Roast Pork Loin in the Oven

This Roast Pork Loin in the Oven recipe has an Italian pork loin marinade and simple tips to make a juicy and tender pork loin roast.

Recipe for pork loin roast

So many recipes can become overwhelming or require multiple trips to the grocery to find all the specialized ingredients.

This is not one of those overwhelming recipes. It is the opposite.

Pork loin can be found at your favorite big box store or local meat counter for a reasonable price point per pound.

Once you find your pork loin, the probability of having the other ingredients on hand is high. Italian seasoning, garlic pepper, and Italian salad dressing.

If you have a bottle of Italian dressing hiding in your refrigerator door, you are on your way to turning this into your new family favorite on the weekly meal plan schedule.

If you love this pork loin recipe, try our Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Loin too!

Ingredients

• One 2-pound New York (top loin) pork roast
• 3/4 cup Italian dressing
• 1 teaspoon garlic pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Recipe Tips

• Don’t have garlic pepper on hand? Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
• Once the pork loin reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
• If you want to substitute pork tenderloin for pork loin it is best to portion tenderloin slices into medallions.

How to cook a pork loin

Pour salad dressing into a resealable plastic bag. Add pork loin, seal, and refrigerate overnight.

Remove pork from the dressing and pat dry with paper towels; discard remaining salad dressing.

Sprinkle pork with seasonings and place in a shallow pan.

Roast at 350 degrees F. for 40 minutes to 1 hour or until internal temperature on a thermometer reads 145 degrees F.

It is very important not to overcook your pork loin roast. Ensure you insert your instant-read thermometer into the divot to get an accurate reading.

Remove roast from oven. Let the roast rest for about 10 minutes.  Slice and serve.

Difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin

Pork loin roast and pork tenderloin are two different cuts of pork, and they have distinct characteristics in terms of size, tenderness, and best cooking methods.

The pork loin roast is a large cut of pork from the back of the pig. Normally it comes from the area between the shoulder and the leg. It often includes a layer of fat on top, which adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist during cooking.

Pork tenderloin is a smaller and leaner cut of meat. It’s a long, narrow muscle that runs along the pig’s spine.

It requires fast cooking methods such as grilling, sautéing, or roasting at higher temperatures.

Because of its tenderness, we slice pork loin into medallions for serving.

What is pork loin?

Pork loin is a wide, oblong-shaped cut from the pig’s back. 

It goes by several names, including pork roast, center cut roast, and pork center rib roast.

While some people attempt to shred pork loin, we would encourage you to try shredding a pork shoulder for the most tender and juicy pork.

It is best to cook pork loin at a higher temperature for a short time.

What temperature is pork loin done?

The safe internal pork cooking temperature for fresh cuts is 145° F. To check doneness properly, use a digital meat thermometer while still in the heat source or immediately after removing.

How long to cook pork loin

The best way to know when your pork loin is ready to eat is if the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees.

In this recipe, you will cook the pork loin to 350 degrees F for 40 minutes to an hour.

At the 40-minute mark check the internal temperature of the pork using an instant-read meat thermometer.

A correct cooking time will ensure a juicy pork loin roast.

Pork Roast seasoning

Pork Roast is a versatile cut of meat. It can be a blank canvas for a variety of seasonings.

This recipe makes it easy for you to prepare without making an extra trip to the grocery. Our version recommends three basic items: Italian dressing, garlic pepper, and seasoning.

Should a pork loin be cooked slow or fast?

Cook a pork loin fast because it is a lean cut of meat.

You should also cook other cuts from the loin fast due to their leanness.

Does pork loin get tougher as you cook it?

The pork loin will get tougher as you cook it. All overcooked pork is tough and dry.

Investing in a digital meat thermometer is well worth taking away any guesswork and ensuring food safety.

Other recipes to try

This Pork Noodle Soup recipe has cubed roasted pork loin, hearty noodles, sweet peas, and a broth in a single bowl of comfort.

This Pork Ribeye Roast recipe is impressive yet simple, includes the savory flavor of bacon, and will make you look like a kitchen superstar.

This Instant Pot Pork Ribeye Roast is prepared in an electric pressure cooker and is an easy pork ribeye roast recipe with wine-infused gravy, potatoes, and carrots.