Pork loin is your go-to ingredient when you want an easy, yet show-stopping meal. Try it roasted, slow cooked, grilled and even on the stovetop.
25 Ways to Cook a Pork Loin
Updated on Aug. 28, 2024
Homemade Sweet-and-Sour Pork
I stir up a homemade sauce for this colorful combination of tender meat, crunchy vegetables and tangy pineapple. Serve my sweet-and-sour pork over hot rice, chow mein noodles or both. —Eleanor Dunbar, Peoria, Illinois
1/25
2/25
Italian Pork Loin
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to change things up during the holidays with pork loin recipes that incorporate my favorite herbs and veggies. This showpiece dish really dazzles my family. —Kim Palmer, Kingston, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked pork with 2 carrot halves and 1 onion quarter: 295 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 388mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
3/25
Chinese Boneless Spare Ribs
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rich, warming five-spice and savory-sweet hoisin sauce give nuanced complexity to these quick-cook short ribs, inspired by traditional Chinese-style barbecue. The characteristic red hue comes from food coloring, which you can add to the marinade if you’d like. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork: 204 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 463mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 20g protein.
4/25
Pennsylvania-Style Pork Roast
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our children first had this tender and juicy pork roast with sauerkraut at a family celebration. They devoured it and went back for seconds! Now it’s a mainstay in my recipe file. —Ronda Jay Holcimb, Farmington, New Mexico
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork: 191 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 353mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
5/25
Chinese Pork Fried Rice
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pretty peas and crunchy carrots add color to tender meat and rice in this Chinese pork fried rice recipe. —Peggy Vaught, Glasgow, West Virginia.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 338 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 163mg cholesterol, 597mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
6/25
Air-Fryer Pork Roast
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
After lots of tweaking, I think I’ve come up with the perfect air-fryer pork loin recipe. It’s simple to pull together, and the leftovers are fantastic. —DeEtta Rasmussen, Fort Madison, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked pork with 1/4 cup gravy: 388 calories, 20g fat (10g saturated fat), 133mg cholesterol, 906mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 42g protein.
7/25
Ranch Pork Roast
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Our Test Kitchen created this simple Savory Pork Roast with a mild rub that’s perfect for new cooks. The leftover meat is tender and flavorful, and can be used in countless recipes. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked pork: 212 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 248mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 27g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 fat.
8/25
Thyme & Basil Roast Pork
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dad’s favorite roast pork was rubbed with cinnamon, thyme, basil and lemon. He loved thick slices and wanted only a salad to finish off the meal. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked pork: 266 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 493mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
9/25
Slow-Cooker Curry Pork
Total Time
3 hours 45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I’m a stay-at-home mom, and the slow cooker helps me create dishes like this pork with a curry and cumin rub. I also add a splash of coconut milk. —Beverly Peychal, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked pork with 1/2 cup vegetables: 261 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch.
10/25
Apple-Roasted Pork with Cherry Balsamic Glaze
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I added roasted apples, cherries and onions to turn ordinary pork into an impressive dish. There is a short time span between caramelized onions and burned ones, so pay close attention once they start cooking. —Josh Downey, McHenry, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 387 calories, 15g fat (4g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 498mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein.
11/25
Hawaiian Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for a great last-minute meal when friends drop in? Hampton, Virginia's Michelle Cavalier recommends one of her husband's sweet-and-sour favorites. “This is so easy, tastes just like Hawaiian pizza, and I usually have all ingredients on hand.”
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 3/4 cup sauce: 250 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 554mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
12/25
Apple Pork Loin
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love making this slow cooker pork roast with apples for chilly fall dinners with my family. The apple pork loin tastes even better served with homemade mashed potatoes. —Rachel Schultz, Lansing, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 290 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat.
13/25
Moist Cranberry Pork Roast
Total Time
4 hours 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to serve this tender, flavorful pork to guests. You don’t have to toil away in the kitchen to prepare it, yet it tastes like a gourmet meal. —Kimberley Scasny, Douglasville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounce-weight: 289 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 201mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 1g fiber), 27g protein.
