This easy Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin recipe can be prepared in just 45 minutes. Coated in herbs and garlic, pan-seared to perfection, and finished in the oven, it's a simple yet flavorful dish that never disappoints.
Pork tenderloin is one of my favorite cuts of meat to cook. Its inherent tenderness and flavor are exceptional, yet it can be further enhanced with just a handful of simple ingredients. In this dish, the herbs and garlic stand out, creating a restaurant-quality pork dish that is surprisingly simple to prepare.
The secret to creating the perfect crust is to pan-sear the pork tenderloin before completing the cooking process in the oven. While you may choose to cook it solely in the oven, searing it in a pan beforehand truly enhances the flavor profile. Remember, browning means flavor!
Ingredients
This recipe calls for only eight simple ingredients to create a mouthwatering pork tenderloin that's sure to be a hit with everyone.
- Pork Tenderloin – I use two pork tenderloins for this recipe since one is not enough to feed my family. Typically, a grocery store package contains two tenderloins.
- Herbs – Fresh thyme and oregano are ideal for this recipe. Adding a bit of rosemary would also be a great enhancement if you have some on hand.
- Seasonings – Just a little salt and pepper are needed to season the meat.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is best for the crust. If fresh garlic isn't available, substitute with two teaspoons of garlic powder.
- Lemon – A touch of lemon zest adds a fresh burst of flavor to the pork. It's optional but highly recommended for extra brightness.
- Olive Oil – Used for pan-searing the tenderloins. Any neutral-tasting oil can also be used.
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How To Make Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin
The full recipe can be found in the recipe card below.
Easy dinner recipes, such as this one and my Lemon Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce, are staples in my household. Having these recipes in my repertoire makes preparing dinner for my family effortless, even on the busiest of evenings.
STEP 1
Pat the tenderloins dry with a paper towel. Mix together the herbs, salt and pepper.
STEP 2
Coat the tenderloins with the minced garlic and seasoning mixture, ensuring to roll them in any of the mixture that falls off.
STEP 3
Add the oil to a heated cast iron skillet and sear the pork on each side for about 4 minutes. The pork should be browned but not cooked through.
STEP 4
Place the pan in the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 140°F.
STEP 5
Take the pork out of the pan, place it on a cutting board, tent it with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes. After that, sprinkle over a little lemon zest, slice and serve. Enjoy!
Pairing Suggestions
Frequently Asked Questions
What herbs go with pork?
Fresh herbs like thyme, oregano and rosemary are perfect for seasoning pork. Some other herbs that pair well with pork are sage and parsley.
Should I sear a pork tenderloin before baking?
Indeed, pan-searing pork tenderloin before baking can create flavors that baking alone cannot achieve.
Do you cover tenderloin when baking?
There is no need to cover pork tenderloin during baking. However, you can tent it with foil after baking while it rests to retain its warmth.
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📖 Recipe
Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 2 pork tenderloins trimmed
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or any neutral tasting oil
- As Needed fresh lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat an oven to 400°F. Pat both of the tenderloins dry with paper towels.
- Mix together the chopped thyme, chopped oregano, salt and pepper.
- Coat the tenderloins with the minced garlic and seasoning mixture, ensuring to roll them in any of the mixture that falls off. Lightly pressing the mixture onto the meat as needed.
- Place a large cast iron skillet or an oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Once it's heated, drizzle the olive oil into the pan.
- Add the pork to the pan and sear on each side. This should take about 4 minutes total. The pork should be browned but not cooked through.
- Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 140°F.
- Take the pork out of the pan, place it on a cutting board, tent it with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes. After that, sprinkle over a little lemon zest, slice and serve. Enjoy!
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