Perfectly Moist Pork Loin is the BEST recipe for “set it and forget it”! It’s simple to prepare, quick to cook, and tastes great.
Do you have reluctant pork eaters in your family? We definitely did. My boys wouldn’t eat any pork that wasn’t covered in BBQ sauce, like these Honey BBQ Pork Chops, which are a family favorite! That was until we crafted up this Perfectly Moist Pork Loin recipe.
Now my family is requesting pork nearly every week (without any BBQ sauce in sight). When I say this easy pork loin is moist, I mean it. It is tasty, juicy, and tender pork. It’s the perfect main dish for your hungry family!.
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Pork. It can be SO SO good, or it can be SO SO meh. To cook a pork loin that isn’t dry, bland, and tough, you really do need a good recipe. Don’t believe me? I’ve cooked a lot of bland pork roasts and dry pork chops already.
Things have changed here in the Real Housemoms kitchen though – pork is no longer bland and boring. Pork is my favorite meat to cook with. My husband loves it, my kids beg for it, and I love how simple it really can be!.
This pork loin roast recipe is great because it’s simple and everyone will love it, even picky eaters. The flavor palate is simple – garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil. You wouldn’t believe how well those few ingredients could work together to make a delicious meal that the whole family would love. All it takes is a sprinkle of seasoning and a few hours in the oven.
Perfectly Moist Pork Loin is a family favorite for all seasons. In the fall, pork and apples go well together, so I’ll cook a pork loin and serve it with my famous baked apples.
During the winter, it goes great with warm, creamy mashed potatoes (you need to try these Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes).
I also serve pork loin roast with chilled pasta salads when the weather gets warmer in the spring and summer. This Pesto Pasta Salad is perfect for that!
A center cut pork roast makes a delicious and impressive main course for any occasion. When seasoned and cooked properly it emerges from the oven juicy tender and full of flavor. But exactly how long does it take to cook a center cut pork roast to perfection?
The cooking time depends on a few key factors
Size and Thickness
The size and thickness of the pork roast greatly impacts the cooking time. A small 2 lb roast will take much less time than a large 5 lb one. Thicker roasts will also require more time than thinner, more uniform ones.
For a typical 3-4 lb center cut pork loin roast of average thickness, the approximate cook times are:
- 325°F oven: 1 1⁄4 to 1 1⁄2 hours
- 350°F oven: 1 to 1 1⁄4 hours
- 375°F oven: 45 to 60 minutes
Bone-In vs. Boneless
Boneless roasts cook faster than bone-in since the bones act as insulators, slowing the cooking process. For a bone-in center cut pork roast, extend the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes.
Cooking Method
The cooking method makes a major difference in cook times. Roasting in the oven is most common, but grilling, slow cooking and sous vide are other options.
Oven roasting at 325-375°F is ideal for a center cut pork roast. Grilling or smoking at a low temperature of 225-250°F will take several hours.
Internal Temperature
The most reliable test for doneness in a pork roast is measuring the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Pork should reach a minimum safe final internal temperature of 145°F.
After removing the roast from the oven or grill, the internal temperature will rise another 5-10 degrees during resting time.
Resting Period
Always allow a 10-15 minute resting period after cooking the roast and before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat for a juicier eating experience.
Skip this step and the pork will dry out rapidly when sliced. The internal temperature will also continue rising during the resting time.
Calculating Cook Times
As a general rule of thumb, center cut pork roasts take about 15-20 minutes per pound to reach proper doneness. Here are the approximate cook times to use:
- 2 lb roast – 30-45 minutes
- 3 lb roast – 45-60 minutes
- 4 lb roast – 60-75 minutes
- 5 lb roast – 75-90 minutes
These times are for a 350°F oven. Adjust slightly up or down if cooking at a higher or lower temperature.
Always use a meat thermometer for the most accurate indication of when the pork roast is cooked to a safe internal temperature and ready to eat.
Key Tips for Cooking Center Cut Pork Roast
Follow these tips to ensure your center cut pork roast turns out juicy and flavorful every time:
- Let roast sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Preheat oven fully before placing roast inside.
- Sear all sides of the roast first for enhanced flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temp.
- Allow roast to rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Slice against the grain for most tender slices.
Step-by-Step Roasting Method
Roasting in the oven is the easiest hands-off way to cook a center cut pork loin roast. Follow these simple steps:
- Take roast out of fridge and let sit 30 minutes until closer to room temp.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Pat roast dry and season all over with salt and pepper or other spices as desired.
- Sear roast on all sides in the hot skillet until nicely browned.
