Oven Roasted Pork Loin

Juicy, tender, and full of flavor, this Oven Roasted Pork Loin is the perfect centerpiece for any meal. Seasoned with a simple blend of garlic, herbs, and spices, this dish delivers incredible taste with minimal effort.

Perfect for Sunday suppers or family dinners! Pair with a Blue Cheese Wedge Salad and Garlic Green Beans for a perfect meal!

Juicy Roast Pork Loin

Pork loin makes a delicious meal, as long as the meat is cooked correctly and not dried out. Just follow my step-by-step directions for a perfectly cooked pork loin.

This is a recipe that I have cooked several times for dinner for my family with great results. Recently, my sister was looking for something new for dinner for her family. I suggested this recipe. She was skeptical because her family wasn’t a huge fan of pork and when she cooked pork it often turned out dry.

She agreed to give it a try and she had such great results that she made it again for several weeks in a row! Her family is now also a fan!

How to pick a pork loin

There are several types of pork roasts available at most markets. This recipe is for a pork loin roast, not a tenderloin. They usually range from 2-3 pounds and are boneless.

When selecting a loin roast, try to find one with the fat cap still intact. This is a layer of fat across the top of the roast. Unfortunately, I often find the butcher has removed most of the fat. I guess people just don't want the fat when they are buying meat.

I try to find the one with the most fat still attached to the top of the loin roast. The fat offers a lot of flavor, but more importantly, it helps prevent the roast from drying out while it's roasting. Think of it as the fat is basting the roast while it cooks.

My top tips for making an oven roasted pork loin:

• Season Generously: Use a blend of garlic, herbs, and spices to coat the pork loin thoroughly. This ensures the seasoning penetrates the meat and enhances its flavor throughout.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Cook the pork loin until it reaches 145°F for a perfectly juicy and tender roast.
• Rest Before Slicing: Allow the pork loin to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.

Pork loin vs pork tenderloin

Pork loin and pork tenderloin are different cuts of meat from different areas of the pig. They sound similar, but they are cooked in different fashions.

Pork loin is usually wider and thicker and has a fat cap. It may also be called a center loin roast. A pork loin may sometimes have a bone-in.

Pork tenderloin is long and skinny and is always boneless.

If a tenderloin is cooked using the same method as a pork loin, it will become very dry. Use a boneless pork loin for this recipe.

Pork Loin Roast Ingredients

• Pork Loin Roast - Use a boneless pork loin roast. Find one with the fat cap intact and not trimmed off. This is not the same as a tenderloin!
• Olive Oil - Adds another layer of moisture and helps crisp up the outer layer
• Seasoning - Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and dried rubbed sage.

How To Cook Pork Loin Roast

1. Preheat oven to 375°F
2. Combine all seasoning together in a bowl
3. Rub the entire surface of the pork with olive oil
4. Sprinkle seasonings all over the pork. Rub in with your hands. Make certain the seasonings cover all areas.

5. Place pork in an ungreased baking dish with fat side up
6. Bake for 60-75 minutes until pork is cooked through or reaches an internal temperature of 145-160°F
7. Remove roast from oven and cover loosely with foil and let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving

Roast Pork Loin Tips

• Be certain to cook with the fat side up
• Bake uncovered in a fully preheated 375°F oven
• If you want to add potatoes or vegetables to the pan, plan extra baking time. Use a pan large enough to hold everything so it's not overcrowded.
• Allow pork to rest after removing it from the oven. This helps make certain the juices are redistributed throughout the roast and don't run out when slicing. You get a juicier roast when you let it rest.
• The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your roast. Plan on 20-25 minutes per pound of meat.
• Always check your meat with an instant-read thermometer for an accurate temperature

Serving suggestions

Over-roasted pork loin can be served with your favorite side dishes. Some suggestions include:

• Mashed potatoes
• Green beans
• Green beans with bacon
• Roasted brussels sprouts
• Green tomato relish - this is a delicious savory condiment we make that's perfect with the roast!

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop

Be certain to check out all my delicious main dish recipes!

Recipe adapted from On My Kids Plate.