Pork loin is one of the most versatile and popular cuts of pork. It’s lean, tender, and easy to cook. But how long does it actually take to cook pork loin? The cooking time per pound for pork loin depends on a few key factors.
Oven Roasting
For oven roasting, plan on cooking pork loin for approximately 30-35 minutes per pound at 350°F. So a 3 pound pork loin will take 1.5 to 1.75 hours to roast in the oven.
Here are some more specific oven roasting times per pound:
- 30 minutes per pound at 350°F for a boneless pork loin roast
- 35 minutes per pound at 350°F for a bone-in pork loin roast
Keep in mind that the shape and thickness of the pork loin will impact the cooking time. A long, narrow cut will generally cook faster than a short, thick roast.
Tips for Oven Roasting Pork Loin
Here are some tips for roasting pork loin in the oven:
- Let the meat sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting.
- Season the pork well with salt, pepper, and other herbs/spices.
- Use a meat thermometer and roast until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Allow the pork to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Roasting at a higher temperature (375-400°F) will reduce cooking time, but may cause the outside to overcook.
Grilling
Grilling is a quick and flavorful way to cook pork loin. Plan for about 8-10 minutes per pound for grilling pork loin over direct medium heat.
So a 2 pound pork loin will take approximately 16-20 minutes on the grill. Bone-in pork loin may take slightly longer, closer to 10-12 minutes per pound.
Tips for Grilling Pork Loin
To ensure juicy, flavorful grilled pork loin:
- Use indirect heat if grilling a very thick pork loin roast.
- Brush the pork with oil or marinade to help prevent sticking.
- Flip the meat halfway through grilling time.
- Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F before removing from grill.
- Let the grilled pork rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Sous Vide
Sous vide cooking involves sealing the pork loin in a bag and cooking it gently in a precise water bath. Here are approximate sous vide cooking times for pork loin:
| Thickness | Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| 1 inch | 1-2 hours | 140°F |
| 2 inches | 3-4 hours | 140°F |
| 3 inches | 4-6 hours | 140°F |
The benefit of sous vide is perfectly cooked, tender pork loin every time. After cooking sous vide, the pork loin can be finished by searing briefly on the grill or in a hot pan to brown the outside.
Tips for Sous Vide Pork Loin
- Trim excess fat before sealing in bag to prevent floating.
- Use a vacuum sealer for best results.
- Chill in an ice bath before searing to prevent overcooking.
- Sear for 1-2 minutes per side just until browned.
Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker is a hands-off way to cook pork loin. The cooking time will range from 4-6 hours on low or 2-4 hours on high.
Use the thinner end of those time ranges for a boneless pork loin roast and the longer end for a bone-in cut. Cook times also depend on the size and shape of the pork loin.
Tips for Slow Cooker Pork Loin
For best results, follow these tips:
- Trim fat to prevent greasiness.
- Cook on low for more tender meat.
- Use a thermometer to confirm safe temperature.
- Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.
- Add veggies below pork loin to act as a rack.
- Mix up flavors with sauces, broths, and seasonings.
Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is one of the fastest ways to cook pork loin with minimal hands-on time. Here are approximate cook times for pork loin in the Instant Pot:
| Weight | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 1-2 lbs | 25-35 minutes |
| 3-4 lbs | 35-45 minutes |
Use manual or pressure cook mode on high pressure. Allow the pressure to release naturally after cooking.
Tips for Instant Pot Pork Loin
To cook pork loin perfectly in the Instant Pot:
- Sear or brown meat first for flavor.
- Add at least 1/2 cup liquid to pot.
- Use a trivet or rack under pork loin.
- Check internal temperature before serving.
- Let pork rest 10-15 minutes after cooking.
- Use natural pressure release for more tender results.
Poaching
Poaching involves gently simmering the pork loin in liquid like broth, wine, cider, or water. It takes approximately 30-40 minutes per pound to poach pork loin.
A 2 pound boneless pork loin will take 60-80 minutes to poach. For a bone-in roast, plan for closer to 40 minutes per pound poaching time.
Tips for Poaching Pork Loin
Follow these tips for perfectly poached pork loin:
- Choose a flavorful poaching liquid like chicken broth.
- Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
- Don’t let the liquid boil rapidly.
- Monitor temperature using a meat thermometer.
- Chill in poaching liquid before serving.
Braising
Braising pork loin involves searing it first, then simmering it in a small amount of liquid. Typical braise times are in the range of 2-3 hours for a 2-3 pound pork loin.
The benefit of braising is very tender, fall-apart pork loin in a delicious sauce.
Tips for Braising Pork Loin
To braise pork loin properly:
- Dry meat well and sear thoroughly.
- Use a Dutch oven or braiser.
- Add aromatic veggies and herbs.
- Use a cooking liquid like broth, wine, or sauce.
- Simmer gently once liquid is added.
- Cook until fork tender.
Conclusion
The cooking time per pound for pork loin can vary from 30-45 minutes depending on the cooking method. Oven roasting, grilling, and poaching generally take 30-40 minutes per pound. While methods like braising, slow cooking, pressure cooking, and sous vide require less time per pound but longer total cooking times.
The shape, bone-in vs boneless, and thickness of the pork loin will also impact cooking times. Your best bet is to use a meat thermometer and cook until the pork loin reaches an internal temperature of 145°F, regardless of method. Letting it rest before slicing is also key for succulent, tender meat.