Cooking a pork roast to perfection can be daunting, especially if you’re aiming for a medium-rare finish. Several factors determine how long it takes to cook a pork roast for medium-rare, such as the cut of meat, the thickness of the roast, and the cooking method used.
In this article, we will explore how long to cook pork roast to medium rare and offer some helpful tips to ensure your meat comes out with the best flavor.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, read on to learn everything you need to know about cooking pork roast to medium-rare.
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How Long Does It Take To Cook Pork Roast To Medium Rare?
The cooking time and temperature required to cook a pork roast to medium rare will vary depending on the size and thickness of the roast. As a general rule, a pork roast should be cooked at a temperature of 350°F (175°C) and cooked for approximately 20 minutes per pound of meat.
However, it is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the meat has reached 145°F (63°C) before removing it from the oven.
Here are some specific guidelines for cooking different types of pork roast to medium rare:
Pork Loin Roast
A pork loin roast can be cooked to medium rare in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 20-25 minutes per pound. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) before removing it from the oven.
Pork Tenderloin
Pork tenderloin is a smaller cut of meat and will cook more quickly than a larger pork roast. To cook pork tenderloin to medium rare, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and cook the tenderloin for approximately 20-25 minutes.
The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) before removing it from the oven.
Pork Shoulder Roast
A pork shoulder roast is a larger cut of meat that will require a longer cooking time. To cook a pork shoulder roast to medium rare, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and cook the roast for approximately 25-30 minutes per pound.
The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) before removing it from the oven.
Pork Rack Roast
A pork rack roast is a flavorful cut of meat that is perfect for special occasions. To cook a pork rack roast to medium rare, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and cook the roast for approximately 25-30 minutes per pound.
The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) before removing it from the oven.
How Long Should I Cook Pork Roast To Medium Rare
When cooking a pork roast to medium rare, it is important to consider several factors to determine the appropriate cooking time. Here are some of the factors to consider:
1. Temperature
The internal temperature of the pork roast is the most important factor in determining when it is done. Pork roast should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to be considered medium rare.
It is important to use a meat thermometer to accurately measure the temperature of the meat.
2. Size of the Pork Roast
The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the pork roast. As a general rule, a pork roast should be cooked at a temperature of 350°F (175°C) and cooked for approximately 20 minutes per pound of meat.
However, the cooking time may vary based on the thickness and size of the meat.
3. Recipe
Different recipes may require different cooking times depending on the preparation method and seasonings used. It is important to follow the recipe instructions and use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork roast is cooked to the appropriate temperature.
4. Family Size
The size of the family or the number of guests being served will affect the cooking time. A larger pork roast will require a longer cooking time than a smaller one.
Additionally, if serving a large family or group, it may be necessary to cook multiple pork roasts at the same time, which will also impact the cooking time.
5. Diet
The diet of those being served may also affect the cooking time. For example, if serving a group of people who prefer their meat more well-done, the pork roast may need to be cooked longer to reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
2-3 lb. pork roast: 45-60 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
4-5 lb. pork roast: 1.5-2 hours at 350°F (175°C).
6-7 lb. pork roast: 2-2.5 hours at 350°F (175°C).
8-10 lb. pork roast: 3-3.5 hours at 350°F (175°C).
Cooking Time For The Perfect Medium Rare Cooking of Pork Roast
To achieve the perfect medium rare doneness, it is important to consider the size and type of pork roast being cooked, as well as the cooking temperature and time.
The table includes several different pork roast names, along with the recommended cooking time, cooking temperature, and internal temperature for achieving a medium rare finish.
