Pork loin doesn’t have to be boring. Here are 28 creative and delicious pork loin recipes for you to choose from!
If you’re tired of the same old pork dishes, these pork loin recipes are for you.
There are so many pork loin recipes out there, yet people still have so many questions about this popular cut of meat. We’ll try to answer of a few of them for you first, or just scroll down to get to the delicious recipes we’re sharing!
WHAT IS PORK LOIN?
Some recipes call for pork loin while others call for pork tenderloin. Are they the same thing? No, they are actually two different cuts of pork. But the term “pork loin” is often used interchangeably for the two. Here’s how the two cuts are different.
- Pork loin and pork tenderloin are cut from different parts of the pig. A pork loin is wide and flatter in shape, and is cut from the upper back area of the pig, near the ribs. It is often sold as a pork roast and can be boneless or bone-in. Pork tenderloin is smaller and more narrow in shape, and is cut from the area along the backbone of the animal.
- Pork Loin is great for roasting and grilling, slicing into boneless pork chops, or cutting into pieces to serve in stews, casseroles, etc.
- Pork tenderloin is great for quick cooking over high heat, or oven roasting, or can be sliced into boneless medallions.
- Be careful about substituting one for the other – A loin roast will require much longer cook time than the small tenderloin.
- Pork loin can be sold with or without bones. You may find bone-in style pork loins sold as crown roast of pork or pork racks. Pork tenderloin is always boneless.
HOW TO COOK PORK LOIN?
Pork loin is lean and mild-tasting so it goes well with almost anything you pair with it. The pork tenderloin is also very lean and mild-flavored. The tenderloin gets cooked fairly quickly and is the most tender pork cut, while a loin roast is larger, takes a bit more time, and can be tougher if not cooked right. Tenderloin can be sliced before cooking and sauteed for an even quicker meal. Try slow-cooking pork loin, roasting or throwing it on the grill. The pork loin recipes below should give you some great ideas.
HOW TO SEASON PORK LOIN?
Regardless of which loin cut you choose, you should season liberally with both salt and pepper just before cooking. This really helps bring out the flavor of the meat.
WHAT TO DO WITH LEFTOVER PORK LOIN?
The first thing that comes to mind is sandwiches! You can also dice it and add it to eggs for breakfast or add it to a wrap or salad for a delicious lunch. Quesadillas are always another great option. Thinly slice it and roll it up with a slice of cheese, then hold with toothpicks (this is also great for those following the Keto diet). Or just eat it straight from the fridge, especially if you started with one of the terrific pork loin recipes below!
Easy & Delicious Pork Loin Recipes
These delicious pork loin recipes include a combination of ideas for both pork loin and pork tenderloin. Both cuts are versatile and flavorful and offer a variety of creative ways to make mealtime easy and tasty.
Teriyaki Pork Loin with Pineapple Relish
This teriyaki pork loin, made with tenderloin, is one of my favorite ways to get a quick, healthy, and delicious meal on the table for the family.
Apple Cider-Brined Pork Tenderloin With Rhubarb Deglazing Sauce
This apple cider brined pork tenderloin has an amazing flavor and comes out fork-tender and juicy.
Pork Tenderloin with Raisin Pine Nut Relish
This meal is easy enough for every day, but fancy enough for a holiday dinner as an alternative to ham or prime rib. It's also dairy-free and gluten-free to accommodate diverse diets and food allergies.
One-Pan Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin, Potatoes, and Garlic Recipe
This One-Pan Herb Roasted Pork Tenderloin is paired with fingerling potatoes, creamy roasted garlic, and topped with a quick pan sauce. This is a paleo friendly meal, and if you use sugar free bacon, it's also whole 30 compliant.
Vietnamese Noodle Bowl Recipe
This simple Vietnamese noodle bowl features a savory pork tenderloin, fresh lime juice, and basil and is topped with a crunchy slaw mix. Customize this to your taste with extra veggies like bok choy and carrots, and spice it up with jalapenos and chili sauce.
Mandarin Chipotle Pork Tacos
This will be one of your favorite new taco night meals, made with a sweet and spicy marinated pork tenderloin and caramelized fajita style.
Pork Tenderloin with Blackberry Mint Sauce
This pork tenderloin recipe is made with blackberries, mint, port wine, and sweet maple syrup for a super flavorful dish that is both easy and elegant.
Blue Cheese-Stuffed Applewood Smoked Bacon Pork Loin
This Blue Cheese-Stuffed Bacon-Wrapped Pork Loin is quick to make and packs a ton of flavor!
Did we mention it's wrapped in bacon?
Peppercorn Pork with Balsamic Honey Apples
This pork tenderloin is seared in a delicious peppercorn-garlic marinade, and topped with a balsamic and honey apple mixture. You'll love the flavor of this dish!
