The BEST Roasted Pork Loin Recipe | How to Cook Pork Loin (2024)

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Katerina

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This Honey Garlic Glazed Pork Loin Roast is hands down the BEST pork loin recipe. If you’re wondering how to cook pork loin, this easy method makes juicy, fork tender pork loin. Just rub with spices, smother with glaze, and roast until done!

The BEST Roasted Pork Loin Recipe | How to Cook Pork Loin (2)

    Easy Pork Loin Roast Recipe

    Are you ready to make succulent roasted pork loin? Prepared with a simple spice rub, plus a honey-dijon garlic sauce, this simple recipe makes tender, flavorful pork loin that will have everyone coming back for more and more. I like to add seasonal veggies, like Brussels sprouts and butternut squash, to make it a complete meal, all in just one pan.

    In this household, we love everything about pork. From pork chops to pork tenderloin, we don’t discriminate. Just bring it ON! My favorite, however, is a simple oven method pork roast that takes minutes to prep, while the oven does most of the work.

    This Pork Loin Roast Recipe creates a perfectly tender meat that is so full of flavor, and it honestly couldn’t be any easier to make.

    Why You’ll Love this Pork Loin Recipe

    • Easy. You won’t need any fancy tools or complicated ingredients to make this simple pork loin recipe. This is down-home cozy goodness at its best.
    • Flavorful. Looking for a dinner idea you can be sure everyone will devour? This is it. Every tender bite of roasted pork loin is moist and packed with flavor.
    • A complete meal. Since the pork is roasted along with veggies, you don’t need to make anything else to go along with this recipe. It’s the main course and a healthy side dish in one!
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    Pork Loin vs. Pork Tenderloin

    Pork loin and pork tenderloin are not the same thing (even though the names are nearly identical). They actually represent two different cuts of meat.

    • Tenderloin: A pork tenderloin is a long, narrow, boneless cut of meat that comes from a muscle that runs along the backbone of the pig. If you want to cook pork tenderloin, check out my garlic roast pork tenderloin recipe.
    • Loin: By contrast, a pork loin is wider and flatter. It can be boneless or bone-in.
    • For this recipe, we are using boneless PORK LOIN.
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    How to Cook Pork Loin

    Are you ready to cook up a delicious pork dinner? Here’s how to make the best pork loin roast ever:

    • Make the spice rub. We are going to start with making a dry rub by combining salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub that all over the pork loin.
    • Sear the meat. Heat some oil in a large skillet and sear the meat, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from heat and set pork (fat side UP) on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet.
    • Make the honey glazed. Stir together some honey, dijon mustard, garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. Reserve two tablespoons of the sauce for the veggies, and brush the rest of the sauce over the pork.
    • Roast for 25 minutes at 375˚F.
    • In the meantime, prepare the veggies. Cut the butternut squash into 1-inch cubes and cut the brussels sprouts in half.Toss veggies with reserved sauce.
    • Add the veggies to the pork. Take pork out of the oven; add veggies all around it in one layer, tent pork with foil, then continue to cook for 30 more minutes, or until internal temperature of the pork loin reaches 145˚F. Use an Instant Read Thermometer to check for doneness.
    • Give the veggies a stir half-way through cooking.
    • Rest. Remove from heat and let stand 10 minutes before cutting. This helps lock in the juices.
    • Cut and serve!

    How Long Does it Take to Cook Pork Loin?

    Keep in mind that time will vary depending on the size of the roast. In this recipe, we’re working with a 3-pound pork loin, which needs about 50 to 60 minutes in a 375˚F oven. That comes out to roughly around 20-minutes per pound. Some ovens may need few minutes longer than that.

    At What Temp is Pork Loin Done?

    The National Pork Board recommends cooking pork loin to an internal temperature of 145° F (62°C). Use an Instant Read Thermometer to check for doneness. Once your pork loin as reached the proper temperature allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes.

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    Can I Make This Recipe Ahead?

    Yes! You can prepare this recipe in advance, which is perfect for Sunday suppers and even busy weeknights. Here’s how to do it:

    • Season the pork, sear it, put it in the baking pan and pour the sauce over it.
    • Cover and keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
    • Continue with roasting as directed.

    Can I Cook Pork Loin in My Slow Cooker?

    This pork loin recipe can also be made in the slow cooker! If you want to cook your pork loin in the slow cooker, here’s how:

    • Season the pork, sear it, and place it in the slow cooker.
    • Pour prepared sauce over it; cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours to 6 hours.
    • Check for doneness with an Instant Read Thermometer; it should register at 145˚F when done.
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    What Goes with Pork Loin Roast?

