How to Cook Pork Loin

Cooking a pork loin is a great way to enjoy the delicious flavors of pork without breaking the bank. Pork loin is a lean cut of meat that is often overlooked in favor of pricier cuts like ribeye or sirloin.

It's easy to cook, packed with flavor, and can be used for all kinds of delicious recipes – from roasting to grilling! 

So let's get started and learn how to roast Pork Loin!

How is pork loin supposed to be cooked?

Select the right cut:

First, you'll want to start by selecting the right pork loin cut. Pork loin is usually divided into three sections – sirloin, center, and tenderloin.

Each section has its own unique texture and flavor profile; for example, sirloin is best for slow-cooked roasts, while the tenderloin is ideal for quick-cooking methods like grilling or sautéing.

Remove excess fat:

Once you've selected your desired cut of meat, it's time to prepare it for cooking. Start by removing any excess fat or connective tissue that may be present on the meat, then trim off any remaining fat before seasoning with salt and pepper.

You might enjoy these recipes:

• How Do You Cook Ground Beef?
• Cuban Mojo Pork Loin Recipe

Cook:

Next, you'll want to decide which method you'd like to use to cook your pork loin. Roasting in the oven is one of the most popular methods as it's easy and produces juicy results every time.

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spread one tablespoon (15 mL) of vegetable oil over an 8″ × 11″ baking dish.

Place the pork loin in the dish fatty side up and bake uncovered until an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is reached; this should take anywhere from 30–45 minutes, depending on the size of the roast.

If using other methods such as grilling or pan-frying, ensure you adjust temperatures accordingly for safe cooking practices.

Let the pork rest before serving:

Once your pork loin has cooked through, use a temperature thermometer probe inserted into the center of the meat until it reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove from the heat source and allow the meat to rest 5 minutes before serving or if you prefer, serve hot directly from oven/stovetop/grill, etc.

The temperature will continue rising slightly as it rests, so remove when it reaches desired doneness level after resting for 5 minutes plus more if necessary based on personal taste preference level.

Pork loin can also be cooked in a slow cooker with delicious results. A slow cooker is a perfect tool for cooking a large cut of pork like a loin, as it will slowly & evenly cook the meat, resulting in tender and juicy pork that's bursting with flavor. 

To begin, season your pork loin with salt, pepper, and other seasonings. Place the seasoned pork in your slow cooker and add any liquid of your choice (such as broth or apple cider).

Then, set your slow cooker on low heat for 6-8 hours, occasionally stirring if desired. Once the pork has cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker to rest before slicing and serving. 

Grilling Pork Loin

Pork loin is another great way to get a tasty and juicy result. To ensure your pork loin turns out perfectly, it's important to follow a few steps. 

1. First, make sure you have the right cut of pork for grilling. The ideal cut of pork for grilling is boneless pork loin, which should have a nice fat cap and be about 1-2 inches thick.
2. Once you have your cut of pork, it's important to prepare it properly before grilling. Start by seasoning the meat with salt, pepper, and any other favorite seasonings you may have. Then, rub a little bit of oil on the surface to help prevent burning.
3. Next, preheat your grill or smoker and set it for indirect heat. Place your pork loin onto the grill or smoker and cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping every 5-10 minutes. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of your pork loin and take it off the heat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Once your pork is cooked through, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing it into thin slices. Enjoy your grilled pork loin and savor the flavor!

How long to cook pork loin

The cooking time for pork loin will depend on the weight and thickness of the cut, as well as the cooking method used. Generally, pork loin should be cooked at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes per pound.

It's important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C) before serving. Let the pork loin rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving for best results.

How to cook pork loin in the oven

Cooking a delicious pork loin in the oven is a simple and straightforward process. 

To begin, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). While the oven is preheating, rub the entire surface of the pork loin with olive oil. This will help ensure that it cooks evenly. 

Next, season the pork loin with salt, pepper, and other desired spices or herbs. Once seasoned, place the loin in a roasting pan and cook it uncovered in your preheated oven for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how large the roast is and how well done you want it to be. 

You can add vegetables such as carrots and potatoes to the roasting pan if desired.

To test when your pork loin is finished cooking, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roast – it should read between 145-160 degrees Fahrenheit (63-71 degrees Celsius). Allow your pork loin to rest for 5-10 minutes after taking it out of the oven before carving and serving. 

How long to cook pork loin in oven

The cooking time for pork loin will depend on the thickness of the meat. Thinner slices may need less time, while thicker slices will need a bit more time. In general, pork loin can be cooked in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes per pound.

Best way to cook pork loin

One of the best ways to cook pork loin is to roast it in the oven. This method helps to evenly cook your pork loin, ensuring that it is nicely browned on the outside and juicy and tender in the middle. 

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, season your pork loin with salt and pepper. You can also add other herbs or spices for flavor if desired. Place the pork loin in a roasting pan lined with foil and place it into the preheated oven. 

Roast for about 20 minutes per pound (450 grams) of meat until an instant-read thermometer reads 145°F (63°C). Once done, remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing into it. 

The internal temperature should have reached at least 145°F (63°C). If not, continue cooking until it has been reached. 

Additionally, ensure you do not overstuff your roasting tray, as this will lead to uneven cooking times due to a lack of circulation around all sides of the roast. 

Finally, baste your roast with its own pan juices every 15 minutes during cooking for moist and juicy results when finished!