Roasted Pork Loin Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
377 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Roasted Pork Loin Recipe
Description
The pork loin is prepared by piercing holes into the meat to insert whole garlic cloves, infusing it with rich garlic flavor during roasting. A rub made from olive oil, smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper is evenly applied over the loin, contributing a balance of savory, sweet, and smoky notes.
Roasting at 375°F with the fat side up allows the fat to baste the meat internally, helping retain moisture. Cooking times vary according to desired doneness, monitored by internal temperature: 150-155°F for medium and up to 165°F for well done. After cooking, resting the meat for 5-10 minutes is crucial to lock in juices before slicing.
This pork loin works well as a main dish for dinners, suitable for slicing into even portions. The rich garlic presence and the crust formed by the rub provide complexity without overpowering the pork’s natural flavor.
Using a meat thermometer is recommended for accurate doneness. Optional initial browning in a hot skillet enhances crust development. If browning too quickly, covering loosely with foil prevents over-darkening. Leftover roast can be stored and reheated carefully for subsequent meals.
Ingredients
- 2.5-3 pound pork loin not tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus more for the pan
- 6-9 cloves garlic whole - use less if you want
- 5 cloves garlic minced - use less if you want
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Next, lightly grease a baking dish with some olive oil.
- Add the pork loin to a large bowl, pierce with a small knife 9 holes on top, or make as many based on how many cloves you will use. Fill those holes with 9 whole garlic cloves.
- Then, in a small bowl, mix the seasonings and olive oil to make the rub. Coat the pork loin evenly on all sides, making sure it’s well covered for the best flavor.
- Add the pork loin to the prepared baking pan, fat side up.
- Cook for 50-55 minutes for medium to medium-well doneness (150-155 degrees F for internal temperature). Cook for 60-70 minutes for a well to be well-done, or until it has reached a temperature of 160-165 degrees F.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Allow the pork to rest at least 10 minutes after roasting to retain juices and ensure tenderness.
- Adjust cooking time for larger pork loins; use a meat thermometer for accurate internal temperature.
- Roast with the fat side up to help keep the meat moist during cooking.
- Browning the loin in a hot skillet before roasting can enhance crust and flavor but is optional.
- To prevent over-browning, loosely tent the pork with foil if it darkens too fast in the oven.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches safe and preferred doneness (150-165°F).
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 377 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 377kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 50g | 100% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 142mg | 47% |
| Sodium | 306mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 855mg | 18% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 165IU | 3% |
| Calcium | 15mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1.3mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.