How to Cook a Juicy and Tender Costco Pork Loin

Pork loin is an affordable, tasty, and versatile cut of meat that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Costco sells massive pork loins at a great value, but the size can be intimidating for home cooks. Have no fear! With the right techniques, you can transform that giant slab of meat into a mouthwatering centerpiece for any meal.

In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook a perfect Costco pork loin roast. You’ll learn how to select the right size roast, prep it for cooking, and use different cooking methods like oven roasting, grilling, and slow cooking Follow these tips and you’ll be serving up tender, juicy pork loin to rave reviews from your family or dinner guests

Choosing the Right Pork Loin at Costco

Costco sells both bone-in and boneless pork loin roasts in various sizes Here are a few things to look for when selecting one

• For a smaller group (4-6 people), choose a 2-3 lb roast. For larger parties, go with a 4-6 lb roast.

• Opt for boneless over bone-in for more even cooking. The bone can shield part of the meat, causing uneven cooking.

• Get untrimmed or lightly trimmed roasts so you can remove the fat cap yourself Leaving it on during roasting keeps the meat juicy.

• Avoid enhanced or pre-marinated roasts so you can control the flavors yourself.

• Select roasts with a thick, even shape for the best results. Odd shapes can lead to uneven cooking.

Once you’ve selected the perfect pork loin, it’s time to start prepping.

Prepping the Pork Loin for Cooking

Proper prep is key to delicious pork loin every time. Here are the simple steps:

• Let it sit out for 30 minutes to take the chill off. This helps it cook more evenly later.

• Trim off any excess fat or silver skin. Leave a 1/4 inch fat cap intact to baste the meat during cooking.

• Season all over with salt, pepper, and other spices. Popular options are garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, sage, and rosemary.

• Consider marinating for added moisture and flavor. Balsamic, wine, soy sauce, citrus, and herb marinades all pair well with pork.

• Tie up the loin to maintain an even shape using kitchen string. This promotes even cooking.

Now the loin is ready for your cooking method of choice. Let’s look at how to roast, grill, and slow cook this cut of meat.

Oven Roasting Method

Oven roasting is a simple “set it and forget it” cooking method that delivers a flavorful crust and tender interior every time.

Here’s how to roast pork loin to perfection:

• Preheat the oven to 450°F to start with high heat for browning.

• Sear the loin for 15 minutes in an oven-safe skillet to caramelize the outside.

• Transfer to a roasting pan and reduce heat to 300°F. Cook for approximately 25 minutes per pound until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

• Flip the roast halfway through for even cooking on both sides.

• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Roasting is great for cooking loins 4 lbs or larger. For even doneness from end to end, choose a short, thick roast.

Grilling Method

The grill adds delicious smoky flavor and gives the pork loin a crispy, charred exterior. Follow these steps for perfect grilled pork loin:

• Preheat grill to 450-500°F. Use a grill thermometer to monitor temperature.

• Trim excess fat and silver skin. Cut roast into 1 1/2 inch thick slices.

• Season with your favorite rub or spices. Grill seasoning and cumin work nicely.

• Sear both sides over direct heat for 5-6 minutes to char and caramelize.

• Move to indirect heat to finish cooking, about 10-12 minutes per side until it reaches 140-145°F internally.

• Let rest 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

The hot grill sears in the juices while the indirect heat gently roasts the pork. Grill smaller roasts under 2 lbs.

Slow Cooker Method

The slow cooker makes pork loin super easy. Just season it, set it, and go about your day while it cooks low and slow.

Follow these simple steps:

• Cut the loin into 3-inch chunks and season all over.

• Layer sliced onions on the bottom of the slow cooker.

• Place seasoned pork chunks over the onions.

• Pour 710 ml of root beer, cola, or other fizzy drink over the pork. The carbonation helps tenderize the meat.

• Cook on high for 7 hours or low for 10-12 hours. The meat should shred easily with forks when done.

• Shred and mix with barbecue sauce. Serve on buns or over rice.

The slow cooker is perfect for larger roasts over 4 lbs. The long cooking tenderizes the meat.

Achieving Perfect Doneness

Pork loin goes from juicy and tender to dry and overcooked quickly. Follow these tips for ideal doneness:

• Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature, not the oven timer alone. Remove from heat at 145°F.

• Watch time and temp closely during grilling or oven roasting when using high heat.

• Flip the roast halfway through to prevent overcooking on one side.

• Let rest for 10 minutes before checking temperature. The temp will rise 5-10°F as it rests.

• If overcooked, serve sliced thin to mask dryness or use for chopped pork dishes with sauce.

With the right prep, cooking method, and doneness monitoring, you can transform that bargain Costco pork loin into a 5-star, restaurant-worthy entree. Impress your guests and enjoy delicious pork any night of the week without breaking the bank.