If you are going to bake a pork roast in the oven, this calculator can help you quickly figure out how long it should be baked.
Pork Food Safety
The US Department of Agriculture recommends cooking a pork roast at 350 degrees for 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees. They also recommend letting the roast rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking. This resting period allows the internal temperature to continue to rise enough to kill any remaining foodborne pathogens, as well as improve the quality of the meat before carving.
While there are several varieties of pork roast (pork loin roast, center-cut rib roast, etc), all cuts that come from the back should be cooked using this recommendation.
Pork Cooking Tips
- To ensure that your pork cooks evenly, make sure your roast is thoroughly defrosted and at room temperature before placing it in the oven.
- Bake in a shallow pan so that the heated air in the oven can circulate evenly around the entire roast.
- Place foil over the top of the pork roast to prevent too much moisture loss and drying.
- Add a cup of water, wine or beef stock to the bottom of the pan. This liquid will steam upward and help keep your pork moist.
- Because oven temperatures can vary, use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the roast. It will help you prevent overcooking (or undercooking) your pork.
If you would like to know how many pounds of pork you will need for your gathering, check out our Meat Per Person Calculator
