This herb-crusted pork tenderloin is juicy, flavorful, and beautifully roasted to perfection. Paired with crisp-tender green beans, it makes for an elegant yet simple dinner that’s ideal for weeknights or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The pork is tender, moist, and infused with aromatic herbs.
- Green beans provide a fresh and crisp contrast to the richness of the meat.
- A one-pan or two-pan meal with easy cleanup.
- Impressive presentation without complicated steps.
- Perfect for low-carb or high-protein diets.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the pork tenderloin:
- Pork tenderloin (trimmed of silver skin)
- Olive oil
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (or a mix)
- Garlic (minced)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika (optional, for color)
- Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
For the green beans:
- Fresh green beans (trimmed)
- Olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic or shallots (optional, for added flavor)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet or prepare a skillet for roasting.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Rub this mixture all over the pork tenderloin.
- (Optional) Brush the pork with a thin layer of Dijon mustard before adding the herb rub for extra depth of flavor.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork on all sides until browned. Transfer to oven-safe dish or leave in the skillet.
- Roast the pork in the oven for 18–22 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Meanwhile, steam or sauté the green beans. For sautéing: heat oil or butter in a pan, add green beans, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Let the pork rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the green beans on the side.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Rest Time: 5–10 minutes
- Total Time: ~35–45 minutes
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store pork and green beans separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Pork tenderloin freezes well if wrapped tightly; freeze up to 2 months. Green beans may lose texture when frozen.
- Reheating: Reheat pork gently in the oven or skillet with foil to avoid drying. Green beans can be microwaved or lightly sautéed again.
FAQs
What’s the ideal internal temperature for pork tenderloin?
145°F (63°C) with a 5-minute rest. This results in a tender, slightly pink center — safe and juicy.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use less — about 1/3 of the fresh amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Should I marinate the pork in advance?
You can. Marinating for 1–2 hours (or overnight) enhances flavor but isn’t required for tenderloin due to its natural tenderness.
Can I skip the searing step?
Searing adds flavor and locks in juices. It’s highly recommended, but if short on time, you can go straight to roasting.
How do I keep the pork from drying out?
Avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness and let it rest before slicing to retain juices.
What sides go well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a grain like couscous or wild rice pair well with pork and green beans.
Can I grill the pork instead of roasting?
Yes. Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the center reaches 145°F (63°C). Let rest before slicing.
How do I make the green beans more flavorful?
Add garlic, shallots, lemon zest, or toasted almonds while sautéing to enhance the flavor.
Is this dish low-carb or keto?
Yes. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it suitable for most low-carb eating plans.
Can I use other cuts of pork?
Yes. Pork loin or pork chops can be prepared similarly, but adjust cooking time based on thickness and cut.
Conclusion
Herb-crusted pork tenderloin with green beans is a beautifully balanced dish that feels both comforting and refined. The herb rub gives the pork a fragrant crust, while the green beans offer a crisp, fresh side. Simple, flavorful, and satisfying, it’s a dish that delivers on both taste and presentation — perfect for any occasion.
Print
Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Green Beans
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Green Beans is a flavorful and elegant dish featuring tender pork coated in a fragrant herb blend, roasted to perfection, and served alongside crisp-tender green beans. It’s a wholesome and well-balanced meal perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs pork tenderloin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz green beans, trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for green beans)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for green beans)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper to make the herb paste.
- Rub the herb mixture all over the pork tenderloin.
- Place the pork on a lined baking sheet or in a roasting pan.
- Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- While pork is roasting, toss green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread green beans on a baking sheet and roast for 12–15 minutes, until tender-crisp and slightly browned.
- Slice pork and serve with the roasted green beans.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking the pork.
- Letting the pork rest ensures juices redistribute for a moist result.
- Pair with roasted potatoes or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried can be used in smaller amounts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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