Pin It A succulent pork tenderloin coated in a savory blend of fresh thyme and crunchy pecans, then roasted to perfection This simple yet elegant skillet dish makes a comforting centerpiece for cozy dinners
This dish quickly became a family favorite because of its perfect balance between savory herbs and crunchy nuts
Ingredients
- Pork: 1 pork tenderloin (about 1–1.25 lbs / 500–600 g), trimmed
- Crust: 1 cup pecans, finely chopped 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 2 tsp dried thyme) 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Binding: 1 large egg 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- For Searing: 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Step 2:
- Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels Season all over with a pinch of salt and pepper
- Step 3:
- In a shallow bowl combine chopped pecans thyme Parmesan garlic powder salt and pepper
- Step 4:
- In a separate bowl beat the egg with Dijon mustard
- Step 5:
- Brush the pork tenderloin with the egg-mustard mixture coating all sides evenly
- Step 6:
- Press the tenderloin firmly into the pecan-thyme mixture turning to coat all sides
- Step 7:
- Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat Sear the pork on all sides until golden about 2–3 minutes per side
- Step 8:
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 15–18 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C)
- Step 9:
- Remove from oven tent loosely with foil and let rest 5–10 minutes before slicing
- Step 10:
- Slice into medallions and serve warm
Pin It Our family enjoys this tenderloin during holiday gatherings creating lasting memories around the dinner table
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside roasted vegetables or mashed sweet potatoes for a balanced meal
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days Reheat gently to maintain crust texture
Variations
Add 1 tsp honey to the egg-mustard mixture for a hint of sweetness or swap Dijon mustard for whole grain mustard for added texture
Pin It This pork tenderloin offers a delightful mix of crunchy and tender with every bite making it an ideal choice for any occasion
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve a crunchy pecan crust?
Finely chop pecans and mix with fresh thyme, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush the pork with an egg-mustard mixture to help the crust adhere firmly before searing and roasting.
- → What is the best way to cook the pork tenderloin evenly?
Sear the crusted pork on all sides in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden, then finish cooking in a preheated oven at 400°F for 15-18 minutes to ensure even doneness.
- → How can I tell when the pork is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 145°F (63°C). This ensures the pork is safe to eat while remaining juicy.
- → Can I substitute other nuts for pecans in the crust?
Yes, walnuts or other finely chopped tree nuts can be used as a substitute, offering a similar texture and flavor profile.
- → What are suitable side dishes for this pork tenderloin?
Roasted vegetables, mashed sweet potatoes, or a light salad complement the rich thyme and pecan crusted pork beautifully.