Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
**Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin** This is a simple yet flavorful pork tenderloin recipe that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The pork is rubbed with a mixture of herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper, then roasted in the oven until cooked through. The result is a juicy, tender pork tenderloin that is full of flavor. This recipe is a great way to use up fresh herbs from your garden. You can use any combination of herbs that you like, but rosemary, thyme, and garlic are a classic combination that works well with pork. If you are using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature of the pork should reach 145°F when it is done cooking. **Ingredients** - 1 pork tenderloin (about 1 pound) - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon olive oil **Instructions** 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. 2. In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mix well. 3. Rub the herb mixture over the pork tenderloin, covering it entirely. 4. Place the pork tenderloin on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. 5. Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
**The Backstory** This recipe is a variation on a classic French dish called "porc aux herbes." Pork aux herbes is typically made with a whole pork loin, but I prefer to use a pork tenderloin because it is more tender and cooks more quickly. I first developed this recipe several years ago when I was looking for a simple and flavorful way to cook pork tenderloin. I experimented with different combinations of herbs and spices, and I finally settled on the combination of rosemary, thyme, and garlic. This combination of herbs gives the pork a delicious, savory flavor. I have made this recipe many times over the years, and it has always been a hit with my family and friends. It is a simple dish to make, but it is always full of flavor. **Why It Works** - **The combination of rosemary, thyme, and garlic is a classic combination that works well with pork.** These herbs have a strong, savory flavor that complements the pork without overpowering it. - **Roasting the pork tenderloin in the oven helps to keep it moist and tender.** The high heat of the oven quickly sears the outside of the pork, while the inside remains moist and juicy. - **Letting the pork rest before slicing it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.** This results in a more tender and flavorful pork tenderloin.
Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • Pork tenderloin
  • Fresh rosemary
  • Fresh thyme
  • Garlic cloves
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Olive oil
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. In a food processor, combine rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Pulse until herbs are finely chopped.
  3. Rub the herb mixture over the pork tenderloin, covering it entirely.
  4. Place the pork tenderloin on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  5. Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Why It Works
  • The combination of rosemary, thyme, and garlic is a classic combination that works well with pork.
  • Roasting the pork tenderloin in the oven helps to keep it moist and tender.
  • Letting the pork rest before slicing it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.