Pork is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways, but if you’re looking for a crispy, golden brown crust on the outside with tender and juicy meat on the inside, cooking your pork roast on a cast iron skillet is the way to go.
But how long should you cook your pork roast on a cast iron to get it right?
In this article, we will take a look at how long it takes to cook a Pork Roast using cast iron. We will cover everything you need to know about cooking pork roast on cast iron, including the cooking time, temperature, and some useful tips on ingredients and how to cook your pork roast.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Pork Roast On Cast Iron?
Cooking a pork roast to the desired level of doneness can be tricky, but with the right cooking time and temperature, you can achieve perfect results every time.
Here are the recommended cooking times and temperatures for cooking a pork roast on a cast iron skillet to achieve different levels of doneness:
- Rare: A rare pork roast should be cooked to an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) and will take approximately 20-25 minutes per pound in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
- Medium-rare: For a medium-rare pork roast, the internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C), and it will take around 25-30 minutes per pound in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
- Medium: A medium pork roast should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), which will take roughly 30-35 minutes per pound in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
- Medium-well: For a medium-well pork roast, cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which will take approximately 35-40 minutes per pound in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
- Well-done: A well-done pork roast should be cooked to an internal temperature of 170°F (77°C), which will take about 40-45 minutes per pound in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
How Long Should I Cook Pork Roast On Cast Iron
Cooking times for pork roast vary depending on numerous factors such as the temperature, size of the pork roast, recipe, family size, and dietary needs. Let’s take a closer look at these factors and how they affect the cooking time for a pork roast on cast iron:
1. Temperature
The cooking temperature for a pork roast on a cast iron skillet is typically around 375°F (190°C). This temperature provides enough heat to cook the pork roast evenly without burning or drying it out. However, some recipes may require a slightly higher or lower temperature, depending on the desired outcome.
2. Size of Pork Roast
The size of the pork roast is another factor that affects the cooking time. A larger roast will take longer to cook than a smaller one. As a general rule, you should allow 20-30 minutes per pound of pork roast, depending on the desired doneness.
This means that a 4-pound pork roast will take between 80 and 120 minutes to cook, depending on whether you want it rare or well done.
3. Recipe
The recipe you are using can also affect the cooking time. Some recipes may call for a longer cooking time, while others may require a shorter cooking time. It’s essential to follow the recipe instructions carefully and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure that the pork roast is cooked to perfection.
4. Family Size
If you are cooking for a large family, you may need to adjust the cooking time to accommodate the size of your pork roast. A larger roast will take longer to cook than a smaller one, and you may need to increase the cooking time by 15-20 minutes per pound to ensure that the meat is fully cooked and tender.
5. Dietary Needs
Dietary needs can also affect the cooking time for a pork roast on a cast iron skillet. For example, if you are cooking a low-fat or low-sodium recipe, you may need to reduce the cooking time to prevent the meat from drying out.
Additionally, if you are cooking a pork roast for someone with a specific dietary need, such as gluten-free or dairy-free, you may need to adjust the cooking time or ingredients to accommodate their needs.
Cooking Time For The Perfect Cast Iron Cooked Pork Roast
Determining the perfect cooking time and temperature for your pork roast can be tricky, as there are many different factors to consider. We have put together a table of different pork roast names, along with their cooking time, cooking temperature, and internal temperature required to achieve the perfect cast iron cooked pork roast.
Pork Roast Name | Cooking Time | Cooking Temperature | Internal Temperature |
Pork Tenderloin | 25-30 mins | 375°F (190°C) | 145°F (63°C) |
Pork Loin Roast | 20-25 mins | 375°F (190°C) | 145°F (63°C) |
Pork Shoulder | 30-35 mins | 375°F (190°C) | 160°F (71°C) |
Pork Sirloin Roast | 25-30 mins | 375°F (190°C) | 145°F (63°C) |
Pork Rib Roast | 30-35 mins | 375°F (190°C) | 145°F (63°C) |
Pork Crown Roast | 35-40 mins | 375°F (190°C) | 145°F (63°C) |
Pork Leg Roast | 30-35 mins | 375°F (190°C) | 145°F (63°C) |
Pork Rack Roast | 30-35 mins | 375°F (190°C) | 145°F (63°C) |
Pork Belly Roast | 35-40 mins | 375°F (190°C) | 165°F (74°C) |
How Long To Cast Iron Cook Pork Roast At 400 – 450
Cooking a pork roast on a cast iron skillet at 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit (204-232 degrees Celsius) is a popular temperature range to achieve a delicious and flavorful crust on the outside of the pork roast while ensuring it is fully cooked on the inside.