    There are so many things you can serve with roasted pork loin – all of them delicious! My personal favorites are smashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower. Since this pork loin recipe already includes vegetables, adding even one side makes a feast!

    How to Use Pork Leftovers

    • I love using leftover pork loin to make burritos and tacos, or even sandwiches with thick slices of bread. Sometimes I’ll even warm my sandwich in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese!

    How to Store and Reheat Extras

    • Leftover pork loin can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen in a freezer-safe container for 3 months.

    More Pork Recipes to Try

    • Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Asparagus
    • Baked Pork Chops and Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner
    • Easy Honey Garlic Baked Pork Chops
    • Apple Mustard Glazed Pork Tenderloin

    ENJOY!

    The BEST Roasted Pork Loin Recipe | How to Cook Pork Loin (7)

    Tender and Juicy Pork Loin Roast Recipe

    Katerina | Diethood

    ThisHoney Garlic Glazed Pork Roastrecipeis hands down the BEST. If you're wondering how to cook pork loin, this easy recipe makes juicy, fork tender pork loin.

    4.78 from 1280 votes

    Rate this Recipe!

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    Prep Time 15 minutes mins

    Cook Time 1 hour hr

    Resting Time 10 minutes mins

    Ingredients

    FOR THE PORK LOIN

    • 3- pound pork loin
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil

    FOR THE SPICE RUB

    • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
    • salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste

    FOR THE HONEY GARLIC GLAZE

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

    FOR THE VEGETABLES

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

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 375˚F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and set aside. Pat dry pork loin with paper towels.

    • In a small mixing bowl combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt and pepper.

    • Lightly spray pork loin with cooking spray. This will make it easier for the spice mix to stick.

    • Take the spice mix and rub it all over the pork loin.

    • Heat olive oil over medium heat and sear the pork loin until browned on all sides; about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer pork loin to previously prepared baking sheet, fat-layer side up; set aside.

    • In a bowl, combine garlic, honey, soy sauce, mustard and oil; whisk until well combined. If too thick, add a bit more oil or soy sauce. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the sauce to use for the vegetables.

    • Brush remaining honey mixture over the pork loin. Roast for 25 minutes.

    • In the meantime, toss the vegetables with a tablespoon of olive oil and the reserved honey mixture. Pull pork roast out of the oven and add the vegetables all around it in one layer.

    • Tent a piece of foil over the pork so the top doesn't burn, but the inside continues to cook. Put back in the oven and continue to cook for 25 to 30 more minutes, or until internal temperature of the pork loin reaches 145˚F. Use an Instant Read Thermometer to check for doneness. Stir vegetables half way through cooking.

    • Remove baking sheet from oven and loosely cover meat and veggies with foil; let rest 10 minutes. Cut the pork in slices and serve with veggies.

    Notes

    SLOW COOKER PORK LOIN
    • Season the pork, sear it, and place it in the slow cooker.
    • Pour prepared sauce over it; cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours.
    HOW TO MAKE AHEAD
    • Season the pork, sear it, put it in the baking pan and pour the sauce over it.
    • Cover and keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
    • Continue with roasting as directed.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 347 kcal | Carbohydrates: 22 g | Protein: 41 g | Fat: 11 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Cholesterol: 107 mg | Sodium: 322 mg | Potassium: 1089 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 11 g | Vitamin A: 6578 IU | Vitamin C: 61 mg | Calcium: 62 mg | Iron: 2 mg

    Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

    Course: Dinner

    Cuisine: American

    Keyword: how to cook pork loin, pork loin in oven, pork loin recipe, pork loin roast recipe

    Did you make this recipe?Leave a Rating!

    Categories:

    • Christmas
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Holidays
    • One Pot Meals
    • Pork Recipes
    • Thanksgiving
    The BEST Roasted Pork Loin Recipe | How to Cook Pork Loin (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the secret to tender pork loin? ›

    If you're not confident in your cooking skills, there is one foolproof way to guarantee your pork ends up on the tender side, even if you cook it too long: Soak it in a brine or a marinade. According to Hazel, these kinds of preparations always produce the most tender outcomes.

    What is the best cooking method for loin? ›

    CG: Roasting is the most natural way to cook a pork loin, and it's the easiest and the quickest to get into the oven. I like to sear the outside and then roast it, or you can just roast it as is. The indirect method of cooking preserves pork loin's inherent juiciness and tenderness.

