Thyme Pecan Crusted Pork

Featured in: Rustic Crust Dinners & Trays

This pork tenderloin features a crisp pecan and herb crust combining fresh thyme, Parmesan, and garlic spice. After brushing with egg and Dijon, it's pressed into the nut mixture and pan-seared until golden. Then, it's transferred to the oven to roast, sealing in juicy flavor and tenderness. Letting it rest before slicing delivers a moist, aromatic dish perfect for cozy dinners. This straightforward preparation balances savory, nutty, and fresh herbal notes with an easy-to-follow technique.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 09:59:00 GMT
Perfectly seared thyme and pecan crusted pork tenderloin, ready for the oven, full of flavor. Save to Pinterest
Perfectly seared thyme and pecan crusted pork tenderloin, ready for the oven, full of flavor. | laurelcrust.com

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 is one of my go-to recipes for weekend dinners when I want something flavorful but fuss-free. My family always asks for seconds.

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

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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.
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Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
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Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
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Save to Pinterest
| laurelcrust.com

We love gathering around the table for this dish, sharing stories and enjoying the cozy warmth it brings.

Notes

Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed sweet potatoes. For a hint of sweetness, add 1 tsp honey to the egg-mustard mixture.

Required Tools

Large ovenproof skillet Shallow bowls Tongs Knife and cutting board Meat thermometer recommended

Allergen Information

Contains tree nuts (pecans) dairy (Parmesan) and egg. Double-check cheese and mustard labels for hidden gluten or allergens if sensitive.

Golden-brown slices of thyme and pecan crusted pork tenderloin, a holiday centerpiece, flavorful and juicy. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown slices of thyme and pecan crusted pork tenderloin, a holiday centerpiece, flavorful and juicy. | laurelcrust.com
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This tenderloin is perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Recipe Q&A

How do I get a crunchy crust on pork tenderloin?

Coat the tenderloin with a mixture of chopped pecans and herbs, then press it firmly to adhere before searing in hot oil to develop a golden crust.

What is the best way to cook pork tenderloin evenly?

Sear the seasoned pork on all sides in a hot skillet, then transfer to a preheated oven to roast until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?

Yes, walnuts make a great alternative offering similar texture and flavor when finely chopped for the crust.

How long should the pork rest after cooking?

Rest the tenderloin loosely tented with foil for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for a moist result.

What side dishes complement this pork tenderloin?

Roasted vegetables or mashed sweet potatoes pair well, alongside light red wines or crisp apple cider.

Thyme Pecan Crusted Pork

Pork tenderloin coated with pecans and thyme, seared and oven-roasted for a crunchy, flavorful finish.

Prep time
15 minutes
Cook time
25 minutes
Total time
40 minutes
Recipe by Scarlett Jenkins


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 4 Servings

Dietary Details Gluten-Free, Low Carbohydrate

What You'll Need

Pork

01 1 pork tenderloin, trimmed (approximately 1.1 lbs)

Crust

01 1 cup finely chopped pecans
02 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 2 tsp dried thyme
03 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 1 tsp garlic powder
05 1/2 tsp kosher salt
06 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Binding

01 1 large egg
02 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

For Searing

01 2 tbsp olive oil

How To Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 400°F.

Step 02

Prepare Pork: Pat the tenderloin dry with paper towels and season with a pinch of salt and pepper evenly.

Step 03

Combine Crust Ingredients: Mix chopped pecans, thyme, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.

Step 04

Mix Binding: In a separate bowl, beat the egg with Dijon mustard until combined.

Step 05

Coat Pork: Brush the pork tenderloin with the egg-mustard mixture, ensuring full coverage.

Step 06

Apply Crust: Press the tenderloin firmly into the pecan mixture, turning to evenly coat all sides.

Step 07

Sear Tenderloin: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork on all sides until golden brown, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Step 08

Roast Pork: Transfer skillet to the oven and roast for 15 to 18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Step 09

Rest Meat: Remove from oven, loosely tent with foil, and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.

Step 10

Serve: Slice into medallions and serve warm.

Tools Needed

  • Large ovenproof skillet
  • Shallow bowls
  • Tongs
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Meat thermometer

Allergy Awareness

Always check each ingredient for possible allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Contains tree nuts (pecans), dairy (Parmesan), and egg.
  • Check cheese and mustard labels for possible gluten or allergens if sensitive.

Nutrition details (per serving)

For your reference only—don’t take this as medical advice.
  • Calories: 370
  • Fats: 25 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Proteins: 32 g