Cooking a pork loin can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure how long to cook it for.
But fear not, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll be discussing how long to cook a 1.7 lb pork loin for optimal flavor and tenderness. We’ll also be sharing some tips and tricks to ensure your pork loin comes out perfectly every time.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How Long Do I Cook A 1.7 Lb Pork Loin?
When it comes to cooking a 1.7 lb pork loin, the general rule of thumb is to cook it for 20-25 minutes per pound of meat. This means that your pork loin should be cooked for approximately 34-42 minutes.
However, it’s important to note that cooking times can vary depending on a few factors such as the type of oven you’re using, the temperature of your oven, and the desired level of doneness.
To ensure that your pork loin is cooked to perfection, we recommend using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. The ideal temperature for pork loin is 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once your pork loin reaches this temperature, it’s important to let it rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Preparing Your Pork Loin
Before cooking your 1.7 lb pork loin, it’s important to prepare it properly. Start by patting the meat dry with paper towels. If there is any silver skin on the meat, remove it using a sharp knife. Then, make some holes inside the meat and fill them with garlic cloves for added flavor.
Next, make a dry rub by combining salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Rub the dry rub all over the pork loin, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
Heat some oil in a large skillet and sear the meat for about 5 minutes per side. This will help create a nice crust on the outside of the meat.
Once seared, remove the pork loin from heat and place it on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet with the fat side facing up. In a separate bowl, stir together honey, dijon mustard, garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil to make a sauce.
Reserve two tablespoons of the sauce for the veggies and brush the rest of the sauce over the pork loin. Roast the pork loin in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes.
While the pork is roasting, prepare your veggies by cutting butternut squash into 1-inch cubes and cutting brussels sprouts in half. Toss veggies with reserved sauce.
After 25 minutes of roasting, take the pork out of the oven and add veggies all around it in one layer. Tent the pork with foil and continue to cook for 30 more minutes or until the internal temperature of the pork loin reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remember to give the veggies a stir half-way through cooking. Once done, remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes before cutting to lock in the juices.
By following these steps and using a meat thermometer to check for doneness, you can ensure that your 1.7 lb pork loin is cooked to perfection and ready to serve as a delicious main dish for any occasion.
Choosing The Right Cooking Method
When it comes to cooking a pork loin, there are several methods you can choose from. The most common methods include roasting, searing, grilling, and slow cooking.
Roasting is a popular method for cooking pork loin because it allows the meat to cook evenly and develop a crispy crust. To roast a pork loin, preheat your oven to 375°F, season the meat with salt and pepper, and place it in a roasting pan. Cook the pork loin for approximately 20-25 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Let the meat rest for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Searing is another method that can be used to cook pork loin. This involves browning the meat in a hot pan before finishing it off in the oven. To sear a pork loin, heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat, season the meat with salt and pepper, and brown it on all sides. Transfer the pork loin to a preheated oven and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Grilling is a great option for those who want to add some smoky flavor to their pork loin. To grill a pork loin, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, season the meat with salt and pepper, and place it on the grill. Cook the pork loin for approximately 20-25 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Slow cooking is another method that can be used to cook pork loin. This involves cooking the meat in a slow cooker for several hours until it becomes tender and juicy. To slow cook a pork loin, season the meat with salt and pepper, place it in a slow cooker with your desired seasonings and liquids, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Ultimately, the cooking method you choose will depend on your personal preference and the equipment you have available. Regardless of which method you choose, be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your pork loin is cooked to perfection.
Oven Roasting Your Pork Loin
Oven roasting is a popular method for cooking pork loin, as it helps to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and tender. Here’s how to oven roast your 1.7 lb pork loin:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and set it aside.
3. Pat your pork loin dry with paper towels.
4. In a small mixing bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
5. Lightly spray your pork loin with cooking spray to help the spice mix stick.
6. Rub the spice mix all over the pork loin, making sure to cover all areas.
7. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a skillet and sear the pork loin until browned on all sides; about 3 to 5 minutes per side.
8. Transfer the pork loin to the prepared baking sheet, fat-layer side up; set aside.
9. In a separate bowl, combine garlic, honey, soy sauce, mustard, and oil; whisk until well combined.
10. Brush the honey mixture over the pork loin.
11. Roast for 25 minutes.
12. In the meantime, toss your vegetables with a tablespoon of olive oil and some of the reserved honey mixture.
13. Pull your pork roast out of the oven and add the vegetables all around it in one layer.
14. Tent a piece of foil over the pork so the top doesn’t burn but the inside continues to cook.
15. Put it back in the oven and continue to cook for 25 to 30 more minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork loin reaches 145°F.
16. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness.
17. Stir vegetables halfway through cooking.
18. Remove baking sheet from oven and loosely cover meat and veggies with foil; let rest 10 minutes.
19. Cut the pork into slices and serve with veggies.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious and juicy pork loin that’s perfect for any occasion. Remember to keep an eye on your cooking times and use a meat thermometer to ensure that your meat is cooked to perfection every time!
Grilling Your Pork Loin
Grilling your pork loin is a great option for those who love a crispy crust and charred flavor. To grill your 1.7 lb pork loin, we suggest using a grilling technique known as “zone cooking.”
First, preheat your grill with all burners set to high heat until the internal temperature reaches at least 500 degrees. Next, turn 1/2 or 1/3 of the burners (depending on how many burners your grill has) to low heat.
Place the pork loin on the high heat side of the grill and grill for 1-1/2 minutes on all four sides, for a total of 6 minutes, closing the lid between flipping. Then, move the pork loin over to the low heat side of the grill and grill for 4 minutes on each of the 2 larger sides (you will sear on 4 sides but 2 sides will end up being fatter/flatter), for a total of 8 more minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the pork loin reads 140 degrees.
Once your pork loin reaches this temperature, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing into thick slices or thinly shaved pieces, which are great for sandwiches. During this time, you can also grill some fresh vegetables such as zucchini, sweet corn on the cob, summer squash, and/or asparagus.
To serve, we recommend pairing your grilled pork loin with your favorite BBQ sauce or a homemade chimichurri sauce. Enjoy!
Checking For Doneness
When checking for doneness, it’s important to use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meat has reached 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the pork loin, making sure not to touch any bones or the bottom of the pan.
If you prefer your pork to be well-done, you can cook it for a few more minutes, but be careful not to overcook it as this can result in a dry and tough texture. To achieve a well-done pork loin, cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes per pound, which should bring the internal temperature up to around 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s also important to note that the pork loin will continue to cook even after it’s been removed from the oven. Therefore, it’s recommended to take it out of the oven when the internal temperature is slightly below the desired doneness, allowing it to rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting into it.
By following these guidelines and using a meat thermometer, you can ensure that your 1.7 lb pork loin is cooked to perfection and safe to eat.
Resting And Serving Your Pork Loin
After your pork loin has finished cooking and has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time to let it rest. This step is crucial to ensuring that your pork loin stays moist and juicy.
When you cut into meat that hasn’t had time to rest, the juices will run out of it and you’ll be left with dry pork. Resting allows the meat fibers, which contract when hot, to relax and reabsorb the juices they’ve squeezed out. If you cut into the pork loin too soon, the roast will release these juices onto your cutting board.
To let your pork loin rest, remove it from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the surface from cooling off too fast. Make sure the meat is on a cutting board with a “gravy groove” or a rimmed baking sheet pan to catch any juices.
During this resting period, you can prepare any sides or sauces you plan to serve with your pork loin. After at least 15 minutes have passed, it’s time to slice and serve your deliciously tender and juicy pork loin.
