How Long To Cook A 5 Pound Pork Loin

ByLily

Cooking a 5-pound pork loin to the perfect temperature depends on your oven setting and desired doneness level. If you want to know exactly how long to cook a 5 pound pork loin, the short answer is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes to 2 hours at 350°F. That range covers the most common oven temperature people use at home.

But timing is only part of the story. The real target is internal temperature, not just the clock. Get that right and your roast turns out juicy every time.

How Long To Cook A 5 Pound Pork Loin

At 350°F, a 5-pound pork loin needs about 20 to 25 minutes per pound. That works out to 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 5 minutes. Pull it from the oven when the center hits 145°F, then let it rest.

Here is a quick reference table for a 5-pound roast at different oven temperatures:

  • 325°F: 25 to 30 minutes per pound (about 2 hours 5 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes)
  • 350°F: 20 to 25 minutes per pound (about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 5 minutes)
  • 375°F: 18 to 20 minutes per pound (about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes)
  • 400°F: 15 to 18 minutes per pound (about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes)

These times assume a boneless loin with a uniform shape. A bone-in roast or an uneven piece can take longer in spots.

Why Internal Temperature Matters More Than Time

Ovens run hot or cold. Two people can cook the same 5-pound loin at 350°F and get different results. That is why a meat thermometer is your best tool here.

Pork loin is lean. It dries out fast when overcooked. The USDA now recommends cooking whole pork cuts to 145°F with a 3-minute rest. That temperature gives you a juicy, slightly pink center that is perfectly safe to eat.

  • 145°F: juicy, slightly pink, best for slicing
  • 150°F to 155°F: firmer, light pink, still moist
  • 160°F and above: dry and tough, avoid if you can

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. Take the loin out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. A room-temperature roast cooks more evenly.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the rack in the middle position.
  3. Pat the pork dry with paper towels. Dry meat browns better.
  4. Season all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any herbs you like.
  5. Set the loin fat-side up in a roasting pan or on a rimmed baking sheet.
  6. Roast uncovered for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the center reads 145°F.
  7. Start checking the temperature at the 1 hour 20 minute mark so you do not overshoot.
  8. Remove from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest 10 to 15 minutes.
  9. Slice against the grain into 1/2-inch pieces and serve.

The rest is not optional. During those 10 to 15 minutes, the internal temperature rises another 5 to 10 degrees and the juices redistribute. Skip it and your slices will leak moisture onto the plate.

Tips For A Juicier 5-Pound Pork Loin

  • Do not trim all the fat. A thin fat cap keeps the meat moist as it roasts.
  • Brine the loin for 2 to 4 hours in salted water if you have time. It adds flavor and moisture.
  • Use a leave-in probe thermometer so you can watch the temp without opening the oven.
  • If the outside browns too fast, tent it with foil for the last 20 minutes.
  • Let the roast sit before slicing. This one step makes a bigger difference than any seasoning.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Cooking By Time Alone

Every oven is different. A 5-pound loin in your oven may finish 15 minutes earlier or later than the chart says. Always verify with a thermometer.

Overcooking Past 160°F

Once pork passes 160°F, the muscle fibers squeeze out moisture. The result is a dry, chewy roast. Pull it at 145°F and trust the rest period.

Slicing Too Soon

Cutting into the loin right out of the oven releases all the juice. Wait the full 10 to 15 minutes. Your patience pays off in every bite.

How To Store And Reheat Leftovers

Leftover pork loin keeps in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat slices gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth, or in the microwave at 50 percent power. High heat dries it out a second time, so keep it low and slow.

You can also serve it cold in sandwiches or salads. Sliced thin, it holds up well for a few days of lunches.

Final Timing Recap

For a 5-pound pork loin at 350°F, plan on 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours. Check the temperature at the 1 hour 20 minute mark. Pull it at 145°F, rest it for 10 to 15 minutes, then slice. That is the whole process, and it works every time.

Write these numbers down or bookmark this page. Next time you roast a 5-pound loin, you will not have to guess.

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