- Place roast in a roasting pan and insert meat thermometer.
- Roast in preheated oven, checking temperature periodically.
- Once internal temp reaches 140-145°F, remove from oven.
- Allow roast to rest 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
And that’s all it takes for a mouthwatering oven-roasted center cut pork roast the whole family will love!
Cooking Times for a 5 Pound Center Cut Pork Roast
For a 5 pound center cut pork roast, the approximate oven roasting times are:
- 325°F oven: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
- 350°F oven: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- 375°F oven: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
At 350°F, expect around 1 hour 20 minutes for a 5 pound center cut roast. Check temperature periodically and continue roasting if needed until internal temp hits 140-145°F.
Rest, then slice and serve!
Delicious Seasonings and Serving Ideas
A center cut pork roast pairs well with many herbs, spices and seasonings. Get creative with your flavor pairings!
- Herbs – rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano
- Spices – garlic, onion, mustard, cumin, chili powder
- Fruits – orange, apple, pineapple, mango
- Sauces – barbecue, chimichurri, gravy, mustard
Slice and serve topped with a sauce, or diced for tacos, sandwiches, salads and more. Enjoy this versatile roasted pork for multiple meals throughout the week.
With the proper cooking times and temperatures, you’ll be rewarded with a tender, juicy center cut pork roast. Master this cooking method and impress your guests every time.
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How to Cook Pork Loin
- Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Even though the oven temperature will go down in the end, you start it off hot to really seal in the moisture on the outside of the pork loin!
- Next, sprinkle the pork with the spices (onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil). Do this on all sides. Make a small bowl of dry rub and put it on yourself. You can also use them one at a time. I like it better when it’s all mixed together before I put it on the meat. That way I know it’s being rubbed all over the roast evenly!
- Put the pork loin in the roasting pan with the fat side facing up. Putting the fat on top lets it baste the roast as it cooks. This step keeps the pork from getting tough and dry!
- Put the pork loin in an oven set to 400 degrees for 10 minutes. It will help make a “crust” on the meat that will keep the juices inside.
- Next, turn down the oven heat to 350 degrees F and cook the roast for another 20 minutes per pound of meat. Yes, it takes some time. But believe me, it’s worth the wait!.
- After the pork loin has reached 145 degrees F on the inside, take it out of the oven. After roasting the pork loin, set it aside for about 10 minutes with a piece of foil over it. Another very important step to keep the juices inside the meat where you want them to stay!! Patience is a virtue
When I make this pork loin roast recipe, my family comes running into the kitchen, almost begging for dinner to be ready. Someone or something about the long roasting time makes the whole house smell like delicious pork. My oldest son always says that the last 10 minutes of “rest” time for the meat seem like they last forever!
Ingredients for Perfectly Moist Pork Loin
- Boneless pork loin roast
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
When I went to the grocery store to buy meat, I felt a little lost because I had never cooked with pork before because I couldn’t make it taste good! There are SO MANY different cuts of pork. You can choose from pork chops, pork loin, and pork tenderloin (yes, they are different, who knew?). It can be hard to decide which cut to get.
For this recipe, you’ll want to purchase a pork LOIN. Not chops, not tenderloin. The pork loin is different from other meat cuts because it is wide enough to cut into big pieces and has a lot of fat on top.
During cooking, this layer of fat is very important because it helps keep the meat’s juices inside. That’s what makes it so moist!.
Boneless Pork Loin Roast Basics
FAQ
How long do you cook a pork roast per pound?
What temperature do you cook center cut pork?
Is it better to cook a pork loin at 350 or 400?
Is a center cut pork roast the same as a pork loin roast?
How long do you cook a center cut pork roast?
For center cut pork roast specifically, it’s best to choose a pork loin roast. You can buy it bone-in or boneless, but make sure to sear it first to provide extra flavor before roasting it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes per pound.
How long do you cook a 2 pound pork roast?
A center cut pork roast typically weighs between 2-5 pounds, and can be cooked at 350 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven. For a 2-pound center cut pork roast, the recommended cooking time is 26-28 minutes per pound. This means that the total cooking time would be around 52-56 minutes.
How long do you cook a pork loin roast?
Cooking Temperature: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Cooking Time: About 20 minutes per pound, but use a meat thermometer to be sure. Desired Internal Temperature: 145°F (63°C). Note: Pork loin roast is lean, so be cautious not to overcook to maintain juiciness.
How do you cook a boneless pork loin roast?
The best way to cook a center cut boneless pork loin roast is to roast it in the oven. Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and then place the roast in a roasting pan. Cook it for about 20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.