Can Cooked Pork Loin Be Frozen? How to Tips + Recipe

If you are wondering, “Can Cooked Pork Loin Be Frozen?”, then you have come to the right place for all of the information you need with how-to tips and a great recipe to get you started.

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Freezing cooked pork loin is a convenient way to preserve its flavor and tenderness for later use as well as the best way for easy meal prepping.

Whether you have leftovers from a meal or want to prepare it in advance to save time, freezing cooked pork loin or cooked pork tenderloin is easy!

For the best results, you will need to have all of the tools on hand to freeze your cooked pork roast so check out the equipment list to get started.

Keep reading as I will go over the distinction between pork loin and pork tenderloin, how to properly freeze your cooked leftover pork, and give you my best recipe for roasted pork loin.

Understanding the Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Tenderloin

Let’s go over the distinction between a pork loin and a pork tenderloin.

There are quite a few differences between the two and you definitely need to know the difference so you choose the right cut of fresh pork for this recipe I share.

You must cook these cuts in different ways or the results will not turn out very tasty.

I will go over the details of each one and what makes them different.

Pork Loin:

Pork loin comes from the back of the pig and is a long, large oval shaped round cut of meat that can be bone-in or boneless.

My most favorite feature is that it contains a layer of fat on top that provides flavor and moisture during cooking.

Pork loin can be overcooked and dried out easily, but if you get a good roast with a fat cap on the top, that fat will help!

It can be roasted whole or sliced into chops for various recipes.

Choosing a pork loin is a good way to save money at the grocery store and also ensure you have a huge amount of pork leftover for other meals.

Its size makes it ideal for feeding a larger number of people.

If you do not want that much pork, I would still suggest buying it and cutting it up as soon as you get home.

Cut it into a smaller roast and some pork chops.

The raw pork chops can be frozen individually for dinners in the future which is good news!

Pork Tenderloin:

Pork tenderloin is a small cut that is leaner and more tender versus the pork loin.

It is a long, boneless, thin cut of tender meat that is very lean with little to no fat.

Since it is such a lean cut, pork tenderloin cooks quickly and must be cooked the right way to maintain its tenderness.

It can be grilled, roasted, or sliced for stir-fries and other dishes.

You must watch the meat closely with any cooking methods so it does not turn into tough leather!

If you only have access to a frozen pork tenderloin, then thaw it first then proceed with your favorite recipe.

Now Let’s Cook The Pork Loin in a Few Simple Steps

Make sure you start off with a pork loin, whether a center cut or roast, it must be a pork loin.

You do not want to use a pork tenderloin with this recipe as the long time it requires would ruin the lean cut of the tenderloin.

Here is what you will need:

3 lb pork loin (Center Cut or a Roast)
A Roasting Pan or a Large Casserole Dish
Cast Iron Skillet
Tongs
Whisk
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
Oregano
Smoked Paprika
Ground Black Pepper
Sea Salt
Water
Whole Onion, sliced into rings

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and line the bottom of your roasting pan or casserole dish with the onions in a single layer.

Place the pork loin on a large sheet pan and pat it dry with paper towels.

Set it aside and mix together all of your spices in a small bowl then rub them all over the raw meat on all sides.

Preheat your skillet over medium heat then sear your spiced rubbed pork loin on every side.

You should have a nice browned crust over all of the area of the pork loin.

Now place the pork loin on top of the onions you placed in the bottom of your roaster.

Put veggies around the pork loin if you wish, like small potatoes and carrots for a great way to have a full dinner prepared.

Pour the cold water into the skillet and use a whisk to deglaze the pan.

Pour this flavorful liquid over the pork loin in the baking pan.

Now place in the 450F oven for 15 minutes.

Once the time is up, turn the temperature down to 325F without opening the oven door.

Cook time for a pork loin at 325F is 25 minutes per pound.

This is to ensure you do not cook it the wrong way, end up with uncooked pork and risk any foodborne illnesses.

In the case of a 3lb pork loin the cooking time would be 1 hour and 15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for minimum required temperature.