Pork Roast Name
Cooking Time
Cooking Temperature
Internal Temperature
Pork Loin Roast
20-25 min/lb
350°F (175°C)
145°F (63°C)
Pork Tenderloin
20-25 min/lb
425°F (220°C)
145°F (63°C)
Pork Shoulder Roast
25-30 min/lb
350°F (175°C)
145°F (63°C)
Pork Rack Roast
25-30 min/lb
350°F (175°C)
145°F (63°C)
Pork Sirloin Roast
25-30 min/lb
350°F (175°C)
145°F (63°C)
Pork Leg Roast
25-30 min/lb
325°F (165°C)ē
145°F (63°C)
Pork Crown Roast
25-30 min/lb
350°F (175°C)
145°F (63°C)
Pork Belly Roast
40-45 min/lb
325°F (165°C)
145°F (63°C)
Pork Rib Roast
20-25 min/lb
350°F (175°C)
145°F (63°C)
Pork Butt Roast
25-30 min/lb
325°F (165°C)
145°F (63°C)
What is The Doneness Level For The Perfect Medium Rare Cooked Pork Roast?
Cooking your pork roast to perfect doneness is important to achieve the desired texture and taste. Medium rare is a popular doneness level for pork roast as it results in juicy and tender meat with a slightly pink center.
The table presented below shows varieties of pork roast and their recommended internal temperature for achieving medium rare doneness.
Pork Roast Name
Internal Temperature for Medium Rare
Pork Loin Roast
145°F (63°C)
Pork Tenderloin
145°F (63°C)
Pork Shoulder Roast
145°F (63°C)
Pork Rack Roast
145°F (63°C)
Pork Sirloin Roast
145°F (63°C)
Pork Leg Roast
145°F (63°C)
Pork Crown Roast
145°F (63°C)
Pork Belly Roast
145°F (63°C)
Pork Rib Roast
145°F (63°C)
Pork Butt Roast
145°F (63°C)
Medium Rare Cooked Pork Roast Recipe
Use this recipe whenever you feel like cooking your pork roast to medium rare:
Ingredients:
1 pork roast (any type).
Salt and pepper to taste.
1 tablespoon olive oil.
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to the recommended cooking temperature for the type of pork roast you are cooking (refer to the table in the previous answer).
Season the pork roast generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
Sear the pork roast on all sides until browned, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
Place the pork roast on a roasting rack in a roasting pan or baking dish.
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the pork roast, making sure not to touch the bone.
Place the roasting pan in the oven and cook until the internal temperature of the pork roast reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium rare doneness. Refer to the recommended cooking time on the table in the previous answer for your specific type of pork roast.
Once the pork roast has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Video of Cooking Pork Roast To Medium Rare
Here is a brief video of medium rare pork chops:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the pork roast is cooked to medium rare?
The surest way to know when the pork roast is cooked to medium rare is by using a meat thermometer. A meat thermometer can help check the internal temperature of the meat. When the thermometer reads 145°F (63°C), it means the pork roast is cooked to medium rare.
How long does it take to cook a pork roast to medium rare?
The cooking time for a pork roast to reach medium rare varies depending on the size and type of the pork roast. Refer to the cooking time in the table provided earlier in this article to determine the appropriate cooking time for your specific type of pork roast.
Do I need to let the pork roast rest after cooking it to medium rare?
It is recommended to let the pork roast rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking it to medium rare. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
Can I cook a frozen pork roast to medium rare?
Cooking a frozen pork roast is not always recommended, as it can result in uneven cooking and potential food safety issues. It is best to thaw the pork roast before cooking it to ensure even cooking and food safety.
Can I use a slow cooker to cook a pork roast to medium rare?
You can use a slow cooker to cook a pork roast to medium rare. However, the cooking time will be longer than if you were to cook it in the oven.
It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the pork roast has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) before serving.
Conclusion
Cooking a pork roast to medium rare can be a delicious and juicy option for those who prefer a pink center in their meat. However, it is important to follow proper cooking temperatures and times to ensure that the pork roast is safe to eat.
Factors such as the type and size of the pork roast can affect the cooking time and temperature, so it is important to refer to a reliable guide or recipe.
Using a meat thermometer is essential to ensure that the pork roast has reached the recommended internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare doneness
