Description
This Herb-Crusted Juicy Roasted Pork Tenderloin recipe features tender pork tenderloins coated with a flavorful mixture of fresh herbs, garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon zest, then rolled in crunchy panko breadcrumbs and roasted to perfection. The result is a juicy and aromatic main dish perfect for an elegant dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pork and Seasoning
- 2 pork tenderloins (about 1 pound each)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Herb Crust
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Pork: Pat the pork tenderloins dry using paper towels. Rub each tenderloin all over with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to help the seasonings stick.
- Season: Evenly season the tenderloins with salt and black pepper on all sides for balanced flavor.
- Mix Herb Coating: In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, parsley, lemon zest, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to create a flavorful herb and garlic mixture.
- Coat Pork with Herb Mixture: Spread the herb and garlic mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pork tenderloins, making sure all sides are well-coated for maximum flavor.
- Apply Breadcrumbs: Pour the breadcrumbs onto a flat plate. Roll each herb-coated tenderloin in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere and form an even, crunchy crust.
- Roast: Place the breaded tenderloins on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked pork.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender roast. Slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Using fresh herbs enhances the flavor versus dried herbs.
- Panko breadcrumbs create a crunchier crust than regular breadcrumbs.
- Resting the meat after roasting is crucial to keep it juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness and food safety.
- You can substitute lemon zest with orange zest for a different citrus note.
- Leftover sliced pork tenderloin makes great sandwiches or salads.