To cook a pork roast on cast iron at this temperature range, preheat the oven to 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit (204-232 degrees Celsius). Then, sear the pork roast on all sides in the cast iron skillet until it is browned, which should take about 3-5 minutes per side.
Once the pork roast is seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and continue to cook for the recommended cooking time based on the size of the roast and desired doneness.
For example, a 2-3 pound pork roast cooked at 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit (204-232 degrees Celsius) would take approximately 25-30 minutes per pound to cook to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius) for a medium rare to medium doneness.
What Is The Doneness Level For The Perfect Pork Roast Cooked On Cast Iron?
When cooking pork roast on cast iron, it is important to know the desired doneness level for your pork roast to achieve the perfect cook. Here is a table that outlines the recommended internal temperature and corresponding doneness level for different types of pork roast:
Pork Roast Type | Internal Temperature | Doneness Level |
Pork Loin Roast, bone-in | 145°F (63°C) | Medium rare |
Pork Loin Roast, boneless | 145°F (63°C) | Medium rare |
Pork Sirloin Roast | 145°F (63°C) | Medium rare |
Pork Tenderloin Roast | 145°F (63°C) | Medium rare |
Pork Shoulder Blade Roast | 190-195°F (88-91°C) | Well done |
Pork Picnic Roast | 190-195°F (88-91°C) | Well done |
Pork Leg Roast | 145°F (63°C) | Medium rare |
Pork Crown Roast | 145°F (63°C) | Medium rare |
Pork Belly Roast | 190-195°F (88-91°C) | Well done |
Pork Rack Roast | 145°F (63°C) | Medium rare |
It is important to note that the recommended internal temperature for pork has decreased over the years, and the USDA now recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) followed by a three-minute rest time before serving.
Cast Iron Cooked Pork Roast Recipe
If you want to cook pork roast on cast iron, follow this recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 pound pork roast.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- 1 tablespoon salt.
- 1 tablespoon black pepper.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder.
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary (optional).
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Rub every area of the pork roast with olive oil. After that, season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the pork roast to the skillet and sear on all sides until browned, which should take about 3-5 minutes per side.
- If you are using fresh rosemary, add the sprigs to the skillet with the pork roast.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook the pork roast for the recommended cooking time based on the size of the roast and desired doneness, as discussed in previous answers.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork roast. The pork roast is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius).
- Remove the pork roast from the oven and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Video of Cooking Pork Roast On a Cast Iron
This video below briefly shows you what you need to do to prepare pork roast on a cast iron:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my pork roast is done on a cast iron?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork roast. The pork roast is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius). The recommended internal temperature and corresponding doneness level for different types of pork roast are discussed in previous answers.
Should I cover the pork roast while cooking on a cast iron skillet?
It is not necessary to cover the pork roast while cooking on a cast iron. Cooking the pork roast uncovered allows the heat to circulate and create a crispy crust on the outside of the roast.
How long should I let the pork roast rest before slicing?
Let the pork roast rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful pork roast.
What temperature should I cook a pork roast on a cast iron skillet?
The recommended cooking temperature for a pork roast on a cast iron skillet is 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit (205-230 degrees Celsius) for a crispy crust on the outside of the roast while ensuring it is fully cooked on the inside.
Conclusion
Cooking a pork roast on a cast iron skillet is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy this classic dish. To achieve the perfect cook on your pork roast, it’s essential to pay attention to factors such as cooking temperature, internal temperature, and desired doneness level.
By following the guidelines and tips outlined in this article, you can create a mouthwatering pork roast that is sure to impress your family and guests.
Whether you prefer rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done, with a little bit of practice and patience, you can master the art of cooking pork roast on a cast iron skillet.