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Home » How To Make A Juicy Oven-Roasted Pork Loin

How To Make A Juicy Oven-Roasted Pork Loin

October 7, 2020 Kristy Richardson 40 Comments

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This delicious roasted pork loin comes out of the oven juicy and tasty! Easy to prep covered in flavorful herbs like garlic and rosemary, this pork roast is perfect for a Sunday family meal or even a holiday.

Sliced roasted pork loin on a platter with rosemary

Pork loin always makes me think of Sunday dinner at my Great Aunt’s house, she had a great recipe. When I visited as a kid, which was always on a Sunday or holiday, she would make big Italian Sunday feasts for the family.

I won’t forget her big platters of pasta and Italian sausages or sometimes the sausages sat on a platter of saurkraut. One of her amazing specialties was Pork Loin with fresh garden green beans (or try my fresh green bean casserole with bacon!) and fresh bread. Sometimes she would make roasted potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes the side dishes too.

Are you smacking your lips yet? Cause I am… Often she made a recipe similar to my Amazing Pork Loin In The Crock Pot. Cooking pork loin low and slow makes it melt in your mouth tender (you should try it Hawaiian style with this Pork Loin and Pineapple In The Slow Cooker!) She would also make the most amazing Honey Orange Ham Glaze on holiday hams, yum.

But last time I tried this, I made an oven variety that the family loved. It’s a little different variation of spices than my crockpot version, and it’s absolutely delicious.

Is there a difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin?

Yes, pork tenderloin is a different cut of meat than pork loin and they are often mistaken for each other and are slightly different.

What is a Pork Loin

Pork loin is a wide cut of meat, and is often sliced into a large slice that is more similar to the size of a steak. Pork loin is sold with bones and also boneless.

Pork loins are usually 3-5 pounds each. This cut of meat becomes tender when cooked low and slow.

Spice rub in a bowl before mixed below a pork loin on a cutting board.

What Is A Pork Tenderloin

Pork tenderloin is a smaller cut of meat that is thinner, and when sliced it makes more of a medallion.

Pork tenderloins are usually 1-2 pounds each, but are sometimes sold in packs of 2. This cut of meat can be cooked quicker at a higher temperature.

When it’s easy to confuse pork loin and pork tenderloin…

It gets tricky when you buy a boneless pork loin which is around 3 pounds because it seems like a smaller cut of meat and is often even kept very close to the pork tenderloin in the store!

But if you try to cook a pork loin with a pork tenderloin recipe, it likely won’t be tender enough. So read the label carefully!

If you have a pork tenderloin and an instant pot you HAVE to try this Instant Pot Balsamic Pork Tenderloin. The sauce is SO good!

How To Cook Roasted Pork Loin

I think sometimes with a big piece of meat, we want to make double sure everything is just right. The meat is in the oven for a long time, and we cant’ slice into it to check if it’s done because we will lose some of the flavors. Here are some tips and tricks for how to cook pork loin so your first try is delicious.

Do you cook Pork Loin Fat Side Up Or Down?

With a pork loin you want to place the meet with the fat side facing up. This allows the fat to slowly drip over the meat as it roasts making it more delicious and tender. If you put the fat facing down, most of the flavor falls into the roasting pan.

Do You Need To Brown Pork Loin Before Roasting it?

I think browning the pork loin before roasting it is a matter of preference. Browning the pork loin can add a lot more flavor on the outside, creating a sear crust. This will help to seal in the meat’s natural juices, and make your end result more flavorful

How Long Do I Cook Boneless Pork Loin?

Pork loin should read 145 degrees when you insert a meat thermometer. This is the best way to know the meat is properly cooked.

In general, boneless pork loin needs to cook for 20-25 minutes per pound of meat.

Pork loin covered in spices in a baking pan

Pork Loin Cooking Times

Here are some estimates of how long to expect your pork loin will be in the oven depending on how big your pork loin is and the temperature of your oven. You should set your oven to 375 degrees for this recipe.

