How to Cook Roast Pork Loin and Get the Cooking Times Just Right

Cooking a delicious roast pork loin can seem intimidating for many home cooks Getting the right internal temperature while still having a nicely browned exterior can be tricky And figuring out the cooking times for different sizes of roasts can really throw people off,

But I’m here to tell you that cooking a perfect pork loin roast is totally doable at home as long as you follow a few simple guidelines In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook roast pork loin, including recommended cooking times for different sizes

Choosing and Preparing the Pork Loin

• Look for a roast that is evenly shaped with a nice layer of fat on top. The fat cap will help keep the pork moist during cooking.
• For cooking times purposes, estimate 1 pound of raw pork loin per person. A 3-5 pound roast will feed 3-5 people.
• Let the roast sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking so it cooks more evenly.
• Season the roast all over with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you want. I like to use garlic powder, dried thyme, and smoked paprika.
• Pat the seasoning evenly onto the pork so it’s nicely coated.
• You can also rub olive oil or softened butter on the pork before seasoning for added moisture and flavor.

Choosing the Right Roasting Pan

• Use a roasting pan that is 2-3 inches larger all around than your roast. You don’t want a pan that is too snug.
• The pan should be oven-safe and made from a conductive material like metal. Glass or ceramic pans don’t work as well.
• For easy cleanup, line the pan with foil.
• Use a roasting rack inside the pan to elevate the pork loin off the bottom of the pan. This allows air circulation for even cooking. A V-rack or flat rack both work great.

Calculating Roast Pork Loin Cooking Times

This is where many home cooks get confused The cooking time per pound decreases as the size of the roast increases Here are the recommended cooking times from the National Pork Board

• 3-5 pound roast = 18-25 minutes per pound at 350°F
• 5-8 pound roast = 15-20 minutes per pound at 350°F
• 8-10 pound roast = 8-11 minutes per pound at 350°F

So for a 3 pound roast, the cooking time would be 54-75 minutes. For a 5 pound roast, it would be 75-100 minutes. And for a 10 pound roast, it would be 80-110 minutes.

Always use an instant read thermometer to check for doneness instead of relying solely on time. Pork needs to reach 145°F internally to be safe to eat. If you prefer your pork more well done, cook it to 160°F.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2. Place the pork loin on a roasting rack in a pan. The rack helps air circulate under the meat.

3. Calculate the approximate cooking time based on the size of your roast and the guidelines above.

4. Roast the pork for the estimated time, checking the internal temperature after about 80% of the minimum time. For example, check a 5 pound roast after 60 minutes if the range is 75-100 minutes.

5. Once the pork reaches 130-140°F on an instant read thermometer, cover the pan loosely with foil. This prevents over-browning.

6. Continue roasting until it reaches 145°F for medium or 160°F for well-done.

7. When the pork hits the target temp, remove it from the oven and let rest for 20-30 minutes loosely covered with foil. This allows the juices to redistribute.

8. After resting, optionally put it back in a hot 450°F oven for 5-10 minutes to crisp and brown the exterior.

9. Slice and serve the roast pork loin hot with your favorite side dishes!

Roasting Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Pork Loin

• Let the meat come to room temperature before roasting for more even cooking.
• Season generously with herbs, spices, salt and pepper before cooking.
• Use a cooking thermometer and don’t overcook or the pork will be dry.
• Allow the roasted pork loin to rest before slicing into it.
• Adding liquid like broth or stock to the roasting pan provides moisture for gravy later.
• Tent the pork with foil if it browns too quickly while cooking.
• For extra browning at the end, do a hot sear in the oven at 450°F.

Common Questions

How long should I roast a 2 pound pork loin?
For a 2 pound pork loin roast, the cooking time would be 36-50 minutes total. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm.

Can I cook pork loin from frozen?
Yes, it is safe to cook pork loin directly from frozen. Add about 50% more cooking time. For a 3 lb frozen roast, cook for around 80-110 minutes total. Check often with a thermometer.

What are the best seasoning or rubs for pork loin?
Classic herbs and spices like garlic, rosemary, thyme and sage are perfect complements to pork. Chili powder, cumin and brown sugar make a sweet and spicy rub. Also try smoky flavors like smoked paprika or chipotle.

Should I brine pork loin before roasting?
Brining is not required but can help keep the lean pork loin moist. Dissolve 1/2 cup salt in 4 cups water or broth. Submerge the pork in this brine for 1-2 hours before roasting. Rinse and pat dry before seasoning.

Can I use pork tenderloin instead of loin roast?
Pork tenderloin is much smaller and thinner than a pork loin roast. It requires less cooking time, usually 20-25 minutes total in a hot 425°F oven. So do not substitute one for the other.

What temperature should I cook pork loin to?
The safe minimum internal temperature for pork is 145°F. For pork that is slightly pink in the center, cook to 145°F and allow to rest. For fully cooked gray pork, cook to 160°F. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.