Sometimes, I need a dinner that I can quickly prep, stick in the oven, and forget about until it’s ready. Luckily, this pork loin is the perfect solution!
While pork loin can get tough and dry, this method results in a moist and tender roast every time. A quick sear followed by lower and slower baking leads to pork that’s cooked to perfection every time.
With just five-minutes of hands-on time and a simple, sugar-free savory rub that brings out the best of the pork’s natural flavor, this pork loin is one of our family’s favorites. It’s easy, but also guaranteed to please everyone – whether it’s for a family meal or a dinner party.
Served with sides, it can feed a crowd, or makes a bunch of leftovers that are delicious on salads, sandwiches, or on its own. And since it takes almost no effort (especially once it’s in the oven), you can either focus on making sides or taking care of other business.
What’s special about this pork loin?
I love this recipe because it’s easy and delicious, every single time. It only takes about 5 minutes to smother the pork in the Worcestershire sauce and rub, then it bakes without requiring your attention.
The rub also deserves a special shout out. While it is a savory rub, with no sugar or sweeteners added, the bit of cinnamon subtly brings out the natural sweetness of the meat. It’s not enough to be noticeably “cinnamon-y”, but it’s intriguing, delicious, and brings you back for another bite!
What should I serve with this pork loin?
Pork loin is a versatile cut, so it can be served with just about any sides you like. Our family loves it with a salad and slice of well-buttered fresh-milled sourdough bread for a simple meal. Honestly, it’s great paired with any vegetable and carb that you enjoy.
For a particularly autumnal flair, serve the pork loin with a bit of baked apples and perhaps some sauerkraut. In my opinion, pork, apples, and sauerkraut is the ultimate fall combo!
Does this pork loin make good leftovers?
Yes! These leftovers can get a bit dry when reheated, especially if reheated in the microwave, but it’s amazing on top of a salad (warm or cold), sliced thin on a sandwich, or just eaten on its own. I’ve even chopped it up and thrown it in with some pasta and sauce for another super easy dinner.
This pork loin will keep in the fridge for about 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing a cooked pork loin because the texture isn’t great when thawed, but a raw pork loin can be frozen for up to 6 months.
Ingredients
- Boneless pork loin (about 3lbs) – if your pork loin is a bit bigger, it will take longer to cook. If it’s significantly bigger, I’d recommend dropping the temperature to 325°F (instead of 350°F) and planning for a much longer cooking time.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce – do not omit this! It contributes a wonderfully complex, savory flavor.
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp paprika – I typically use regular paprika, but if I want to make it extra special, smoked paprika will make the pork loin smokier – delicious!
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Directions
Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place the pork loin in a casserole dish.
Step 2: Pour Worcestershire sauce over the pork loin and gently rub it all over.
Step 3: Mix the salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried rosemary, black pepper, and cinnamon. Rub it on the top and sides of the pork loin.
Step 4: Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350°F for 40-60 minutes, until the roast is 145°F in the center.
Step 5: Allow to rest 10 minutes before cutting to allow the meat to relax and reabsorb the juices. This step is essential for a moist and tender roast! Slice and serve with a drizzle of juices from the pan.
Equipment
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Moist & Tender Pork Loin (Savory, No-Sugar Rub)
This pork loin with a delicious, savory rub cooks up moist & tender every time! With only 5 minutes of hands-on time, it’s the perfect low-effort main dish that’s guaranteed to please.
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Boneless pork loin (about 3lbs)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Place the pork loin in a casserole dish.
- Pour Worcestershire sauce over the pork loin and gently rub it all over.
- Mix the salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried rosemary, black pepper, and cinnamon. Rub it on the top and sides of the pork loin.
- Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then lower the temperature to 350°F for 40-60 minutes, until the roast is 145°F in the center.
- Allow to rest 10 minutes before cutting to allow the meat to relax and reabsorb the juices. This step is essential for a moist and tender roast! Slice and serve with a drizzle of juices from the pan.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Resting Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Oven, Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Keto, Low-Carb
Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 385 kcal
Fat: 19g
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 49g
The nutrition data provided here is for informational only and is only an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It cannot be verified or guaranteed, and should not be used in the treatment of medical conditions. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice This data should be interpreted and used at your own risk.
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