  • 3-pound pork loin- 60-75 minutes
  • 3 1/2 pound pork loin- 70- 85 minutes
  • 4-pound pork loin– 80-100 minutes

If your pork loin is smaller then 3 pounds it is very likely it is pork tenderloin and not pork loin, see above for more info on the difference.

Make sure to rest your meat for at least 15 minutes after cooking. The roast will continue to cook a little, but if you cut it too fast you will loose some of the juiciness in this recipe.

**Note on pink color of Pork Loin– Pork loin should have a slight blush of pink on the inside. This is not the same as raw pork. When the meat reaches 145 degrees, the slight pink color means your pork is juicy. If you cook the pork until there is no pink left, the meat will end up dry.

How do I make this Pork Loin recipe with gravy?

Sometimes I just drizzle the pan juices over this pork loin and call dinner done.

But if it’s a holiday or we are in the mood for gravy we use my super simple pork gravy recipe. It uses the drippings from the pan, can be whipped up while the meat is resting, and is super delicious!

Can I Cook Vegetables In The Same Pan?

You can cook vegetables like potatoes, carrots, apples, and onions underneath the pork loin. But be aware that your dish may need to cook a little longer if you add veggies to the pan. Using the meat thermometer and measuring that the inside of the pork loin is 145 degrees is the best way to know if your pork loin is done.

You can also throw these crispy-skinned baked potatoes in the oven at the same time. While the pork loin cooks at a temperature that is 25 degrees less than I usually recommend for potatoes since you are likely already cooking the pork loin for over an hour the potatoes can cook a little longer at a slightly lower temperature too. Or the recipe also includes air fryer instructions.

Can I turn this into pulled pork?

Yes, you can turn this into pulled pork, but I recommend using any leftovers for pulled pork. A full pork loin will make a LOT of shredded pork!

To make pulled pork, portion off the pork you want to make into pulled pork. Use two forks turned backward to shred the pork by pulling the meat apart.

  • Spray a baking pan with oil and add the shredded pork.
  • For every cup of shredded meat add 1/2 cup of broth or pan drippings to the pork.
  • For every pound of shredded meat add about 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce.
  • Stir well, then slide back into the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the entire dish is bubbling. Enjoy!
Side view close up of sliced roasted pork loin at the table

How Do I Store Leftover Pork?

Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up about 3 days. You can also freeze leftover pork into portions and it keeps for about 3 months well. Beyond 3 months you start to risk your meat developing freezer burn.

Reheat with a little broth to ensure the meat doesn’t dry out. Or make into pulled pork and freeze already pulled to help keep it juicy.

Close up of sliced pork loin on a serving platter with rosemary.

Oven Roasted Pork Loin

Kristy Richardson
This delicious roast pork loin comes out of the oven juicy and tasty! Easy to prep with flavorful herbs, this pork roast is perfect for a Sunday family meal, or even to grace your holiday table.
4.68 from 73 votes
Print Recipe Save to Pinterest
PREP TIME 10 mins
COOK TIME 1 hr
Resting Time 15 mins
Total Time 1 hr 25 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 People
Calories 218 kcal
Prevent your screen from going dark while you cook

Equipment

  • Paper towel
  • Large roasting pan or casserole dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Large cutting board
  • Medium sized bowl
  • Spoon
  • Aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pound pork loin roast
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
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Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375 F degrees
  • Add pork loin to a roasting dish with the fat side up. Pat the meat dry with a paper towel.
  • Pour 2 tablespoons of oil over the pork loin evenly and spread it evenly over the top of the meat.
  • Mix the salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, rosemary and ground mustard together in a small bowl. Sprinkle the spice mix all over the pork, then give it a generous rub with a clean hand to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
  • Cook the pork loin for about 60-75 minutes for a 3lb. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the inside of the pork loin reaches an internal temperature of 145.
  • Remove the pan from the oven. Transfer the pork to a clean cutting board and allow the meat to rest for 15 minutes. You can add a clean piece of foil over the meat to help keep the outside warm while the inside of the meat rests. Don't cut into the meat before letting it rest, it can make the meat dry! Pork loin will have a slight blush of pink color inside.
  • Slice the pork loin into ¾ to 1 inch thick slicees. Serve with a drizzle of the pan juices over all the slices or make my pork gravy with the drippings and serve.

