Cooking a boneless pork loin in the oven is a straightforward and delicious way to prepare this cut of meat. Here's a basic recipe to guide you through the process:
Ingredients:
- Boneless pork loin (approximately 2-3 pounds)
- Olive oil or cooking oil of your choice
- Salt and pepper (or other preferred seasonings)
- Optional: Herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, etc.
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's at the right temperature when you're ready to cook the pork loin.
Prepare the pork loin: Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning to adhere better to the meat. If the pork loin has a thick layer of fat on one side, you can trim it down to your preference, leaving a thin layer for added flavor and moisture.
Season the pork loin: Rub the pork loin all over with olive oil or cooking oil, making sure to coat it evenly. Season the pork loin with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you prefer. You can create a simple seasoning mix with garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs like rosemary and thyme.
Let it rest (optional): If you have time, you can let the seasoned pork loin rest in the refrigerator for an hour or two. This step is optional but can allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more thoroughly.
Place the pork loin in a roasting pan: Place the seasoned pork loin in a roasting pan or a baking dish with the fat side facing up. You can also use a roasting rack to lift the pork loin slightly above the pan's bottom, which helps to promote even cooking.
Roast the pork loin: Put the roasting pan with the pork loin in the preheated oven. Cook the pork loin until it reaches the desired internal temperature. The cooking time will vary based on the size of the pork loin, but a general guideline is to cook it for about 20-25 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat to check for doneness.
Check the internal temperature: The pork loin is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). However, if you prefer your pork to be a bit more well-done, you can cook it until it reaches up to 160°F (71°C). Remember that the temperature will continue to rise slightly while the meat rests, so you can remove it from the oven just before it reaches the desired temperature.
Let it rest: Once the pork loin reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful pork loin.
Slice and serve: After resting, slice the pork loin into desired portions and serve it hot. You can pair it with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your deliciously cooked boneless pork loin!