To cook a frozen pork loin roast in an electric oven, you will need to thaw it first for even cooking. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook a thawed pork loin roast:
Thawing the Pork Loin Roast:
- Place the frozen pork loin roast in the refrigerator on a tray or in a container to catch any drippings.
- Allow the roast to thaw in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours depending on its size. As a general guideline, allow approximately 5 hours of thawing time per pound of meat.
- Once thawed, remove the roast from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to take the chill off.
Preparing the Oven:
- Preheat your electric oven to 325°F (160°C).
Seasoning the Pork Loin Roast:
- Pat the roast dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season the pork loin roast generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. You can use a pre-made pork seasoning blend or create your own using herbs like rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, etc.
Roasting the Pork Loin:
- Place the seasoned pork loin roast on a rack in a roasting pan. The rack will help promote even cooking and allow the heat to circulate around the roast.
- Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roast, making sure it doesn't touch the bone.
- Place the roasting pan with the pork loin roast in the preheated oven.
- Cook the roast for approximately 20 to 25 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for medium doneness. Cooking times may vary, so it's essential to rely on the internal temperature rather than just the time.
- Check the temperature of the roast periodically by inserting the meat thermometer. Be careful not to overcook it, as pork loin can dry out if cooked for too long.
Resting and Carving:
- Once the roast reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Let the roast rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat and makes it easier to carve.
- After resting, slice the pork loin roast into thin slices and serve.
Remember, these instructions assume that the pork loin roast is thawed properly. Thawing in the refrigerator is the recommended method as it ensures safe and even thawing.