Video

Notes

If your pork loin is bigger it make take longer to cook. In general, a pork loin will take 20-25 minutes of cooking per pound of meat.

Nutrition

Calories: 218kcal
Keyword pork, roast
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Pork loin on a serving platter with text title overlay
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Comments

  1. Barbara says

    April 18, 2022 at 3:53 am

    5 stars
    I bought a 5lb. pork tenderloin for Easter dinner, but I forgot to defrost it. I put the sealed roast under hot water for a few minutes to soften the outside, then I cut it in half (that was the hardest part!) to fit in the pan for searing. After that I followed the recipe exactly, except I upped the temperature to 400 for two hours. (because it was frozen solid). I put cut up organic sweet potatoes and white onions in the roasting pan and put the seasoned meat on top. We put in a two hour movie, and the roast was cooked to perfection and the potatoes and onions just right when the movie was over. I served it with steamed green beans. Best pork roast I ever had! Thank you for a great recipe.

    Reply
    • Kristy Richardson says

      April 18, 2022 at 4:51 pm

      So glad it was delicious!

      Reply
  2. Connie says

    April 16, 2022 at 7:34 pm

    I have 5 and a half pork loin, do I use double your spices, how long would I cook it?
    Also can I cook this in a cooking bag, what do you consider a roasting or baking dish?? Always.com my roasts in a bag in a 9x13pan!!

    Reply
    • Kristy Richardson says

      April 18, 2022 at 9:14 pm

      In general pork loin will take 20-25 minutes to cook per pound as I mentioned in the recipe notes and you are welcome to calculate that for the size of pork loin you have. I have not cooked this in a cooking bag, so I can’t give any advice on that, you’ll have to let me know how it goes.

      Baking dishes and roasting pans come in a variety of sizes, you can use whatever fits the meat you have best. A 9×13 pan usually works just fine, but there are heavier bottom roasting pans and even aluminum pans of many different sizes. As long as your meat properly fits in the pan and the pan has some kind of edge to catch the drippings as the meat is cooked, you will be fine.

      You could also add more of the spice mix and oil if you like, it’s a rub so you just want enough to cover the outside of the pork well. Hope it is delicious! -Kristy

      Reply
  3. LifeGlitter - Lara Kulpa says

    March 30, 2022 at 4:21 pm

    So, for some reason, when I ordered a pork tenderloin via Instacart, the shopper decided to grab me a NINE POUND pork LOIN instead. This thing took up half my freezer, it’s HUGE! Any suggestions on what to do now that it’s thawed? Should I cut it in half and cook one half in the crockpot while the other half’s in the oven, then freeze the cooked meat? There are only two adults and a nine-year-old here, and I’m just at a loss with how to not waste this half a pig I’ve got!

    Reply
    • Kristy Richardson says

      March 30, 2022 at 9:14 pm

      Oh my goodness, that’s a large pork loin they sent you! That’s exactly what I would do as well, cut it in half and cook half in the oven and half in the slow cooker. Then I would shred at least half and freeze it in portions for on top of other meals like burritos, nachos or mac and cheese. Reheat with BBQ sauce. You could also try my pineapple pork loin for some of it to mix things up, it’s great over rice. I sent you an email as well, hope that helps!

      Reply
  4. Barbara Keller says

    March 29, 2022 at 2:54 am

    5 stars
    I followed the recipe exactly and it was so easy and moist and delicious!!

    Reply
    • Kristy Richardson says

      March 29, 2022 at 7:09 pm

      So glad the recipe was delicious Barbara!

      Reply
  5. Margaret says

    March 15, 2022 at 8:42 pm

    Hi! This recipe looks great and all the positive comments are encouraging. Quick question….I’ve read that soaking the pork loin in salt for about an hour is a good idea. Do you agree?

    Reply
    • Kristy Richardson says

      March 20, 2022 at 3:33 pm

      Hi Margaret, soaking pork in saltwater before cooking is called brining. Brining can make any meat more tender and flavorful, but you would need a different recipe or set of instructions to work through the brining process before cooking it in the slowcooker. Hope that helps! -Kristy

      Reply
  6. Amy B says

    March 13, 2022 at 3:21 pm

    5 stars
    Very good. Meat was juicy and had an awesome taste!

