Pork Loin Roast Recipe (Oven-Method, Super Juicy)

If your pork loin roast is turning out dry, rest assured, it's a temp problem — not a you problem. Here's the magic seasoning, oven temp, and time combo that will save you from having to eat dry pork ever again.

In addition to an easy, foolproof recipe, we'll also cover what pork loin is and how it differs from pork tenderloin, how to pick the best cut, the only pork seasoning you'll ever need, cook times, and temperatures of doneness, and more!

Why You'll Love this Pork Loin Roast

This recipe makes the oven do the heavy lifting for you, and roasting Boneless Pork Loin to absolute perfection has never been easier. We'll hit 145°F with a 10-minute rest so the slices stay nice and juicy. We're talking maximum flavor with minimal effort that leads to succulent, juicy pork loin with a crispy, caramelized crust. It's a deliciously straight-forward holiday roast you can't go wrong with.

Juicy Interior + Caramelized Crust | This recipe always delivers a perfectly moist, juicy interior and a crispy, caramelized crust. A craveworthy combo guests and family members love to indulge in.

Simple Ingredients + Low Fuss | This seasoning and method for this oven roasted pork loin is beyond simple. All you need is a handful of spices, a rack and pan, and a 400°F oven for the best pork loin you've ever tasted.

Set It and Forget It | Many recipes call for overly complicated steps, one of which is an unnecessary pan-sear. Since the roast goes in the oven fat-side up, there's no basting or babysitting necessary. The fat cap drips down into the meat and over the sides, keeping things delicious and simple. The high temp will crisp up your pork loin for you; no need to fire up the stovetop. Gravity and heat do all the work for you!

Ingredients

• Pork Loin | You'll need a 2-3 pound boneless pork loin roast for this recipe. Look for one with a decent fat cap on top of it to keep your roast extra moist while baking.
• Oil | You can use canola, avocado, or even olive oil for this recipe. Any flavorless oil with a high smoke point will work.
• Seasoning | We kept the rub for this roast simple, allowing the flavor of the pork to shine. All you need is a simple mix of Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. If you want to add more color to your roast, try our all-purpose seasoning.
• Herbs (optional) | Add 1-2 teaspoons of fresh minced rosemary and/or thyme to the rub to to add extra color and flavor. Massage over pork loin before roasting.

How to Pick the Best Pork Loin

The roast should be pale pink, If you can find one that has a section of darker pink (almost red), you've just hit the motherlode because you've found one with the tender and flavorful ribeye-end still attached.

Also, look for a boneless pork loin roast with a generous fat cap covering the top of it. When you roast it, that fat will melt down into your meat, making for a moist and succulent roast.

If you are looking to try another roast recipe, we can't get enough of the comfy pot roast in a Dutch oven--especially during the fall and winter months.

How to Cook Pork Loin Roast (Step-by-Step)

Before you begin, make sure you have all of your ingredients and equipment out and ready to work with. You will need:

• Pork Loin
• Seasoning
• Oil
• Large Rimmed Pan or Roasting Pan
• Oven-Safe Rack (e.g. a roasting rack)

Prep & Rub (5 Minutes)

Prep the Pork Loin - To prepare the roast, you should first pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Removing the water on the exterior of the loin will allow for the oil to stay put. The oil will not only promote even browning, but it will also help your seasoning to stay put.

Roast (No Pan-Sear or Basting Needed)

Roast - Place the roast fat-side up on the roasting rack and bake at 400°F until the internal temperature registers to your liking. Begin the roast uncovered for best browning and color, allowing the fat cap to caramelize. If you find your roast is browned before fully cooked through, tent with aluminum foil.

Pro Tip: Since there are so many variables that affect cook time, begin checking the pork loin at the 45-minute to best gauge where you're at in the cook and adjust remaining time accordingly. Similar to our highly rated beef tenderloin and prime rib recipe, the best way to ensure a cut of meat doesn't overcook, is by keeping close watch.

Rest, Slice, Serve (Juicy Every Time)

Rest - Once the desired temperature has been reached, pull the pork loin from the oven and allow it to rest 10-15 minutes before slicing into.

How Long to Cook Pork Loin Roast

Cook time will vary depending upon the size of your roast and the temperature at which you are cooking it at. Most loins weigh between 2 to 4 pounds.

• Most loins weight 2-4 pounds. Plan to roast 15-20 minutes per pound.
• Check the internal temp at 45-minutes and pull within a few degrees of 145°F.
• After a 10-15 minute rest, you'll hit 145°F.

