Quick Answer
To cook a 2 lb Smithfield pork loin, the recommended cooking time is about 30-40 minutes at 350°F. This will result in the pork being cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F, which is the USDA recommended minimum temperature for safe consumption of pork. The total cooking time will depend on the shape and thickness of the particular roast.
Detailed Answer
Pork loin roasts are a lean and tender cut of meat from the loin section along the back of the pig. A 2 lb roast is a good size for feeding 3-4 people. Here are some more details on cooking times and temperatures for a 2 lb Smithfield pork loin:
1. Preparation
– Take the pork loin out of the packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
– Preheat your oven to 350°F. You’ll want to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature.
– Season the outside of the pork loin with salt, pepper, herbs or spices if desired. Rubbing a small amount of oil over the roast can help promote browning.
2. Recommended Cooking Time
– For a 2 lb pork loin roast, the estimated cooking time is 30-40 minutes at 350°F. The total time depends on the shape and thickness of your particular roast.
– As a general rule, cook pork loin for 17-20 minutes per pound at 350°F. So for a 2 lb roast, aim for 34-40 minutes.
– Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature when estimating cook time is up. Pork should reach 145°F minimum.
3. Resting
– Once the pork loin reaches the target internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat.
– The internal temperature may rise another 5-10°F during the resting time. So take it out when it’s 140-145°F.
– Tent loosely with foil while resting to keep warm.
Visual Guide for Cooking Times
| Pork Loin Weight | Estimated Cooking Time at 350°F |
|---|---|
| 1 lb | 17-20 minutes |
| 1.5 lbs | 25-30 minutes |
| 2 lbs | 30-40 minutes |
| 2.5 lbs | 40-50 minutes |
| 3 lbs | 50-60 minutes |
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Pork Loin
– Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness instead of relying on cook times. This ensures the pork reaches a safe internal temperature.
– Let the roast rest before slicing for juicier, more tender results.
– Choose a roast with some marbling or fat cap to help keep it moist during cooking. The loin is a lean cut.
– Prevent overcooking and drying out by pulling it out of the oven when it’s slightly below the target temp. It will continue cooking as it rests.
– Browning and caramelization on the outside adds tons of flavor. Use a quick high heat sear or broil at end if needed.
Doneness Temperatures
Use these USDA recommended minimum internal temperatures for pork doneness:
– Chops, roasts: 145°F
– Ground pork: 160°F
At 145°F the pork will be slightly pink but safely cooked through. The color and texture is often preferred over going up to 160°F.
Conclusion
For a juicy and flavorful 2 lb Smithfield pork loin roast, cook it in a 350°F oven for approximately 30-40 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F. Let it rest before slicing into it. Following these simple guidelines will result in a tender, perfectly cooked pork loin everyone will love!