    Should you cover pork loin when roasting? ›

    TIPS FOR A PERFECT PORK ROAST

    For a crisp surface on your roast, be sure the oven is fully preheated before putting the roast in and don't cover the meat while roasting. Searing (quickly browning at high heat) the outside of a pork roast before continuing with cooking is a great way to seal in flavor.

    How do you cook pork loin so it isn't dry? ›

    1. Brine it.
    2. Season it, then let it come to room temperature.
    3. Do not overcook!! Use an instant read meat thermometer. Pork is done at 145 degrees, do not cook it one degree more. In fact, I usually take pork roast out at 140 degrees. ...
    4. For pork chops, thick cuts don't dry out as quickly as thin ones.
    Aug 20, 2019

    Does pork loin get more tender the longer you cook it? ›

    At 400 degrees F, a 1-pound pork tenderloin will cook in 8 to 10 minutes after being seared on the stove. Unlike tough, fatty cuts of meat (like the shoulder used for Slow Cooker Pulled Pork), leaner cuts like pork tenderloin do not become more tender the longer they cook. Use a meat thermometer to be sure.

    What spices tenderize pork? ›

    Brine the pork.

    Brining involves soaking your meat in salt water to increase the tenderness and moistness of the final dish. Brines always contain salt and water, but can also include other ingredients for added flavor like apple cider, brown sugar, rosemary, and thyme.

    Is it better to cook a pork loin at 350 or 400? ›

    Doing this will help the pork loin from becoming dry and tough. First, wait until your oven is preheated. Once your oven is at 400° F place the loin inside and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes take the loin out and lower the oven temperature to 350 ° F and cook the loin for another 20 minutes per pound of meat.

    What temperature should a pork loin roast be cooked to? ›

    To check doneness properly, use a digital cooking thermometer. Fresh cut muscle meats such as pork chops, pork roasts, pork loin, and tenderloin should measure 145° F, ensuring the maximum amount of flavor. Ground pork should always be cooked to 160° F.

    Should I put water in the pan of a pork roast? ›

    Place pork roast (fat side up) into large roasting pan with 1 cup water in the bottom. Bake for 4-5 hours or until desired tenderness. (I typically go 5 hours for pull apart pork roast) Add water as needed during cook time to prevent burning on the bottom of pan.

    What is the difference between pork loin and pork loin roast? ›

    Pork loin describes a cut of meat, while pork roast is all about the size. You can buy several different types of pork loin roasts, all of which provide protein, B vitamins and zinc.

    Do you roast a pork loin fat side up or down? ›

    Step 4: Place your pork, fat side up, in your prepared pan. Step 5: Add oiled/seasoned vegetables around your pork loin to make it a complete meal. Use vegetables that require longer cook times like potatoes, squash, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and carrots. Step 6: Roast in a 400 F oven for 15 minutes.

    How long to cook a 2 pound pork tenderloin in oven at 350? ›

    How long to cook pork tenderloin in oven at 350? Cooking pork tenderloin in the oven at 350°F typically takes about 25-30 minutes per pound.

    Why is my pork loin not falling apart? ›

    Switch to a flavorful wet or dry brine, or cut down on the acid in your marinade and only marinate them for a couple of hours. For doneness, I prefer my tenderloins cooked to about 140F, but you should be able to get closer to well-done without them falling apart, especially if they're brined.

    Is it better to cook pork tenderloin covered or uncovered? ›

    Do you cook a pork tenderloin covered or uncovered? A baked pork tenderloin recipe needs to be covered if you want to keep it from drying out. This will ensure you get juicy and delicious meat when you're ready to serve dinner!

    How do you know when pork loin is done without a thermometer? ›

    One way to determine your porks' doneness is by the color of the juices that come out of it when you poke a hole in it with a knife or fork. If the juices run clear or are very faintly pink, the pork is done cooking. If they're mostly or entirely pink or red, it's best to continue cooking.

    What tenderizes pork the best? ›

    Acids help tenderize the pork chops by breaking down the protein in the meat. Here are some examples of ingredients that can act as tenderizers: Soy sauce: Acts as a tenderizing brine and adds significant flavor. Apple cider vinegar: Another acidic ingredient that's also amazingly healthy (I love cooking with it).

    How do Chinese make pork so tender? ›

    How do you tenderise pork for stir fry? Velveting is a Chinese technique that helps keep meat tender during stir frying. Adding cornstarch and bicarb to your meat during the marinating process helps to coat your meat, giving it a velvety feel that makes the meat feel extra soft.

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