Yuletide Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
A festive and flavorful pork tenderloin recipe, crusted with herbs and spices, perfect for a healthy holiday meal. Easily prepared with an optional pan sauce for extra richness.
Equipment
- Large Oven-Safe Frying Pan (e.g., Cast-Iron Skillet)
- Meat Thermometer
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
- 2 medium Pork Tenderloins (about 2 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons Avocado Oil divided (or other healthy oil)
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Blend
For the Optional Sauce
- Pan Drippings from cooking the pork
- 2 tablespoons Dry Red or White Wine
- 1 tablespoon Low-Sugar Ketchup
- 0.5 tablespoon Low-Sodium Soy Sauce
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Get Ready: Preheat your oven to a cozy 400°F (200°C).
- Prep the Pork: Gently pat your pork tenderloins completely dry with a paper towel. This helps create a lovely crust! Then, use a fork to lightly prick them all over. Rub 1 tablespoon of avocado oil evenly onto both tenderloins.
- Season it Up: In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and Italian seasoning. This is your delicious spice rub! Generously coat the tenderloins with this mixture, making sure every part is covered.
- Sear for Flavor: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a large oven-safe frying pan (like a cast-iron skillet) over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the seasoned tenderloins in the hot pan and sear them for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until beautifully browned on all sides.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer your skillet (with the pork!) into the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. Flip the tenderloins halfway through baking for even cooking.
- Rest and Slice: Once baked, transfer the cooked tenderloins to a cutting board and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This essential step keeps them juicy! Then, slice them into medallions.
- Make the Easy Sauce (Optional): While the pork rests, if desired, add the wine, low-sugar ketchup, and low-sodium soy sauce to the pan drippings in your skillet. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—that's where all the extra flavor is! Taste and season with a little more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve & Enjoy: Drizzle the optional pan sauce over your sliced pork tenderloin and serve immediately for a delicious, healthy, and easy holiday meal!
Notes
Drizzle the optional pan sauce over your sliced pork tenderloin and serve immediately for a delicious, healthy, and easy holiday meal!
Nutrition Information: Calories: 230, Total Carbs: 4g, Net Carbs: 3g, Fats: 10g, Protein: 35g.
