’s important to test pork loin roast for doneness instead of relying solely on cook time. Use these methods:
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Temperature – Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part. Pork should reach 145°F.
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Color – Interior should be faintly pink with no redness.
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Texture – Meat will firm up when done but remain tender and juicy.
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Juices – Use a fork to check juices run clear rather than pink.
Cooking Tips
Follow these tips for perfectly cooked pork loin roast:
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Prep – Pat dry and coat with oil, salt, pepper, and herbs. Bring to room temp before roasting.
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Sear – Brown all sides in a skillet before baking for added flavor.
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** Roast uncovered** – Covering with foil can make the exterior soggy.
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Rest – Let roast sit at least 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
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Carve – Slice against the grain for the most tender texture.
Sample Roast Recipe
To put these tips into action, bake this flavorful pork loin roast recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 lb boneless pork loin roast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
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Pat pork dry and coat with oil. Rub seasoning all over.
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Sear roast in a skillet over medium-high heat, 2-3 minutes per side.
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Place pork in a baking dish and roast at 375°F for approximately 75-90 minutes until it reaches 145°F internally.
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Remove from oven, tent with foil and let rest 10 minutes.
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Slice against the grain and serve. Enjoy!
Now you can perfectly bake a pork loin roast of any size. Just follow the handy minutes per pound guideline. For flavorful, juicy pork every time, rely on a meat thermometer for doneness.
Happy roasting!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you bake a 2 lb pork loin roast?
For a 2 pound pork loin roast, bake at 350°F for approximately 50-60 minutes total. Use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 145°F.
What is the minimum safe internal temperature for pork?
Pork should always be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F as measured by a food thermometer before removing from the oven.
Do you need to rest pork loin roast after baking?
Yes, resting the pork loin for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute for a moist and tender texture.
Can you crisp up the pork loin roast skin while baking?
Scoring the skin before baking and starting at a high temp of 400°F for 15-20 minutes will help render the fat and make the skin crispy. Lower heat to finish roasting.
Should you brine pork loin before roasting?
Brining is optional but recommended to enhance flavor and moisture retention. Soak the pork in a saltwater solution for 1-2 hours before roasting.
Master the Perfect Baked Pork Loin Roast
Now that you know exactly how long to bake pork loin roast per pound, you can achieve tender, juicy results every time.
Use this handy guide to become a pro roaster. With the right prep, seasonings, and doneness tests, you’ll be serving up crowd-pleasing oven-baked pork loin in no time.