I prefer mine a bit more well done so I go for 160F.

Once it is cooked, cover the roaster with the lid or cover your pan with foil for 20 minutes.

This allows the juices to return to the meat rather than run out with cutting too soon.

Now slice the roasted pork loin and serve it with your favorite sides.

When you are done with dinner, let your leftover meat cool down to a warm temperature.

You do not want the safety of the meat to be compromised with the growth of bacteria if you leave it out at room temperature very long.

For proper food safety, put your cooked pork loin in an airtight container in the fridge, shortly after served, if you wish to eat it the next day up to 3 days out.

Keep reading as we go over how to prepare it for freezing if you do not plan on eating the leftovers right away.

How to Freeze Cooked Pork Loin

Now that you have cooked up your pork loin, it is time to freeze your leftovers for another delicious meal in the future.

Its a good idea to let the cooked pork loin cool completely at room temperature no more than an hour to prevent bacterial growth.

The quality of the meat at the time of freezing will be the quality of it once thawed for your next dinner, so be sure to prepare it for freezing correctly.

If you have not already, cut the pork loin into individual servings for easier thawing and storage.

This also gives you the best quality with smaller pieces as its the easy way to prevent frozen meat from getting freezer burnt.

Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, tin foil, freezer wrap, butcher paper or freezer paper to prevent freezer burn and exposure to air.

Then you will put these individually wrapped pieces into airtight freezer bags, squeezing out excess air before sealing.

Alternately you can place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe container instead of a large resealable freezer bag.

Make sure you use shallow containers as it will not allow much air around the meat as it freezes.

If you plan on thawing the entire pork loin at once for another full meal next time, you can certainly freeze it whole.

In this case, you need to use heavy-duty aluminum foil AND a heavy-duty freezer bag to ensure the quality of meat stays.

A sealed freezer bag is best for a large whole piece rather than a container.

If you only have a container, then cut it up as originally suggested.

Make sure you write the expiration date on the container or plastic bag 3 months out from the date you packaged it to ensure it is used within a reasonable time frame.

The storage times will be a month less as it is not protected as well as the pre-wrapped option.

As always, check for signs of spoilage by smell and by sight.

If it looks or smells off do not eat it and discard it.

Place the wrapped and labeled portions in the coldest part of the freezer, ensuring they lay flat to save space and facilitate even freezing.

Avoid placing hot or warm containers directly into the freezer, as this can raise the temperature and affect other frozen items.

Now its time to thaw the meat for your next meal

In order to thaw the meat properly you need to plan ahead the night before giving it plenty of time to defrost.

To thaw, transfer the frozen pork loin to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly overnight.

This is the best way I have found to thaw frozen food, especially previously cooked pork so that the quality is preserved.

If you have forgotten and need it quickly, you can use your defrost setting on your microwave if you have one.

Alternately you can place the frozen meat under cold running water then proceed to warming it up for your meal.

Reheat the thawed pork loin in the oven at a low temperature ensuring it reaches an internal temperature on a meat thermometer of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.

I chose to put into an oven safe skillet with some broth then covering it with foil.

I warmed mine up at 350F for 10 minutes. It was the perfect timing so it did not get dried out.

You can also reheat the pork in an air fryer at 350F for 5 minute intervals.

Check the temperature of the meat at each interval until it is fully warmed.

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Tips, Substitutions, and FAQs

You can cover your pork loin meat with a sauce before freezing so the moisture will be preserved. Try a little bit of barbecue sauce or teriyaki sauce so it is ready with flavor once it is thawed.

When you cut your pork loin, cut the slices thinly so you can go right from thawing to making some tasty pork sandwiches!

If you want to use a vacuum sealer for preserving your cooked pork loin, that would stand in for the wrapping and freezer bag method. This is a viable option to prevent excess air which causes freezer burn.

Consider cooking your pork loin in a slow cooker instead of roasting. It make take a little longer but still results in tasty meat with minimal effort.

