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

Jump to RecipeRate This Recipe

Katerina

4.78 from 1281 votes

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

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!
    The BEST Roasted Pork Loin Recipe | How to Cook Pork Loin (3)

    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.
    The BEST Roasted Pork Loin Recipe | How to Cook Pork Loin (4)

    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.

    The BEST Roasted Pork Loin Recipe | How to Cook Pork Loin (5)

    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.
    The BEST Roasted Pork Loin Recipe | How to Cook Pork Loin (6)

    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 1281 votes

    Rate this Recipe!

    Servings : 8 serves

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save

    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

    How do you cook a pork loin so it doesn't dry out? ›

    Grilling
    1. First, use a high-heat area to quickly brown the meat on all sides. ...
    2. Next, move the loin to a low-heat area of the grill and cover it with foil.
    3. Now, you can roast the pork using indirect cooking for approximately one to one and a half hours, or about 20 minutes per pound of meat.
    Oct 3, 2023

    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? ›

    Tenting can be suitable for some cuts of meat, but if you want a crunchy crust on your roast, then it's best to leave it uncovered. If you notice that the roasted pork is browning too much, you can lightly cover it with aluminum foil. However, do not cover it for the last 5-10 minutes in the oven.

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

    A good rule of thumb is to cook pork loin 25 minutes per pound at 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). The internal temperature should be at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C), so use a thermometer to know when it's done. You'll want to let your pork loin rest at least three minutes before serving.

    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.

    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.

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

    Slow-Roast It All Day

    Then put a roasting rack into the roasting pan, unwrap your pork, and nestle it onto the rack. Before you put the pork in the oven, pour a cup or two of water into the bottom of whatever pan you're using—just enough to completely cover the surface—then cover the roast completely with foil.

    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.

    What temp is pork loin most tender? ›

    It turns out that 145° is a safe internal temperature and will give you a much juicier, more tender piece of meat (note that ground pork should still be cooked to 160°).

    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.

    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.

    Should I wrap my pork loin in foil? ›

    Wrap the foil tightly around the pork loin, ensuring that there are no openings for the steam to escape. This will help to lock in the moisture and keep the pork loin tender and juicy.

    Should you bake a pork roast covered or uncovered? ›

    Roasting is a dry method of cooking, so you'll get the crispiest, most flavourful exterior by using a rack set on a shallow pan, and roasting uncovered. Searing creates the same effect: pan-sear the roast in a bit of olive oil in an ovenproof pan on the stovetop, and then pop the pan into the oven to finish cooking.

    What temp does pork loin fall apart? ›

    The USDA says to pull pork loin at 145°F (63°C), and if you have any history of weakened immune systems, you should heed that strictly. That being said, your meat will be more tender and juicy a few degrees lower. It's a risk you have to decide if you want to take.

    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.

    How do you keep pork moist and tender? ›

    Brining pork chops is one of the best ways way to guarantee a juicy cooked pork chop. Even a quick 30-minute brine (or up to four hours) makes a big difference. It's not strictly necessary — you can still use this method to make great pork chops even without brining — but if you have some extra time, I recommend it.

    How do you make pork soft and tender? ›

    Sear the pork, then bake it.

    For instance, you might sear your pork in a hot pan on the stove (or on the grill), then transfer your pork to the oven (or move it to a cooler area of the grill and close the lid) for the rest of its cooking time. The indirect heat is vital to keeping your pork tender and juicy.

    Do I need to rinse pork loin before cooking? ›

    Washing beef, pork, lamb, or veal before cooking it is not recommended. Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils, and surfaces. We call this cross-contamination. Some consumers think they are removing bacteria and making their meat or poultry safe.

    Should pork roast be cooked fast or slow? ›

    Low and slow is always the go for a tender pork roast. Depending on the size of the roast and the type of slow cooker, a pork roast is best cooked on LOW for 6-8 hours. If you prefer an oven method, a typical roast will take 3-4 hours in a low (160°C) oven.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Recommended Articles
    Article information

    Author: Nathanial Hackett

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6203

    Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

    Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Nathanial Hackett

    Birthday: 1997-10-09

    Address: Apt. 935 264 Abshire Canyon, South Nerissachester, NM 01800

    Phone: +9752624861224

    Job: Forward Technology Assistant

    Hobby: Listening to music, Shopping, Vacation, Baton twirling, Flower arranging, Blacksmithing, Do it yourself

    Introduction: My name is Nathanial Hackett, I am a lovely, curious, smiling, lively, thoughtful, courageous, lively person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.