how to cook pork loin

how to cook pork loin

1 week ago 7
Nature

To cook a pork loin roast perfectly, follow these expert steps for a juicy and flavorful result:

Preparation and Seasoning

  • Preheat your oven to an initial high temperature (around 400°F to 425°F) to help form a crust that locks in moisture.
  • Pat the pork loin dry and rub it all over with a seasoning mix. Common seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, rosemary, thyme, and sometimes a Worcestershire sauce or olive oil base to help the rub stick

Searing (Optional but Recommended)

  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork loin on all sides until browned, about 3-5 minutes per side. This step enhances flavor and texture

Roasting

  • Place the pork loin fat side up on a roasting pan or foil-lined baking sheet. The fat bastes the meat as it cooks, keeping it moist
  • Roast initially at the higher temperature for 10-15 minutes to develop a crust.
  • Lower the oven temperature to about 350°F to 375°F and continue roasting. Cooking time is roughly 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy)
  • For added flavor, some recipes suggest brushing the pork with a glaze (e.g., honey, mustard, soy sauce mixture) partway through cooking and adding vegetables to roast alongside

Resting

  • Remove the pork from the oven and tent loosely with foil.
  • Let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender slices

Serving

  • Slice the pork loin against the grain.
  • Optionally, serve with pan sauces made from drippings, such as a creamy mustard sauce or a wine reduction

This method yields a tender, juicy pork loin with a flavorful crust and moist interior. The key points are seasoning well, searing for flavor, roasting fat side up, cooking to the correct internal temperature, and resting before slicing

Read Entire Article