If you have chosen a different cut of pork like pork shoulder, pork butt, or boston butt then these freezing tips will also apply. Using these cuts of meat will result in pulled pork as they are much fattier than a pork loin. Check out my post on How Long to Cook Easy Keto Pork Shoulder Roast at 350? for an easy recipe to cook these cuts of meat in the oven.

Searing in the juices at that high heat of 450°F to start is what makes this the best pork loin recipe around. You then turn down the oven and cook it lower than usual, which also helps to make it a moist roast pork.

Always place your roast FAT SIDE UP so you do not lose out on that natural, fantastic tasting juiciness that the fat cap provides. Since the pork loin is less fatty than other pork products it produces the most delicious food when bathed in fat while cooking.

Can I cook my pork loin in an Instant Pot with the same results as the roasting in the oven? The results are similar but do have a slightly different texture with the pressure cooker. You would still proceed with patting the meat dry, rubbing with spices and searing in a skillet then deglazing the pan, BUT instead of putting it into a roaster pan you put it into the Instant Pot on a trivet. Pour the onions and cup of deglazing water over the seared pork loin that you place on the trivet. Cook it on HIGH pressure for 20 minutes then let it release naturally for 15 minutes. Once it is done, release any remaining pressure and transfer to a cutting board. Let it sit 5 minutes before cutting into it.

If I want to add bbq sauce or another sauce, when do I add it onto the pork loin? It is best to add it in at the end and then put it under the broiler for a few minutes to caramelize. This way your sauce will not run off the meat and be diluted with the broth.

What recipes can I use my leftover pork loin in? You can use leftover pork in any recipe calling for pork or chicken with tasty results! Try it in my Low Carb Fried Rice Recipe instead of the ground pork called for. Or you can go the Mexican route and use the leftover pork in my Gluten Free Cheesy Green Chile Skillet instead of the chicken called for.

Is it really necessary to sear the meat before roasting? It is not required but will result in the meat being more tender and a lot juicier than if you don’t. Getting the outside crisped up helps to create a barrier for the meat juices to be contained in. Plus it gives it a wonderful flavor that cannot be replicated with spices, so I recommend not skipping the step of searing the meat in any recipe.

Freezing cooked pork loin can extend its shelf life while maintaining its taste and quality when properly stored.

Understanding the differences between pork loin and pork tenderloin allows you to choose the right cut for your recipes paying attention to the product label distinction. Follow my suggestions for saving your leftover pork loin in the freezer so you can enjoy the convenience of having frozen cooked pork loin ready for quick and effortless meals.

Roasted pork loin & rooster with potatoes and carrots.

5 from 1 vote

Can Cooked Pork Loin Be Frozen? How to Tips + Recipe

If you are wondering, "Can Cooked Pork Loin Be Frozen?", then you have come to the right place for all of the information you need with how-to tips and a great recipe to get you started.

Freezing cooked pork loin is a convenient way to preserve its flavor and tenderness for later use as well as the best way for easy meal prepping.

Prep Time10

Active Time20

Cooking Time for Pork Loin1 15

Total Time1 45

Course: gluten free low carb, keto dinners, low carb dinner, pork dinner

Cuisine: American

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Yield: batch

Author: http://www.melissaraecarr.com

Cost: 5

Equipment

parchment paper
Freezer Paper
Freezer Zip Top Bags or Freezer Safe Container
Sharp Knife

Materials

Cast Iron Skillet
Roaster Pan or Shallow Casserole Pan
Tongs
1 3lb Pork Loin center cut or roast
1 large onion cut into rings
1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp ground oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp sea salt
1 cup water

Instructions

Roasting The Pork Loin:

