How to Cook a Pork Loin Roast in the Oven

Updated on January 3rd, 2024

Pork has a reputation for having a bland and somewhat boring taste, as such, it can seem rather intimidating to cook. However, when a pork loin roast is cooked following the right cooking instructions, the results are extremely good, and you should definitely save a spot for the delicious roast on your holiday table.

In this article, we’ll show you how to cook a pork loin roast in the oven and get excellent-tasting results. We’ll also provide you with a number of helpful tips and guidelines to direct you to the best possible results.

Pork Loin Nutrition Facts

Tips for Cooking a Pork Loin Roast in the Oven

For the best results when cooking a pork loin roast in the oven, pay attention to the tips, guidelines, and cooking instructions we have provided below:

The ideal amount to cook – 6 to 8 persons can be served using a 3- to 4-pound pork loin roast. However, it’s not a bad idea to make a bit more of the roast than you need and then enjoys the leftovers all week (they’re delicious in a sandwich and herbed mayo).

Important seasoning tip – Seasonings will stick even better if you score the top of the roast in an X pattern with your knife. You don’t need to cut all the way through the roast; just enough of a cut to make grooves for the seasonings to sit in.

Sear your pork loin roast – Although it’s really nice to sear your pork loin roast before baking it in the oven, we don’t think it’s necessary when there’s no skin on the roast. When your pork loin roast has no skin, we recommend coating it with brown sugar and butter and broiling it shortly before slicing to achieve the caramelized crust effect that a good sear would provide.

Ideal cooking duration – To prepare a pork loin safely, cook it for around 25 minutes for every pound, assuming the roast weighs 3 to 4 pounds. This figure will need to change significantly if you’re cooking a full pork loin roast (about 8 to 10 pounds). Reduce the heat of the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for roughly 10 minutes per pound for a whole pork loin.

Ideal internal temperature – It’s best to cook your pork to a safe internal temperature of 145 to 160 degrees, according to the National Pork Board. Even though it used to be higher, this temperature range is a perfectly safe one to cook your pork roast. You could also choose to stick to 150 degrees doneness and leave the pork roast to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before you serve it because a roast will continue to cook through even after it is removed from the oven.

 

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Cooking Time for a Pork Loin Roast in the Oven

The ideal amount of time for which you need to cook a pork loin roast in the oven has been described in the table below:

Honey Garlic Glazed Pork Roast (8 Servings)

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• Author: Bobby

Ingredients

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• 3– pound pork loin
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

For the Spice Rub

• 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon of onion powder
• ½ teaspoon of dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon of dried rosemary
• salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

For the Honey Garlic Glaze

• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• ¼ cup of honey
• 3 tablespoons of low-sodium gluten-free soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil

For the Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 pound of brussels sprouts (cut in half)
• 1 pound of butternut squash, peeled, seeds cleaned out, and cut into 1-inch cubes (you can also opt for pre-cut butternut squash)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Set aside a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.  Using paper towels, pat the pork loin dry.
2. Combine all the seasoning ingredients for the spice rub (paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper) in a small mixing bowl.
3. Using frying spray, lightly coat the pork loin. This will aid in the sticking of the spice mixture.
4. Apply the spice mixture on the pork loin and massage it all over it.
5. Sear the pork loin in olive oil over medium heat until it gets adequately browned on all sides, this should take about 3 to 5 minutes for each side of the roast. Set aside the pork loin on the prepared baking sheet, making sure that the fat-layer side is facing up.
6. In a bowl, mix garlic, soy sauce, honey, mustard, and oil together; whisk the mixture until it is well incorporated. If the sauce is overly thick, drizzle with a little extra soy sauce or oil. Measure 2 tablespoons of the resulting mixture and set it aside for the vegetables.
7. Brush the pork loin with the remaining honey mixture. Cook the pork loin roast for 25 minutes at 350°F.
8. Meanwhile, combine the vegetables with the honey mixture you set aside, as well as a tablespoon of oil. Take the pork roast out of the oven and arrange the veggies in a single layer around it.
9. Cover the pork with foil to prevent the top from burning while the interior aspect of the meat keeps cooking. Return the pork loin to the oven and cook for another 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Check for doneness with an Instant Read Thermometer. Halfway through the cooking process, stir the vegetables.
10. Take the baking sheet out of the oven and cover the meat and vegetables loosely with foil; set aside for 10 minutes. Slice the pork and serve with vegetables.

This pork loin roast is delicious when it comes out of the oven, just make sure to follow the right cooking instructions and you can be sure you’ll achieve desirable results. The entire cooking time for this roast in the oven is 1 hour, with a prep time of 15 minutes and a rest time of 10 minutes.

If you want more recipe ideas or inspiration on how to cook pork loin roasts in the oven, then check out this video recipe we’ve suggested for you.