Boneless Pork Loin Roast with Sage and Garlic

How to prepare boneless pork loin roast

One day ahead or half an hour before roasting: Place the meat to a large bowl or deep baking dish. Season with salt and pepper. Brush the whole pork with Dijon mustard and drizzle with olive oil. Rub it all over until it’s coated. If you have pork loin with a bone, cut the bone off. Use it in a soup or roast the bone with the pork loin for some extra flavor.

How to season pork loin

In this easy pork loin roast recipe, we decided for a super simple seasoning. You probably have everything at home. However, you can take the seasoning to the next level and play with the flavors. Seasoning examples:

1. Aromatic pork marinade: In a bowl combine 1 tsp paprika powder, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp olive oil and optionally a small amount of chopped lemongrass. Rub the marinade in the meat to coat it evenly. In this case, there’s no need to add more salt and don’t use mustard. The flavor is aromatic and citrusy (with the lemongrass).

2. Sweet pork marinade: In a bowl combine 1 tbsp apricot marmalade, 1 tbsp Worchester sauce, salt, pepper, and 1 tsp olive oil. Stir to combine. Rub the marinade in the meat to coat it evenly.

3. Asian pork marinade: In a bowl combine 1 tsp miso paste, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp soy sauce, finely chopped garlic clove, 1 tsp balsamic vinegar or rice vinegar and 1/4 tsp finely chopped ginger. Stir to combine. Rub the marinade in the meat to coat it evenly.

What is pork loin, the difference between pork loin and pork tenderloin

Both cuts are lean, but they are prepared differently and they are completely different in shape. 

Pork loin, also known as center cut pork roast or pork loin rib roast is a cut from the animal’s back. It can be sold with or without a bone. This is the meat used in this boneless pork loin roast recipe. It’s a lean cut, with not a lot of fat and tender if cooked properly, very juicy.

Pork tenderloin or pork filet is the most “valued” part of the pork because it’s incredibly tender, lean and if prepared properly juicy. It’s boneless and appropriate for quick cooking. Can’t be used in this recipe, because it needs a different method of preparation.

Boneless pork loin roast cooking time (per pound)

Place the roasting pan with pork loin roast in the oven. Roast for 10 minutes at 230 °C / 450 ° F, then roast for additional 25 minutes per 450g / 1 pound pork loin roast. In our case the first 10 minutes + 40 minutes. When the pork loin is done, cover with aluminum foil and let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. The pork will finish cooking and it will be delicious.

Instead of roasting the pork loin in the oven the first 10 minutes, you can sear the meat in a skillet over high heat. Cook for 2 minutes on each side (8 minutes total), then continue roasting in the oven, 20 - 25 minutes per 450g / 1 pound pork loin + 10 minutes rest at room temperature.

How do you keep pork loin from drying out

A very simple trick is to continuously pour the cooking wine liquid over the pork loin while roasting in the oven (every 10 - 15 minutes). It’s also important to roast the meat at high temperature (or sear in a skillet) before roasting for 40 minutes at lower temperature. The exterior of the meat will be beautifully seared and the juices will stay in the meat instead of going out and drying the meat. The third trick is simple but important. Make sure not to roast the meat longer than necessary or it will dry out.

What to serve with a roasted pork loin?

Serve this boneless pork loin roast with mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower (healthier version), potato wedges with yogurt dip or oven baked bread stuffing. Other amazing vegetable sides are this easy kale salad and delicious orange glazed carrots. 

Other delicious pork dishes

• Pork chops with apples and quince
• Pork Schnitzel