Exact Answer: 20 – 30 Minutes
Pork loin is a large, lean cut of meat from a pig’s back. It is wider and thicker with a fat layer on top and should not be confused with a tenderloin that is long and thin. One of the juiciest ways of serving it is by roasting it, as long as one prepares it properly.
Pork loin is lean meat that is lower in fat and therefore, more prone to drying out. It is difficult to prepare because it dries out faster than other meats. Thus, one must avoid cooking porn loin in a slow cooker for this very reason. The low heat for a long length of time can render a tough outcome on the pork loins.
To ensure that the pork loin doesn’t end up being tough and unappetizing, one must pay close attention to the cooking times and temperature while preparing them. Care must be taken while cooking as they can go from being perfectly cooked to too tough to chew in a matter of minutes.
How Long To Cook Pork Loin?
| Type | Time |
| Whole Pork Loin Roast | 10 – 20 minutes |
| Sirloin Pork Roast | 20 – 26 minutes |
Pork loin is prepared by making a dry rub by combining various spice mixes. This rub is then well coated all over pork loin. After this, heat some oil in a large skillet and sear the meat for about 5 minutes per side. The pork loins must then be roasted for 20 – 25 minutes at an appropriate temperature.
Pork loins must be cooked until they reach the internal temperature of 145 degrees F. This can be easily checked by using an instant-read meat thermometer. Once they are cooked thoroughly, they should be removed from heat and let rest for about 5 – 10 minutes. This helps in locking up the juices in pork loin.
One must keep in mind that the cooking time varies depending on the size of the pork loins. As a general rule of thumb, the cooking duration of pork loins is about 20 – 30 minutes per pound. Some ovens may even need a few minutes longer than that.
Why Does It Take So Long To Cook Pork Loin?
Unlike chicken or steak, one cannot tell when the pork loins are completely cooked just by looking at them. There aren’t any visual indicators of doneness are there are for chicken and beef. Thus, while cooking pork loins, it is always safe to use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. A bit of pinkness doesn’t necessarily mean it is undercooked, it could be perfect at that point.
As long as pork loin is cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, it will be safe to eat. It is hard to tell otherwise without a meat thermometer whether they are cooked thoroughly or not.
Pork loin should come in contact with high heat to create a beautiful crust around them that provides a delicious and complex flavor. One way of achieving this is by searing the loin in a pan on high heat, or by roasting then in an oven around 425 degrees F. Immediately after that golden crust starts to form on the pork loin, they must be removed from the high heat or the hot oven so that it does not accidentally get overcooked.
When after an ideal cooking time, the internal temperature has not yet reached 145 degrees F, the loins should be transferred over to a lower temperature until it has entirely cooked. The low heat will prevent the pork loins from drying out in a matter of seconds like it might on high heat.
Conclusion
Pork is a very versatile meat that can be prepared in many different ways. It can be made simple for weeknight meals or can be made for more elaborate occasions. However, when preparing pork, it is very important to reach the proper pork cooking temperature as well as the proper pork internal temperature to not only ensure a tender and tasty piece of pork but to also enjoy a safe meal.
Pork loin is a very lean, tender piece of meat that quickly turns dry and tough if overcooked. With the no-fail tips mentioned in this article, one can prepare simple and satisfying restaurant-style, delicious, and juicy pork loins at their convenience.
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