Pan-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Balsamic Tomatoes
This pork tenderloin recipe is cooked on the stovetop and finished in the oven. The pork, tomatoes, and onions are infused with balsamic and fresh thyme, and the sauce is tangy and delicious. Serve this one with rice and drizzle the sauce for a delicious dinner.
Slow Cooker Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin
Bacon wrapped pork loin. I know, we love it too. This one is slow cooked with a brown sugar glaze. It's like heaven on a plate.
Apple Pecan "Porc au Coq"
Simple ingredients can make an extremely elegant and delicious dish. This is pork loin wrapped around fresh herbs, apples, and pecans, and a chicken breast. This one takes a little extra prep time, but the flavor is so worth it.
Creamy pork tenderloin baked with apples
Pork and apples are a great combination -- pair it with potatoes and throw it in a casserole? I don't think it gets any better than that.
Roasted Pork Loin Sandwich with Cherry Sauce
Put this sliced pork loin roast on a sandwich topped with sweet spiced cherry sauce for a flavor packed bite that you can't get enough of!
Bacon Wrapped Hickory Smoked Buffalo Pork Loin Fingers
Slice your pork loin roast (not pork tenderloin) into 3 inch by 1 inch pieces and wrap them in bacon and serve them with a buffalo sauce. This is such a great idea for an appetizer, lunch, or as they call it, Man Food Monday.
Sheet Pan Black Pepper Pork Hash
Sheet pan meals are awsome! So easy, especially when you throw in a pre-marinated sliced pork tenderloin. Mix it with some veggies for a complete, easy meal in no time, with very little prep.
Juicy Pork Roast Recipe (with Apples and Onions)
If you want to make a pork loin roast, this is the one to go to. It's simple and delicious, easy enough for a regular family meal, but flavorful and elegant enough for any holiday meal. Keep this one in your rotation.
Crock Pot Pork Tenderloin Marsala
This pork tenderloin marsala is so easy since it cooks up in the crock pot, and it's flavorful and comforting. It's also a great budget-friendly meal that can be served over fresh cooked egg noodles.
Crockpot Carnitas with Pork Tenderloin or Loin (Paleo, Whole30)
When pork roast is on sale, I pick up a big pork loin, cook it in the slow cooker and turn it into carnitas. It's super budget friendly and it feeds us for days. Tacos, carnitas and eggs, toss it into soup, or top our potatoes with it -- it's perfect for making quick meals during the week, and this recipe is paleo and whole 30 friendly.
Pork Vindaloo
This curry-based dish can be made with pork loin and is full of delicious flavors. Serve it over a bowl of basmati rice. Bonus -- this can be made in the crock pot and the instant pot as well.
Teriyaki Pork Stir Fry
I love a good stir fry. They're so easy, I love the colorful veggies, and they always taste so good. This one is made with pork tenderloin and has a wonderful sauce.
Pork and Green Chile Casserole
This is a great casserole that can be made with boneless pork loin or pork tenderloin. It's easy to prep and makes a big batch so you can serve a crowd or have leftovers during the week.
Scalloped Pork and Potato Casserole | Canadian Goodness
Kick your scalloped potatoes up a notch with this pork and potato casserole recipe. Another one that's great for weeknight meals or even serving at a holiday get together.
Crock Pot Pork Loin
This recipe shows you how to make melt-in-your-mouth-tender pork loin in the crock pot.
Best Damn Oven Roasted Pork Loin
This Oven Roasted Pork Loin has just a few simple ingredients to allow the pork to shine.
The Best Grilled Pork Loin Recipe
Grilled pork loin is a delicious and easy recipe, just add your favorite BBQ sauce and you're all set.
Perfectly Moist Pork Loin
This recipe is simple and easy to prepare and then "set it and forget" while it bakes in the oven.
More Wonderful Pork Recipes To Try!
- Cherry & Balsamic Crock Pot Pork Chops
- Shredded Pork Tacos with Avocado, Queso, and Quick Pickled Onions
- Instant Pot Pork Chops with Dijon Butter Sauce
- Grilled Boneless Pork Chops with Mexican Corn Salad
- Pork Chops & Creamy Green Chile Sauce
- Instant Pot Parmesan Crusted Carnitas Quesadillas
- Barbie Doll Cake (or a Princess Cake) - July 20, 2023
- Pomegranate Chipotle Barbecue Sauce - July 13, 2023
- Now That’s Some Twisted Bacon! - July 5, 2023
Amy at Very Culinary
Sunday 10th of January 2016
Gah! Forgive my absolute unforgivable late attention to this! I've had it bookmarked forever and am finally reading it. You know how much I love pork - this round-up is fantastic and I'm thrilled to be a part of it!
Kristy Bernardo
Saturday 23rd of January 2016
You're absolutely forgiven and you're welcome!!
Sues
Sunday 3rd of January 2016
I always say I want to cook more pork and I never do... That has to change this year and this is the perfect way to start!
Kristy Bernardo
Monday 4th of January 2016
Awesome! So glad you'll be giving these a try, Sues! Happy New Year :)