Cooking a pork roast can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure how long to cook it for.
But fear not, because we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll be answering the burning question on every home cook’s mind: how long do I cook a 4 pound pork roast?
We’ll be sharing tips and tricks to ensure that your pork roast comes out perfectly juicy and tender every time.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How Long Do I Cook A 4 Pound Pork Roast?
When it comes to cooking a 4 pound pork roast, the general rule of thumb is to cook it for approximately 25 minutes per pound. This means that your roast should take around 1 hour and 40 minutes to cook through.
However, it’s important to note that this is just an estimate. The best way to ensure that your pork roast is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, making sure not to touch any bones. The internal temperature should reach at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.
It’s also important to let your pork roast rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful roast.
Preparing Your Pork Roast
Before cooking your 4 pound pork roast, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that it turns out perfectly. First, remove the roast from the packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat and ensure that it browns properly.
Next, you can season the pork roast according to your preferences. You can use a simple seasoning blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, or you can get creative and use herbs like rosemary or thyme. Rub the seasoning blend onto the meat, making sure to cover all sides evenly.
If you have time, you can also let the pork roast marinate for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This will help to infuse the meat with flavor and make it more tender.
When you’re ready to cook your pork roast, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the roast in a baking dish on the center rack with a little liquid, such as chicken broth or apple juice. You can also brush the roast with a little oil or butter to help it brown.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30-40 minutes per pound, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Once the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit, remove the foil and continue baking until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Once your pork roast is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender roast.
Seasoning Your Pork Roast
One of the key factors in achieving a delicious pork roast is seasoning it properly. There are many different seasoning options to choose from, but one popular option is a dry rub.
For a simple and flavorful dry rub, combine brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, coarse salt, cinnamon, dried thyme, and ground pepper. Rub the mixture all over the pork roast, making sure to cover all sides evenly. You can adjust the amounts of each spice to your liking, depending on how sweet or spicy you prefer your pork.
Another option is to use a wet marinade. Combine apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Place the pork roast in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over the top. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
No matter which seasoning method you choose, make sure to let your pork roast come to room temperature before cooking. This allows for more even cooking and helps prevent the meat from drying out.
Once your pork roast is seasoned and ready to cook, there are several cooking methods to choose from including roasting in the oven, slow cooking in a crockpot or instant pot electric pressure cooker. Whichever method you choose, make sure to monitor the internal temperature of the meat using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit before consuming.
Choosing The Right Cooking Method
When it comes to cooking a 4 pound pork roast, there are several cooking methods to choose from. The most common methods include roasting, braising, and slow cooking.
Roasting is a dry heat cooking method that involves cooking the pork roast in the oven. This method is great for achieving a crispy exterior and juicy interior. To roast a 4 pound pork roast, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place the roast in a roasting pan. Cook for approximately 25 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Braising is a moist heat cooking method that involves searing the pork roast in a pan and then cooking it in liquid. This method is great for achieving tender and flavorful meat. To braise a 4 pound pork roast, sear it in a pan over medium-high heat until browned on all sides. Then, add enough liquid (such as broth or wine) to cover the bottom of the pan and bring to a simmer. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and cook in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 3-4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Slow cooking is a method that involves cooking the pork roast at a low temperature for an extended period of time. This method is great for achieving fall-apart tender meat. To slow cook a 4 pound pork roast, place it in a slow cooker with your desired seasonings and liquid (such as broth or BBQ sauce). Cook on low for approximately 8-10 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ultimately, the best cooking method for your 4 pound pork roast will depend on your personal preference and available equipment. Regardless of which method you choose, be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your pork roast is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Oven Roasting Your Pork Roast
One of the most popular ways to cook a pork roast is by oven roasting. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to oven roast your 4 pound pork roast:
1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and fit it with a wire rack. Spray the wire rack with olive oil.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, sage, and thyme.
4. Pat the meat dry with paper towels and place it on the wire rack.
5. Rub the spice mixture all over the roast and spray its top liberally with olive oil.
6. Allow the roast to sit at room temperature while the oven is warming, about 30 minutes.
7. Insert a meat thermometer probe into the middle of the roast and place the pork in the hot oven.
8. Roast it for 15 minutes, then lower the heat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and continue roasting until the meat thermometer reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Remove the roast from the oven and loosely tent it with foil. Allow it to rest for 20 minutes.
10. Carefully remove the butcher twine from the roast, slice and serve.
Oven roasting your pork roast ensures that it will be evenly cooked throughout and will result in a juicy and flavorful meal. Remember to always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure that it is safe to eat.
Cooking Your Pork Roast In A Slow Cooker
Cooking your 4 pound pork roast in a slow cooker is a great option for those who want a hands-off approach to cooking. Here are some steps to follow:
1. First, rub your pork shoulder roast with a dry rub or seasoning blend of your choice. Make sure that every nook and cranny is covered in rub.
2. Heat up some oil in a large skillet over medium/high heat. When the oil is fragrant, sear the pork shoulder for 2 minutes on each side.
3. Place the pork roast in the slow cooker on top of vegetables such as onions, potatoes, or carrots. Make sure to scrape the skillet to get all of the delicious bits of rub off of it and add that to the slow cooker too.
4. Create an herb bundle by using bakers twine to tie together thyme and rosemary, and set that on top of the pork.
5. In a separate container, mix together balsamic vinegar, red wine, and chicken broth. Then, pour that on top of the pork roast.
6. Cover the slow cooker and turn it on high. Let it cook for around 6-8 hours (flipping pork roast halfway through cook time if you can).
7. Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and discard the herb bundle. Using two forks, pull the pork roast apart into chunks and set it aside.
8. Place some of the liquid left in the slow cooker into a microwave safe container. Whisk in cornstarch and place it into the microwave for 45 seconds until thickened.
9. Whisk the cornstarch mixture into the existing liquid in the slow cooker until it thickens into a thin gravy.
10. Place pork and vegetables back into the slow cooker and mix, coating everything in gravy.
Remember to check your pork roast early if it’s your first time making it in your slow cooker as cooking times can vary with different models. And don’t forget to let your pork roast rest before carving for optimal flavor and tenderness!
Checking The Internal Temperature Of Your Pork Roast
To check the internal temperature of your pork roast, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, making sure not to touch any bones. The thermometer should read at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption. It’s important to note that the temperature will continue to rise slightly after removing the roast from the oven, so it’s best to remove it from the oven when the thermometer reads 5-10 degrees below the target temperature.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the roast and checking the color of the meat. If the meat is pink or red, it needs to cook longer. If it’s white or gray, it’s fully cooked.
Remember to always clean your meat thermometer with hot soapy water before and after each use to prevent cross-contamination. By checking the internal temperature of your pork roast, you can ensure that it’s safe to eat while still being juicy and flavorful.