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and line the bottom of your roasting pan or casserole dish with the onions in a single layer.
Place the pork loin on a large sheet pan and pat it dry with paper towels.
Set it aside and mix together all of your spices in a small bowl then rub them all over the raw meat on all sides.
Preheat your skillet over medium heat then sear your spiced rubbed pork loin on every side.
Now place the pork loin on top of the onions you placed in the bottom of your roaster.
Pour the cold water into the skillet and use a whisk to deglaze the pan.
Pour this flavorful liquid over the pork loin in the baking pan.
Now place in the 450F oven for 15 minutes.
Once the time is up, turn the temperature down to 325F without opening the oven door,
Cook time for a pork loin at 325F is 25 minutes per pound.
This is to ensure you do not cook it the wrong way, end up with uncooked pork and risk any foodborne illnesses.
In the case of a 3lb pork loin the cooking time would be 1 hour and 15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for minimum required temperature.
I prefer mine a bit more well done so I go for 160F.
Once it is cooked, cover the roaster with the lid or cover your pan with foil for 20 minutes. This allows the juices to return to the meat rather than run out with cutting too soon.
Now slice the roasted pork loin and serve it with your favorite sides. When you are done with dinner, let your leftover meat cool down to a warm temperature.
Its a good idea to let the cooked pork loin cool completely at room temperature no more than an hour to prevent bacterial growth.

Freezing The Cooked Pork Loin:

The quality of the meat at the time of freezing will be the quality of it once thawed for your next dinner, so be sure to prepare it for freezing correctly.
If you have not already, cut the pork loin into individual servings for easier thawing and storage. This also gives you the best quality with smaller pieces as its the easy way to prevent frozen meat from getting freezer burnt.
Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, tin foil, freezer wrap, butcher paper or freezer paper to prevent freezer burn and exposure to air.
Then you will put these individually wrapped pieces into airtight freezer bags, squeezing out excess air before sealing.
Alternately you can place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe container instead of a large resealable freezer bag.
Make sure you use shallow containers as it will not allow much air around the meat as it freezes. Write the expiration date on the container or plastic bag 3 months out from the date you packaged it to ensure it is used within a reasonable time frame.
Place the wrapped and labeled portions in the coldest part of the freezer, ensuring they lay flat to save space and facilitate even freezing.

Notes

Can I cook my pork loin in an Instant Pot with the same results as the roasting in the oven?

The results are similar but do have a slightly different texture with the pressure cooker. You would still proceed with patting the meat dry, rubbing with spices and searing in a skillet then degalzing the pan, BUT instead of putting it into a roaster pan you put it into the Instant Pot on a trivet. Pour the onions and cup of deglazing water over the seared pork loin that you place on the trivet. Cook it on HIGH pressure for 20 minutes then let it release naturally for 15 minutes. Once it is done, release any remaining pressure and transfer to a cutting board. Let it sit 5 minutes before cutting into it.

If I want to add bbq sauce or another sauce, when do I add it onto the pork loin?

It is best to add it in at the end and then put it under the broiler for a few minutes to caramelize. This way your sauce will not run off the meat and be diluted with the broth.

What recipes can I use my leftover pork loin in?

You can use leftover pork in any recipe calling for pork or chicken with tasty results! Try it in my Low Carb Fried Rice Recipe instead of the ground pork called for. Or you can go the Mexican route and use the leftover pork in my Gluten Free Cheesy Green Chile Skillet instead of the chicken called for.

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Check out these other low carb recipes you can freeze

Easy Gluten Free Meatball Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Once cooked, allow it to cool completely, then tightly wrap it in a layer of plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Gluten Free Cheesy Green Chile Chicken Skillet

It makes a great freezer meal for the entire family on those busy nights you don’t feel like cooking!

I put it in a freezer bag and then thaw overnight or in a little water the day I will be eating it.

Keto Gluten Free Swedish Meatballs Recipe

Just freeze them on the parchment lined baking pan after you have seared them. Give it an hour, then transfer to a large freezer bag. When you want to serve them, jump into the recipe from the part where you make the gravy and add in the meatballs to simmer on low heat until thawed then serve.

Low Carb With The Carrs

Can Cooked Pork Loin Be Frozen? How to Tips + Recipe

Can Cooked Pork Loin Be Frozen? How to Tips + Recipe