Shakespeare’s Pig

And knowing the difference between a pork loin and a pork tenderloin is the first step in answering this timeless question.

Although both cuts are from the same back region of the animal, they are completely different cuts of pork not only in how they taste but also how they are prepared.

In knowing more about the food we eat and being a savvy consumer, it is important to know the differences between pork loin and a pork tenderloin:

So What Is A Pork Loin?

Pork loin is a wide and thick rectangular cut of pork from the loin muscle of the pig, the midsection that runs from the shoulder to the rear.

Specifically, pork loin is cut from the back, between the back fat and the ribs.

Pork loin commonly has a thin layer of fat running along its top, called the fat cap.

Boneless pork loin is common but you can also purchase this piece of meat with the bone in it.

How to Prepare Pork Loin

The best way to cook pork loin is to sear it quickly on the stove until it is browned, then finish cooking it in the oven until a meat thermometer reads an internal temperature of 145°F.

You can also prepare pork loin in a slow cooker.

Pork loin roast is an ideal dish for feeding a large group of people and you can easily slice it into medallions to serve.

So What Is A Pork Tenderloin?

Pork tenderloin is a thin and long rectangular cut of pork from the loin muscle.

This piece of meat is cut from the delicate muscle along the pig’s spine and because that muscle is not used for movement, it is a particularly tender cut of meat (similar to beef filet mignon).

It is a very lean cut of meat with very little fat.

Pork tenderloin is a boneless cut of pork.

How to Prepare Pork Tenderloin

You can quickly sear pork tenderloin over high heat or grill it until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

When cut into smaller pieces, pork tenderloin is ideal for stir-fries.

What’s the Difference?

The differences between pork loin and pork tenderloin include:

Fat: Pork loin has more fat than pork tenderloin because pork loin tends to have a thin layer of fat along the top of it.

Colour: Pork loin has a pale pink appearance and pork tenderloin tends to be dark pink or red.

Size: Pork loin tends to be a bigger cut than pork tenderloin. A pork loin usually weighs four to five pounds while a pork tenderloin weighs approximately one pound.

Bones: Cuts of pork loin can be boneless or bone-in while pork tenderloin is boneless.

Cook time: Pork loin is a larger cut of meat, so it benefits from a longer cooking process. Pork tenderloin is leaner and thinner, so it is suited for quick-cooking.

Your local Lococo’s has an awesome sale on Boneless Pork Loin Halves for $1.99 / lb.

Of course, we have you covered with a fantastic pork loin or pork tenderloin recipe: Pork Tenderloin with ZEG Sauce.

So, slice your pork loin or pork tenderloin into thick cuts dripping with your favourite ZEG Sauces for a meal that will knock their sonnets off every time! Enjoy!

Savour the Flavour!

🐷 ZEG Sauces are a multiple use condiment sauce that can be used on any food around the world.

🐷 You can use ZEG Sauces for basting, marinating, spreading, as a side dipping sauce, or as a dressing the options are unlimited.

🐷 Use ZEG Sauces on everything from chicken, pork, and beef to vegetables, rice, and tofu.

Click Picture for Recipe