First Pork Roast Predicament

I cooked a 4 lb. pork roast for about an hour and twenty-five minutes in an open top roasting pan at a steady 350F. It reached 154F in the center so I pulled it out of the oven. The top came out nice and crispy. I let it rest a bit. When I went to cut it it split open at the center-line. The inside looks like it has a somewhat pink center. The juices came out on the pink side too.

What I see in the web says that this normal. I am a bit shaky though. I am wrapping both halves in foil and putting them in the fridge until tomorrow so I can figure this out.

Any thoughts?

pork roast

Best Answer

You're good.

Many people have fears about pork because of trichinosis, which has led to people overcooking port until it is dry and unpalatable. Trichinosis is extremely rare in most places, so you could eat it raw if you wanted to with very, very low chance of getting sick. Previously the USDA guidelines was to cook pork chops or roasts to 160°F (71°C), however there has been a recognition that this is overkill and it has been revised down to 145°F (63°C) as evidence has shown that temperature instantly makes the food safe. 154°F is far above what you need for safety.

Your pork was a bit pink in the middle and still juicy, this is a good thing.

Note: the guidelines for ground pork, beef and lamb are still to cook to 160°F (71°C).

Pictures about "First Pork Roast Predicament"

First Pork Roast Predicament - From above yummy steaks and meat sausages roasting on grill grid near organic capsicum during picnic

First Pork Roast Predicament - Crop anonymous male cook pouring mayonnaise sauce from bottle to fried pulled pork on bun in kitchen

First Pork Roast Predicament - Whole smoked pig on broach near metal table with various utensils in yard of countryside house

Why is my pork roast always tough?

If you don't cook the connective tissue properly, it will be tough and rubbery. The connective tissue has to break down and literally melt away in the meat. This takes time. but when it's done, the meat should fall apart by itself.

What temperature should I set the oven to cook a pork roast?

Pork Roast in the Oven:

Pre-heat oven to 325F (163C).

Bake pork roast in the oven UNCOVERED for approximately 25-30 MINUTES *PER POUND*.

Or until internal temperature reaches 155F (68C), rested to a final 160F (71C).

Do you brown a pork roast first?

Before roasting, we always sear the pork on all sides first. After seasoning, throw it into a hot pan \u2014 we love our cast iron skillet for this. Sear all sides until they are golden brown. It's okay if the pork is still raw in the middle.

Slow Roasted Pork Roast with Veggies | Episode 1242

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Horizon Content, Dids, Kampus Production, Skylar Kang