    Reply
    • Kristy Richardson says

      March 20, 2022 at 6:29 am

      So glad you enjoyed it Amy! Kristy

      Reply
  7. Cindi says

    March 6, 2022 at 6:06 pm

    The recipe states to cook it low and slow. Preheat the oven to 375. Just wondering if that’s correct? The oven temp seems high to me. I’m looking forward to trying this recipe.

    Reply
    • Kristy Richardson says

      March 7, 2022 at 4:59 am

      Hi Cindi, The temperature is correct on this recipe, though it is on the higher side of low and slow. Sometimes people think that a pork loin should be cooked in twenty or thirty minutes like you would cook a steak or a pork chop. A pork loin (especially a boneless pork loin) is not as large as some cuts of meat, for example a rack of ribs or a beef roast. While you can crank the temperature down a little more and cook it longer for an even more tender roast, the recipe as written will produce a juicy and tender pork loin. Hope that helps! -Kristy

      Reply
      • Cindi says

        March 7, 2022 at 6:30 pm

        5 stars
        Thank you Kristy. I made it for dinner and used the pan drippings for gravy. It turned out awesome! Everyone loved it.

        Reply
        • Kristy Richardson says

          March 7, 2022 at 10:36 pm

          You’re very welcome, I’m glad it was delicious!

          Reply
  8. Lorrie Mercier says

    February 20, 2022 at 10:37 pm

    5 stars
    Omg I just made this for my husband, we were both amazed at how awesome it turned out! Definitely will be making this one again!

    Reply
    • Kristy Richardson says

      February 22, 2022 at 12:28 pm

      So glad it was delicious for you and your husband!

      Reply
  9. Cindy says

    January 25, 2022 at 1:35 am

    5 stars
    Quick, easy, tender, and amazing flavor! Definitely will be making again and again!

    Reply
    • Kristy Richardson says

      January 25, 2022 at 5:23 pm

      So glad you liked it, Cindy! Thanks for your note. -Kristy

      Reply
  10. Doreen Gallant says

    January 10, 2022 at 7:52 pm

    Is this supposed to be covered as it cooks? Thank you

    Reply
    • Kristy Richardson says

      January 10, 2022 at 8:37 pm

      Hi Doreen,
      In general, you don’t need to cover this recipe since we are roasting the meat. If you start to notice the outside of your pork is browning too quickly however, covering it will help to ensure the outside and inside cook consistently. We want some of the flavors on the outside from roasting, but we don’t want it to cook too fast. This can sometimes happen from variations in temperatures of oven to oven, hot spots, and also how many times the oven is opened causing the temperature to drop.

      Typically because pork loin has so much fat from the animal in the cut, it doesn’t typically dry out from being cooked uncovered. Often the reason why a pork loin is dry is because it has not been cooked low and slow for long enough for the fat to fully render and make the meat tender. Pork loin does best when cooked low and slow, but people often mix it up with pork tenderloin (a smaller, thinner cut from a different place) which can cook much faster and will be tender.
      Hope that helps! -Kristy

      Reply
      • Doreen Gallant says

        April 25, 2022 at 8:35 pm

        5 stars
        I a. Making this again as it was delicious the first time I made it. Thank you for the bp great recipe!

        Reply
  11. elaine jacobsen says

    January 2, 2022 at 5:47 pm

    I only have a dutch oven, will your recipe work in it,and what should the cooking time be?
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Kristy Richardson says

      January 2, 2022 at 6:15 pm

      Hi Elaine, I have not made this recipe in a dutch oven but it should work fine in this situtation as long as your pork loin fits inside. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your pork, please check the article further and compare to the size of pork loin you have. Make sure you are checking the temperature with a meat thermometer to know when your pork loin is finished. Best -Kristy

      Reply
  12. Cresha Beattie says

    December 29, 2021 at 9:51 pm

    Can you cook this pork loin in the crockpot?

