A Guide to Choosing, Cooking, and Savouring Every Cut
When it comes to creating a memorable meal, few things impress like a perfectly cooked pork roast. From elegant holiday centrepieces to comforting family dinners, Canadian pork offers a wide range of roasts—each with its own flavour, texture, and best cooking method. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or planning leftovers for the week ahead, there’s a pork roast that’s just right for you.
Choosing the Right Pork Roast
Not all pork roasts are the same, and that’s a good thing. Each cut brings something unique to the table.
Rib and Loin Roasts
Pork rib roasts—bone-in or boneless—are often considered the “prime rib” of pork. Well-marbled and finely textured, these roasts deliver rich flavour and juicy results, making them ideal for oven roasting and entertaining. Centre-cut pork loin roasts are leaner but still tender, especially when paired with a brine, rub, or glaze.
Leg Roasts
Pork leg roasts offer lean, firm-textured meat with mild to medium flavour. Cuts like the inside, outside, and sirloin tip roasts are excellent choices for slicing thin, serving larger groups, or preparing dishes like French dip sandwiches. The smaller eye of the leg roast is perfect for couples or smaller households and often delivers surprising juiciness thanks to its marbling.
Shoulder Roasts
If bold flavour is what you’re after, pork shoulder is the answer. Blade roasts, picnic roasts, and capicola roasts are well-marbled and incredibly versatile. They shine when slow-roasted, braised, smoked, or transformed into tender pulled pork.
Belly and Specialty Roasts
Pork belly roasts—skin-on or skinless—are prized for their delicate flavour and rich texture. Skin-on belly delivers irresistible crackling, while skinless versions are perfect for braising, smoking, or barbecuing. Seasoned ground pork roasts offer a convenient, value-priced option with bold, international flavours.
Tenderloin
Naturally lean and tender, pork tenderloin is ideal for smaller roasts, stuffing, or quick oven meals. Its mild flavour pairs beautifully with rubs, glazes, and marinades.
How to Roast Pork Perfectly
The key to great pork isn’t guesswork—it’s temperature.
Traditional Roasting
The traditional oven temperature for pork roasting is 325°F. Using a meat thermometer is essential. Insert it into the thickest part of the roast and remove the pork when it reaches 155°F. After resting for 3–5 minutes, the temperature will rise to a safe and juicy 160°F.
Roasting Times
| Cut | Pork Roast | Lbs | Kg | Minutes/lb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loin | Pork Rib Roast Rack | 3–5 | 1.4–2.2 | 20–25 |
| Top Sirloin | 3–4 | 1.4–1.8 | 25–30 | |
| Pork Loin Centre Cut | 3–4 | 1.4–1.8 | 20–25 | |
| Tenderloin | ¾–1 | 375–500g | 25–30 | |
| Leg | Leg Roast (bone-in/boneless) | 3–4 | 1.4–1.8 | 20–25 |
| Inside/Outside Leg | 3–4 | 1.4–1.8 | 20–25 | |
| Sirloin Tip | 3–4 | 1.4–1.8 | 20–25 | |
| Eye of Round | 3–4 | 1.4–1.8 | 20–25 | |
| Shoulder | Shoulder blade (bone-in/boneless) | 3–6 | 1.4–2.7 | 30–35 |
| Picnic (bone-in/boneless) | 3–6 | 1.4–2.7 | 30–35 | |
| Capicola | 3–6 | 1.4–2.7 | 30–35 | |
| Belly | Skin-on/Skinless | 3–6 | 1.4–2.7 | 30–35 |
| Ground Pork | Seasoned Ground Pork Netted Roasts | 3–6 | 1.4–2.7 | 30–35 |
Lower-Temperature Roasting
Roasting pork at a lower temperature—250°F—offers big rewards. Slower cooking results in more flavour, increased tenderness, better juiciness, and even more servings. Just like traditional roasting, remove the pork at 155°F and allow it to rest before carving.
A Quick Tip for Best Results
Perfect pork should be juicy, tender, and just slightly pink. Maintaining a steady oven temperature and allowing the roast to rest before carving lets the juices redistribute evenly throughout the meat—making every bite better than the last.
Try Something New
With so many Canadian pork roasts to choose from, there’s always something new to discover. Experiment with different cuts, cooking methods, and flavours to find your personal favourite. From elegant rib roasts to comforting shoulder cuts, pork offers versatility, value, and exceptional eating quality for every occasion.