Use a meat thermometer to gauge how far along your roast is around the 45-minute mark to ensure it does not overcook.

Internal Temp for Pork Loin (145°F + Rest)

Pork is safe and juicy to eat at an internal temperature of 145°F (a USDA-approved temp) with a 10-minute rest.

Larger roasts like this continue to cook and rise in temperature while resting. Pull the roast from the oven at 140°F. A faint pink hue is normal at this temp.

Flavor Variations (BBQ, Garlic-Herb + Lemon Pepper)

BBQ | Like your pork a little sweet and savory? You can use the same dry rub we use on our spare ribs for pork loin. It'll give your roast that sweet, savory, smoky flavor you crave!

Garlic-Herb | If you'd like to elevate the flavor profile further, consider rubbing it with fresh cloves of garlic, lemon zest, and finely minced rosemary in addition to the aforementioned spices.

Lemon Pepper | Pork and lemon pepper work together beautifully. For a fresh and zesty pork loin, you might enjoy a homemade lemon pepper rub!

What is Pork Loin Roast?

A Pork Loin Roast typically weighs between 2 to 4 pounds and can be sold either bone-in or deboned. This particular cut is located between the shoulder/butt and the leg of the pig, like the cut we use for pork steaks that also come from the shoulder.

Loin vs Tenderloin (Don't Mix Them Up)

Pork loin and pork tenderloin are not the same cut, and recipes for the two should not be used interchangeably. As mentioned above, roasts range from 2 to 4 pounds, whereas a tenderloin is a smaller, long cut that usually weighs about 1 pound.

Boneless Pork Loin Roasts are packaged individually, while pork tenderloin, on the other hand, typically comes in a package of two.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheat

• Make-Ahead | You can store your roast whole or slice it for reheating later. To do so, allow the roast to cool completely, then slice into ½-inch to 1-inch thick servings. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and transfer to an airtight container or a gallon-sized zip-top bag.
• Store | Refrigerate for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat | Reheat in the oven to avoid drying out the meat. Place in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water (about a ¼ cup) and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake 300°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, depending on how much meat you are heating up. You can reheat using the microwave, but it is best to cut the power down to 50% so you don't overcook it.

What to Serve with Pork Loin Roast

Pork loin is a versatile cut of meat that can be served with a variety of sides. Choosing the right ones depends mostly on the "feel" you're aiming for.

Comforting Family Dinner | If you're looking to get downright cozy with the fam over a nice roast and hearty sides, whip up a batch of fried potato patties (one of my favorite uses for leftover mashed potatoes), a hefty scoop of cheesy grits or creamy shells and cheese if pasta is more your thing. Then, balance out those carbs with a hearty veggie like collard greens.

Light and Hearty | We know a thing or two about healthy comfort food, and if that's what your aiming for with this roasted pork loin, serve it alongside mashed sweet potatoes and a broccoli kale salad.

Holiday Meal | If you're serving this roasted pork loin for Christmas dinner, pair it with Southern cornbread dressing, our green bean casserole with a made-from-scratch cream of mushrooms sauce, decadently buttery mashed potatoes, and of course, our homemade cranberry sauce for the perfect topper

FAQs

5 More Pork Recipes You'll Love

• Country-Style Ribs are a delicious, budget-friendly dinnertime option. Braised in a quick, savory, homemade barbecue sauce. They’re sticky, sweet, and 100% fall-off-the-bone tender.
• Pork Butt in the Slow Cooker requires only a simple amount of prep and incredible flavor. Serve BBQ-style on a bun with coleslaw and pickles for a weeknight dinner, or on top of a Pulled Pork Salad for a healthier dinner option.
• BBQ Spare Ribs are easy to make and take less than 15 minutes to prep! They’re covered in a smoky, brown sugar rub and then slow-cooked in the oven until tender and juicy, yielding the perfect bite.
• Pork Tenderloin is packed with flavor thanks to a mustard-rosemary rub and never comes out dry!
• Pork Steaks are a budget-friendly cut of pork, rich in marbling and loaded with big flavor! They cook up fast in the skillet and end up on your plate swimming under a sea of savory Brown Onion Gravy.

More Roast Recipes to Try

• Slow Cooker 3 Packet Pot Roast
• Slow Cooker Pot Roast
• How to Cook Prime Rib