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!
Cooking a pork roast seems simple enough – just stick it in the oven and roast it, right? But to get the best, juiciest, most flavorful results, there are some key things to know about how long to cook a 1 pound pork roast The timing depends on a few factors, including the cut of pork, the cooking method, and the temperature
Pork Roast Basics
Pork roasts come from larger primal cuts of pork like the loin, shoulder, or leg Common roasting cuts include
- Pork loin roast – from the loin primal, a leaner cut
- Pork shoulder roast – from the shoulder primal, well-marbled for moist meat
- Pork sirloin roast – from the hip primal, lean like loin roast
- Pork tenderloin roast – small, lean, and tender
The most popular size for a smaller pork roast is 1 to 3 pounds. A 1 pound roast is just enough for 2-4 portions. Larger roasts over 5 pounds are better suited for big gatherings and parties.
Oven Roasting Method
Roasting a pork roast in the oven is a simple, classic cooking method that results in delicious, evenly cooked meat. Here’s a basic process:
- Pre-heat the oven, ideally to 325-350°F.
- Pat the roast dry and season well with herbs, spices, salt, and pepper.
- Place the seasoned roast on a rack in a roasting pan, fat-side up.
- Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the center of the thickest part.
- Roast until the pork reaches the target internal temperature.
For a 1 pound pork roast, expect the roasting time to be approximately 30-40 minutes at 350°F. However, always rely on a meat thermometer for doneness, not just the time. The temperature is what matters most for food safety and tender meat.
Target Internal Temperatures
The proper internal temperature for pork roast depends on the specific cut:
- Pork loin roast: cook to 145°F
- Pork shoulder roast: cook to 160°F
- Pork sirloin roast: cook to 145°F
- Pork tenderloin: cook to 145°F
For all cuts, allow the roast to rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing into it. The resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
For food safety, pork should reach a minimum of 145°F internally, but some cuts can benefit from slightly higher temps up to 160°F for ideal tenderness. Use an instant read thermometer to monitor the temp and prevent overcooking.
Seasoning and Flavoring
One of the beauties of pork roast is that it can be flavored simply with salt and pepper, or seasoned more elaborately. Consider rubbing the exterior with spices, fresh herbs, garlic, mustard, or chili powder before roasting. For a crisp crust, coat the roast in crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or parmesan before cooking.
You can also elevate the flavor by marinating the pork in a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs for a few hours before roasting. Brushing with a glaze in the last 15 minutes of roasting adds a sweet touch.
Cook Times for a 1 Pound Pork Roast
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s break down the approximate cook times for a 1 pound pork roast:
Pork Loin Roast
- 1 pound
- Roast at 350°F
- Cook to internal temp of 145°F
- Approximate cook time: 30-35 minutes
Pork Shoulder Roast
- 1 pound
- Roast at 325°F
- Cook to internal temp of 160°F
- Approximate cook time: 50-60 minutes
Pork Sirloin Roast
- 1 pound
- Roast at 350°F
- Cook to internal temp of 145°F
- Approximate cook time: 30-40 minutes
Pork Tenderloin
- 1 pound
- Roast at 400°F
- Cook to internal temp of 145°F
- Approximate cook time: 25-35 minutes
The cook times are a general guide, but always rely on an instant read thermometer to determine when your 1 pound pork roast is done. Cooking times can vary based on the shape and thickness of the roast. Plus, leaving the roast in the oven for a few extra minutes is better than cutting into undercooked pork.
Let It Rest
Once your pork roast reaches the target internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 3 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute so they don’t pour out when you slice into the meat.
After resting, the 1 pound roast is ready to carve and serve! With the proper cook time and temperature, you’ll get a tender, juicy pork roast.
Pork Perfection
Cooking a 1 pound pork roast is simple when you follow a few guidelines. Preheat the oven, roast to the ideal internal temperature for the cut, and always let the meat rest before serving. In about 30-60 minutes, you can enjoy flawlessly cooked pork! Monitor with a meat thermometer for the best results.
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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!.
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!
Boneless Pork Loin Roast Basics
FAQ
How long should I cook a pork roast per pound?
Is it better to cook a pork loin at 350 or 400?
Should I cover my pork roast in the oven?
How long does it take to cook a 3lb pork roast at 375?