    Reply
    • Kristy Richardson says

      December 30, 2021 at 7:03 am

      Hi Cresha,
      I have a crockpot pork loin recipe also here: https://onmykidsplate.com/pork-loin-in-the-crock-pot-recipe/. You could swap the spices if you preferred for the spices used in this oven-roasted version. I also have a pork loin with pineapple in the crock pot recipe here: https://onmykidsplate.com/slow-cooker-pineapple-pork-loin/
      Hope that helps! -Kristy

      Reply
  13. Bobbie says

    December 28, 2021 at 3:40 pm

    I plan on making this for New Year’s Day, along with stuffing, how do you make your pork?

    Reply
    • Kristy Richardson says

      December 30, 2021 at 7:00 am

      Hi Bobbie,
      Are you asking for side dish ideas? Try these:
      Honey Roasted Carrots: https://onmykidsplate.com/roasted-baby-carrots-honey-glaze/
      Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Potatoes: https://onmykidsplate.com/cheddar-broccoli-twice-baked-potato/
      Mashed Sweet Potatoes https://onmykidsplate.com/dreamy-easy-mashed-sweet-potatoes/
      Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread: https://onmykidsplate.com/cheesy-pull-apart-bread-biscuit-dough/
      Hope that helps! -Kristy

      Reply
  14. Lance says

    November 8, 2021 at 11:18 pm

    5 stars
    My first ever pork loin. It was a big hit at my recovery home

    Reply
    • Kristy Richardson says

      November 11, 2021 at 11:53 pm

      So glad to hear it went well Lance! Congratulations on the hit! -Kristy

      Reply
  15. Alicia says

    October 22, 2021 at 12:47 am

    5 stars
    I’m not typically a pork fan, but this recipe is amazing. It’s now in our dinner rotation!

    Reply
    • Kristy Richardson says

      October 23, 2021 at 3:55 pm

      So glad you enjoyed it Alicia!

      Reply
  16. Hilary Murphy-Maltese says

    August 9, 2021 at 7:25 pm

    5 stars
    Well Kristy, Thank You ! I read your recipe and I am going to try it tonight ! By reading your thorough explanations, I now realize why my last pork loin was not well received, and my husband did not eat the leftovers !?! When I asked if he wanted the pork more sweet or more savory, he hesitantly admitted the previous loin was too dry ?!?! I plan to use your spices, follow your recipe and cook with your direction !! I searched and am glad to have found this one !!

    Reply
    • Kristy Richardson says

      August 10, 2021 at 6:48 pm

      You’re very welcome Hilary, I’m so glad it was useful! Your next pork loin should be juicy and delicious. 🙂 -Kristy

      Reply
      • Hilary Murphy-Maltese says

        December 28, 2021 at 9:43 am

        5 stars
        I refer back to this recipe for our home pork dinners, and it was an awesome main course at this year’s thanksgiving!! We do not eat turkey and we enjoy nice pork loin for a few days afterwards!! Sandwiches, he takes to work and the guys say it smells amazing !!

        Thanks Again Kristy

        Reply
  17. Katie says

    July 8, 2021 at 7:22 pm

    5 stars
    Absolutely amazing and my son’s who are usually picky loved it! Great recipe . Thanks so much

    Reply
    • Kristy Richardson says

      July 22, 2021 at 5:06 pm

      So glad you and your son both loved the recipe Katie! -Kristy

      Reply
  18. Christine says

    March 2, 2021 at 12:56 am

    5 stars
    This turned out wonderfully! I loved how simple it was and how delicious. It made my weekly lunch prep simple and tasty!

    Reply
    • Kristy Richardson says

      March 2, 2021 at 6:26 pm

      So glad the recipe worked out so well for you Christine, and sounds delicious for lunch! 🙂 Thanks for the note.

      Reply

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    Welcome to On My Kids Plate, I'm Kristy! Here you will find ideas for helping kids have fun with food, recipes both kids and parents love, fresh parenting ideas, great tips and a little bit of humor. I hope you find an idea your family loves. Follow along below to see all the ideas on social media below, or email me hello@onmykidsplate.com

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