14/25
Mexican Pork & Pinto Beans
Total Time
4 hours 30 min
Servings
16 servings (4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
We've lived in Arizona for decades, so Mexican-style cooking has become the same as "Arizona-style cooking" for us. Nothing tastes better than chili-spiced pork with tortillas. —Anne Fatout, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without tortillas): 211 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 181mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
15/25
Southern Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a taste of a southern classic, we make sweet potatoes stuffed with pulled pork and coleslaw and manage to sidestep the calorie overload. —Amy Burton, Cary, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 potato with 2/3 cup pork mixture and 1/4 cup coleslaw: 428 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 784mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 6g fiber), 28g protein.
16/25
Spice-Brined Pork Roast
Total Time
1 hour 45 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This brined and barbecued pork roast is unbelievably moist. Adding seasonings to the coals produces an awesome aroma that draws guests to the grill!—Lorraine Schroeder, Albany, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
6 ounces cooked pork: 225 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 75mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 6 lean meat.
17/25
Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork
Total Time
8 hours 50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to share this dish at potlucks because it can be made ahead, which I especially appreciate during the busy holiday season. The sweet-and-spicy sauce is always a hit. —Martha Anne Carpenter, Mesa, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 536 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 1304mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (28g sugars, 2g fiber), 42g protein.
18/25
Southwestern Nachos
Total Time
7 hours 55 min
Servings
30 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests will go crazy when you serve this cheesy nacho casserole with tender chunks of slow-cooked pork. The recipe makes two heaping pans, and you don’t need to worry about filling the chip bowl—the tortilla chips are conveniently baked right in the dish! —Kelly Byler, Goshen, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 288 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
19/25
Grilled Dijon Pork Roast
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe one day when I was scrambling to find ingredients for dinner. My husband absolutely loved it. Now it’s the only way I make pork! —Cyndi Lacy-Andersen, Woodinville, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3 ounces cooked pork: 149 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 213mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 22g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat.
20/25
Slow-Cooker Sweet-and-Sour Pork
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Chinese food is a big temptation for us, so I lightened up a favorite takeout dish. As the pork cooks, the aroma is beyond mouthwatering. —Elyse Ellis, Layton, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without rice): 531 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 705mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (63g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
21/25
Zippy Pork Chili
Total Time
2 hours 25 min
Servings
10 servings (about 2-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
In addition to eating this chili the traditional way (with a spoon!), my family likes to scoop bites onto tortilla chips. The leftovers are delicious rolled in tortillas and warmed up. It's so comforting to have a pot simmering when cold Kansas winds are blowing. —Michelle Beran, Claflin, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 303 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 638mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 7g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
22/25
Southwest Shredded Pork Salad
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This knockout shredded pork makes a healthy, delicious and hearty salad with black beans, corn, cotija cheese and plenty of fresh greens. —Mary Shivers, Ada, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 233 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 321mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
23/25
Pork Roast with Apples and Onions
Total Time
1 hour 15 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The sweetness of the apples and onions nicely complements the roast pork. With its crisp, golden exterior and melt-in-your-mouth flavor, this pork is my family's favorite weekend dinner. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 210 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 109mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
24/25
Pork Loin with Raspberry Sauce
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Raspberries add rub red color and fruity sweetness to the sauce that enhances this savory pork roast. This is an easy way to transform everyday pork into a special-occasion main dish. —Florence Nurczyk, Toronto, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 322 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 89mg cholesterol, 357mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 1g fiber), 34g protein.
25/25
Orange-Glazed Pork Loin
Total Time
1 hour 30 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is one of the best pork recipes I've ever tried. My family looks forward to this roast for dinner, and guests always want the recipe. The flavorful rub, and the glaze brightened with orange juice, are also outstanding on pork chops. —Lynnette Miete, Alna, Maine
Nutrition Facts:
4 ounces cooked pork with 1 tablespoon glaze: 199 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
