Fool-Proof Juicy Baked Pork Loin Recipe

Jump to Recipe

This delicious baked pork loin is juicy and flavorful, making it the perfect dinner for any night of the week. With a few simple ingredients and a little time in the oven, you can have a mouth-watering meal that your whole family will love. This fool-proof recipe is sure to become a family favorite meal!

slices of pork loin on white plate with fresh rosemary

Jump to:

Best Juicy Pork Loin
What Goes with Baked Pork Loin?
Ingredients
Handy Kitchen Tools
How to Make a Juicy Pork Loin
Frequently Asked Questions
More Pork Recipes to Try
📖 Recipe

Best Juicy Pork Loin

If you are like me, you've probably struggled with making a good pork loin in the past. This recipe is so simple to make and will give you a nice juicy slice of pork every single time.

My favorite part about this recipe is that it really is just as easy as possible. You don't need fancy equipment or special tools. Just a few ingredients and a watchful eye and you will have a delicious meal that is perfect alongside your favorite side dishes.

What Goes with Baked Pork Loin?

There are so many delicious side dishes that go well with baked pork loin. It is so versatile and it can go with almost anything. Since this recipe has a very basic seasoning blend, it really is ideal for serving with nearly anything.

Serving this pork loin with a starch such as slow cooker mashed potatoes, a simple baked potato, or even this fragrant Indian rice recipe makes sense. Use the pan drippings to whip up a simple gravy to pour over the potatoes or rice for even more flavor!

If you have time for something a bit extra, you can make these cheesy twice-baked potatoes or even a dish of this Southern baked macaroni and cheese. Of course, vegetables are a must with this, so parmesan garlic roasted broccoli, a Panzanella bread salad, or candied carrots are all great sides to this meal.

pork loin with three slices in front on cutting board by fresh herbs

Ingredients

3-pound pork loin (1.4 kg)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ tablespoon salt
½ tablespoon ground black pepper
½ tablespoon garlic powder
½ tablespoon onion powder

view from above white plate of sliced pork loin

Handy Kitchen Tools

slices of pork loin on cutting board by fresh herbs

How to Make a Juicy Pork Loin

Start by preheating the oven to 400°F/200°C. I used a roasting pan and didn't line it with anything, but if you are using a regular baking pan, you want to place an oven-safe rack on it that your pork can sit on. This allows the fat to drip without the meat sitting in those drippings the whole cook time.

Brush or rub the olive oil over the outside of the pork loin so it is nicely coated.

Then, season the outside of the pork loin, all around on the sides, top, bottom, and ends with the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can add additional seasonings if you prefer.

Put the pork loin onto the rack of your roasting pan with the fatty side facing upward so it drips down and adds flavor as it cooks.

raw pork loin on top of rack on roasting pan

Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F/175°C and cook for 20 to 25 minutes per pound. A 3-pound loin takes around 1 hour.

Check to make sure it is at least 145°F internally then remove it from the oven. Cover it immediately with aluminum foil to continue cooking and hold in heat/moisture.

aluminum foil covering half of pork loin

Let the loin sit for 10 minutes before slicing to serve.

fork holding slice of pork loin above plate with salad greens and pork slices

Chef's Tip
Cook pork loin for 20 to 25 minutes per pound. A 3 pound pork loin as shown cooks in around 1 hour. When in doubt, remove early and check with a meat thermometer. Pork loin is safe to consume once it has reached 145°F internally at the thickest point.
Heat the oven to a higher temperature as you preheat the oven then reduce to cook slowly at a lower temperature. This will help keep the pork from becoming too tough or dry from a higher cooking temperature.

whole pork loin on white plate with three slices at front

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Cook a Pork Loin So It Doesn’t Dry Out?

There are a few things you can do to ensure that your pork loin turns out juicy and delicious. First, make sure to start with a quality piece of meat. Look for a pork loin that is well-marbled with fat. This will help to keep the meat moist as it cooks.

Second, don’t overcook the pork loin. Make sure the pork is cooked through but you do not want to overcook it. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to make sure your pork is safe to eat but not overcooked.

Third, and last, make sure to let the pork loin rest for at least 10 minutes before you slice it to serve. This helps the juices to redistribute through the pork and you'll retain those rather than having them drain out when sliced.

What is the Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin is a smaller, thinner cut of pork that is usually cooked quickly using methods like grilling or stir-frying. Pork loin is a larger, thicker cut of pork that is better suited for slower cooking methods like roasting. You'll also find that a pork loin will have a thicker layer of fat around the outside.

What Temperature is Safe to Eat Pork?

Pork is best cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F internally at the thickest point. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the pork before removing it from the oven.

Should I Cover Pork When Baking It?

While this method does not require your pork loin to be covered, it is a common practice to cover meat when braising or roasting to help it stay moist. When cooking a larger cut of pork, I would recommend covering at least 50% of the cooking time. A smaller loin (3 pound or less) is fine to cook uncovered.

How Long is Baked Pork Loin Safe to Eat?

Cooked pork loin is safe to eat for up to four days. Allow the pork to cool completely then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat the pork before eating, and make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F before serving.

If you like this easy recipe and want more beginner recipes to try you might also be interested in my latest cookbook release, The Complete Cookbook for Beginners. Tips, skills, and 101 recipes for the beginner cook to learn from!

More Pork Recipes to Try

Pork used to get a bad rap, but in recent years "the other white meat" has become increasingly affordable and popular in menu planning. If you want something different than just a basic pork roast or loin, look no further than the list below! Make sure that you bookmark these, print out the recipes, or pin to a favorite Pinterest board so they can be made soon!

📖 Recipe

Yield: 8

Fool Proof Juicy Baked Pork Loin Recipe

Make this delicious and easy juicy baked pork loin with simple steps! A practically fool proof recipe that makes perfect pork!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

3-pound pork loin (1.4 kg)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ tablespoon salt
½ tablespoon ground black pepper
½ tablespoon garlic powder
½ tablespoon onion powder

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C. If desired, line the bottom of the roaster pan with aluminum foil for easier cleanup then set it aside.
Rub the outside of the pork loin with olive oil so all sides are coated.
In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Rub the seasonings on all sides of the pork loin.
Place the pork loin onto the rack in the roasting pan with the fattier side facing upward.
Lower the heat on the oven to 350°F/175°C and place the roaster pan into the oven.
Cook for 1 hour, then check with a meat thermometer to make sure it has reached 145°F internally at the thickest point. If not, continue baking in 10-minute increments.
Cover the roast with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to serve.