Pork loin is cut from the long back of the pig, from the shoulder to the back legs, and provides very lean meat. This most tender cut is popular as roasting joints, or cut up to make individual steaks and chops. When bought as a roasting joint, you can typically purchase it with the bone in or as a boneless loin.
Whether you buy chops, steaks or whole roasting joints, pork loin is sure to provide plenty of flavour alongside mouth-watering succulence. Now let’s turn our attention to cooking pork loin.
Let’s start with a pork loin roasting joint. This cut is ideal for classic Sunday dinner, and pairs well with apple sauce, roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables. A prepared pork loin will usually come tied and bearing a layer of fat to aid the cooking and produce lovely crackling. Scoring the fat and seasoning well will develop the flavour before placing in an oven. Roast in a hot oven for around 1 hour (follow the time guidelines of the recipe you follow). Allow the meat to rest, which will make carving easier and gives the finished joint a moist succulence.
Pork loin steaks are best pan fried, in a hot skillet or pan. Season the steaks well before placing in the hot pan. It’s best to aim for a golden-brown outside and a juicy, tender inside. Be careful not to overcook them as they will dry out and lose succulence.
How long does it take to cook pork loin? As a rough guideline, a pork loin will take around 1 hour to roast in the oven, and pan fried steaks can be cooked in around 10-15 minutes.
Head on over to our inspiration section and discover a wonderful Pork Loin Pittas with Fennel & Balsamic Marinade recipe. This step-by-step recipe makes great use of a boneless pork loin, with the addition of a delicious Mediterranean twist.
As Scotland’s biggest and best online butcher, we have a vast range of premium grade pork cuts including boneless Scotch Pork Loin, French Trimmed Rack Of Pork, fresh Scotch Pork Loin Steaks and Chops. Order online today at Campbells Meat and get them delivered quickly and freshly to your doorstep!