This pork tenderloin recipe has a very flavorful herb crusted layer with moist tender and perfectly done meat on the inside.
The dry spices and herbs combination elevates this pork recipe to an elegant and tasty dinner that is done in under an hour.
I confess that I am still acquiring the taste for pork, aside from the cuts I overly obsess about like bacon and spare ribs, when it comes to the meatier parts of the pork I sort of stop short.
It was only a couple years ago during a trip to a Kansas farm that I tried pork for the very first time. When I came home I was excited to cook and I made this awesome Honey Garlic Pork Chops recipe.
The recipe was a hit and while my family and I very much enjoyed it, slowly but surely pork become a rare event except when my mother-in-law was in town (she makes the best pork tenderloin!)
Seeing that my kids really enjoyed their Nana's pork tenderloins I decided to bring back pork to our table. I have to say that we are all very glad to be eating pork again.
By adding my own twist like browning the pork before roasting and plentiful of spices, I started to enjoy cooking, serving and eating this meatier cut of pork tenderloin.
what spices should I use to season pork
My absolute favorite herbs/ spice to use when I cook pork is fennel seeds. Fennel is actually an herb, spice AND vegetable, and it's quite delicious too!
If you are not familiar with cooking with fennel seeds it is best to mix with other herbs and spices because fennel has a very distinctive flavor that may not be very welcoming at first.
Some of my favorite herbs and spices to mix with fennel seeds are garlic, paprika, oregano, cumin and coriander. Some folks enjoy adding brown sugar to sweeten the pork but I think fennel seeds does a good job at this.
how long should I cook pork tenderloin?
The important thing to know is that the safest internal temperature to consume pork is a minimum of 145F degrees. The higher the oven temperature, the quicker the pork will cook.
I always prefer to cook my meats at a higher temperatures because this helps create a crust-like outer layer and maintain enough moisture on the inside.
This pork tenderloin recipe is perfectly roasted at a 400F degrees oven for 28-30 minutes.
It is also important to note that all meats including pork must rest for 10-minutes before cutting. By letting the meat rest the moisture is re-absorbed and your meat will be tender and juicy
what to serve with pork tenderloin
Starchy vegetables or a side of rice are a great side combination to pork tenderloins. These are a few recipe ideas that will complete and complement this herb crusted pork tenderloin recipe really well;
Simple Roasted Squash - you can bake this recipe in the oven alongside the pork to save time!
Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes - this recipe comes with a delicious yogurt chive dip that's to die for!
Roasted Garlic Vegetable Salad - this salad recipe offers a tasty combination of greens and starchy vegetables, all in one bowl!
Honey Roasted Carrots - the honey from the carrots and fennel in this pork tenderloin recipe pair so well together!
For your rice options I recommend this Mexican-Style Pan Rice that is so full of flavor or this mildly lemony flavored Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice.
If you make this Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin recipe, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a star rating! I love to hear from you and always do my best to respond to all your comments. Also, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram for a special shutout and/or a chance of being featured in my newsletter!
Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients
- 2 lb pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ tablespoon fennel seeds, crushed
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon each, oregano, paprika and fresh ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt and cumin
- fresh mint, cilantro or parsley
Instructions
- Trim fat if any from pork and dry the loin with paper towel. Drying the pork will help achieve a good crust. Place in a medium size sheet pan.
- In a small bowl mix all the seasoning well so that when you distribute on to the pork the flavor is even throughout the meat.
- Season pork with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Using a cooking brush or your clean hands spread the oil on all sides of the pork. All you need is a thin layer here. Then add on the dry seasoning mix evenly on all sides. The oil will help the seasoning stick to the pork.
- In a large skillet heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When hot add the pork and brown on all sides for about 2-3 minutes or until you see a brown crust from. This should only take about 10-12 minutes.
- Transfered browned pork tenderloin back to the sheet pan and roast at 400F for about 28-30 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145F to 155F.
- Garnish the pork with fresh mint, cilantro or parsley.
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