A tasty way to roast pork loin so that it is juicy in the middle and brown and crusty on the outside.
Awhile ago I posted my method for roasting pork perfectly. That pork roast recipe has gotten a lot of great feedback in the comment section. There are also a lot of questions there too. A question that comes up a lot is whether the same method can be used on pork loin or only on pork butt as the recipe says.
My answer is always no. Because pork loin is leaner than pork butt, the long way I cooked it would make the pork roasts very dry. I decided to try different ways to roast pork loin because I get asked about it a lot. This recipe for juicy oven-roasted pork loin is the best of the best.
You’ll also need an oven-safe rack to set the pork loin on with it roasts. If you don’t have one, a few ribs of celery will work. The idea is to allow the hot air in the oven to circulate under the roast. A casserole dish that’s bigger than the roast will work as a roasting pan. You’ll also need aluminum foil.
Cooking a delicious boneless pork loin roast seems intimidating to many home cooks How long should you cook it and at what temperature to end up with juicy, flavorful pork? I’m here to answer the question of how many minutes per pound you need for boneless pork loin roast and provide a complete guide to roasting pork loin perfectly
Why Figuring Out Minutes Per Pound Matters
The minutes per pound guide for pork loin roast gives you an estimate of the cook time. Pork loin is a lean cut of meat that can easily dry out if overcooked. Following a recipe’s time and temp guidelines helps you avoid under or overcooking.
The minutes per pound cooking time for boneless pork loin roast depends on:
- The size and shape of the roast
- Whether it is fresh or frozen
- How done you want the pork (slightly pink or fully cooked)
So let’s break it down and see how many minutes per pound you really need.
How Long to Cook a Small Roast (3-4 lbs)
For a 3-4 lb boneless pork loin roast the cook time is
- 20-25 minutes per pound if fresh
- 30-35 minutes per pound if frozen
And remember, that timing is just a guide. You should always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness instead of solely going by time.
- For slightly pink pork, cook to an internal temp of 145°F.
- For fully cooked pork, aim for 160°F.
Minutes Per Pound for a Large Roast (5 lbs or More)
When you get into roasts that are 5 pounds or heavier, the minutes per pound decreases. This is because pork loin roasts mostly get longer, not thicker, as they increase in weight.
For a 5 lb or larger boneless pork loin roast:
- 15-20 minutes per pound if fresh
- 23-30 minutes per pound if frozen
Again, check the internal temp and allow the roast to rest before slicing into it.
Why Temperature Trumps Time
You’ll notice that most recipes give you a range of minutes per pound instead of an exact number. That’s because so many factors like your oven accuracy and the roast shape vary. Relying solely on minutes per pound can lead to over or undercooked pork.
Instead, use minutes per pound as an estimate and always confirm doneness with a meat thermometer. Check the temp at the lowest time range given. For instance, check after 15 minutes per pound, then keep checking every 10-15 minutes until done.
This method ensures juicy, properly cooked boneless pork loin roast every time.
Helpful Tips for Roasting Boneless Pork Loin
Follow these tips for foolproof results:
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Let it rest – After roasting, let the pork rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat.
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Use a meat thermometer – Investing in an instant read thermometer is the best way to take the guesswork out of pork roast cook times.
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Start low and finish high – Roasting at a lower temp (325°F) then finishing at 450°F crisps up the outside.
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Brine if possible – Soaking the pork in a saltwater brine ensures seasoned, moist meat.
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Cook from frozen – You can safely cook frozen pork loin roast, just add 50% more time.
Sample Roast Pork Loin Recipes
To see minutes per pound in action, here are two delicious roast pork loin recipes to try:
Juicy Oven-Roasted Pork Loin
This method gives you juicy pork loin with a browned, crusty exterior.
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Cook time: 18-25 minutes per pound at 350°F for a 3-4 lb roast
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Internal temp: 135°F then rest, finish at 145°F
Get the Juicy Oven-Roasted Pork Loin recipe here.
Easy Pork Loin with Herbs
A simple recipe that’s full of flavor.
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Cook time: About 20 minutes per pound at 350°F for a 2-3 lb roast
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Internal temp: 145°F is ideal
Get the Easy Pork Loin with Herbs recipe here.
The Takeaway
When cooking boneless pork loin roast, allow:
- 20-25 minutes per pound for a 3-4 lb roast
- 15-20 minutes per pound for a 5+ lb roast
- And always use a meat thermometer!
Follow this handy minutes per pound guide, and you’ll be rewarded with a tender, juicy pork roast. Your family and friends will be begging for more.
For additional details on pork loin time and temp, check out my complete guide here: Pork Roast Cooking Times & Temperatures for the Best Juicy Meat. Enjoy your perfectly cooked pork!
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Pork Loin Vs Pork Tenderloin
First, just to be clear, I’m talking about boneless pork loin today, not about pork tenderloin. We’re also not talking about pork butt or pork shoulder. These are all different cuts of pork and require different times and temperatures. If you want to know how to cook these other types of pork, I can help you:
Now onto the loin!
Video: How To Roast Pork Loin Perfectly
To start, you can brine the pork. Here are my steps and suggestions for How to Brine Pork Loin. Otherwise, start by preheating the oven to 350°F. Mix together 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Sprinkle it all over the pork loin roast.
Rub it all over until it’s coated.
Put the roast on a rack in a roasting pan. If you don’t have a rack that fits in your roasting pan, you can use three celery stalks arranged in this way:
Put the roast into the oven.
Roast until the internal temperature is at 130°F-150°F. That will take 18-28 minutes per pound at 350F. You should start checking it after 18 minutes per pound, and then every 10-15 minutes after that. Keep in mind that the temperature will have to be at least 145F by the end of this recipe for the pork to be safe. You will take it out at 130F if you want it to be that temperature. If, on the other hand, you don’t want any pink to show in your pork, you will want the oven temperature to be 160F at the end of the recipe, so take it out at 150F now. The resting and final cooking will bring the temperature up.
Tip: An instant read thermometer is the best way to make sure you have the perfect cook and are at a safe temperature.
Cover roasting pan with foil and let rest for 30 minutes.
Heat oven up to 475°F. Uncover roast and remove the thermometer. If there are any drippings in the pan, you can pour those out to make gravy (see below). You can also take the roast out of the pan, add some stock or broth, and stir it around to loosen up any juices. Then, pour that out to use as gravy.
Then, either clean the pan well or put the roast in a new pan that has been cleaned. Roast for another 10 minutes. Check the pork to make sure it’s at least 145F and the right temperature for you.
Note that the clean pan or wiping is needed mostly to help with clean up later. Any brown bits or liquid that were left in the pan from the first cooking round will stick to the pan when it hits high heat, making them tough to get off. Using a new pan, or wiping the pan well, will make clean up much easier.
Use those 10 minutes to make gravy, if desired. If the first roasting pan gave you nice roasting juices, you can use them to make my Pork Gravy recipe. If you didn’t get juices, then here is how to make gravy without drippings. Remove roast from oven, carve, and serve immediately.
Boneless Pork Loin Roast Basics
FAQ
How long should a pork loin be cooked per pound?
Is it better to cook a pork loin at 350 or 400?
What temperature should boneless pork loin be cooked to?
How long does it take to cook a 3 lb pork loin at 350?