Thyme Pecan Crusted Pork

Featured in: Cozy One-Pan Home Suppers

This dish transforms a juicy pork tenderloin into a flavorful centerpiece with a crunchy pecan and fresh thyme crust. The meat is first coated in a mixture combining chopped pecans, fragrant thyme leaves, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese, then seared in olive oil to develop a golden crust. Roasting in the oven brings tenderness while preserving juicy flavors. Resting before slicing locks in moisture, making each bite both crisp and succulent. Pair with roasted vegetables or mashed sweet potatoes for a comforting meal.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 12:39:00 GMT
Golden, crispy Thyme and Pecan Crusted Pork Tenderloin, ready to slice after perfect oven roasting. Save Pin
Golden, crispy Thyme and Pecan Crusted Pork Tenderloin, ready to slice after perfect oven roasting. | meadowforks.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.

I first made this recipe on a chilly weekend and my family couldn't stop complimenting the crispy pecan crust paired with juicy pork tenderloin.

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 23 minutes per side.
Step 8:
Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 1518 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Step 9:
Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest 510 minutes before slicing.
Step 10:
Slice into medallions and serve warm.
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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
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Rinse produce, fill pots, and clean cookware easily with flexible spray options for everyday cooking tasks.
Check price on Amazon
Save Pin
| meadowforks.com

This dish has become a family favorite, perfect for special occasions or cozy weeknight dinners.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside roasted vegetables or mashed sweet potatoes for a complete meal.

Allergens

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

Tools Needed

Large ovenproof skillet, shallow bowls, tongs, knife and cutting board, meat thermometer (recommended).

Savory Thyme and Pecan Crusted Pork Tenderloin, seared and coated in a flavorful pecan crust. Save Pin
Savory Thyme and Pecan Crusted Pork Tenderloin, seared and coated in a flavorful pecan crust. | meadowforks.com
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This recipe delivers a perfectly balanced pork dish with a flavorful crust and juicy interior every time.

Thyme Pecan Crusted Pork

Juicy pork tenderloin with a crisp pecan and thyme crust, roasted to golden perfection.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time in Oven/Pan
25 minutes
Complete Time
40 minutes
Recipe by Meadow Forks Olivia Morgan


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Servings Produced 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Wheat-Free, Reduced-Carb

What You'll Need

Pork

01 1 pork tenderloin, trimmed, approximately 1 to 1.25 lbs

Crust

01 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
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

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting.

Step 02

Prepare Pork: Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels, then season all sides lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 03

Make Crust Mixture: Combine finely chopped pecans, thyme, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.

Step 04

Prepare Binding Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the egg with Dijon mustard until well blended.

Step 05

Coat Pork: Brush the tenderloin evenly on all sides with the egg-mustard mixture.

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

Roast Pork: Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Step 09

Rest Meat: Remove the pork from the oven, loosely cover with foil, and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 10

Serve: Slice the tenderloin into medallions and serve warm.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergy Notice

Always review ingredients for allergens. When unsure, consult your doctor.
  • Contains tree nuts (pecans), dairy (Parmesan cheese), and egg.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

This nutritional guidance is for informational use only. For personal advice, speak to a healthcare provider.
  • Total Calories: 370
  • Fat Content: 25 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 6 grams
  • Proteins: 32 grams