Herb-Crusted Pork Loin

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 2 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

This Herb-Crusted Pork Loin recipe is the perfect centerpiece for any family dinner. With a savory blend of fresh herbs and a zesty kick from lemon zest, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress both in flavor and presentation.

Ingredients for Herb-Crusted Pork Loin

Pork loin: A lean yet tender cut, perfect for absorbing the flavors of the herbs and spices. Olive oil: Helps to sear the pork, locking in juices and flavor. Sea salt and black pepper: Basics that bring out the natural taste of the meat. Fresh rosemary and thyme: Provide an aromatic, earthy flavor that complements the pork. Garlic: Adds a warm, spicy depth to the crust. Dijon mustard: Offers a tangy note that balances the richness of the pork. Lemon zest: Brightens the dish with a citrusy aroma. Breadcrumbs: Give the crust a satisfying crunch. Chicken broth: Keeps the pork moist during roasting and adds a subtle savory note.

Tips & Tricks

  • Make sure your pork loin is at room temperature before searing for even cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness without cutting into the meat prematurely.
  • If you don't have fresh herbs, dried ones can work in a pinch — just use half the amount.

Serving Suggestions

This herb-crusted pork loin pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like carrots and potatoes. A side of creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the dish perfectly, balancing the richness of the pork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can rub the herb mixture onto the pork and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking.
What if I don't have an oven-proof skillet?
You can sear the pork in a regular skillet, then transfer it to a baking dish for roasting.

Herb-Crusted Pork Loin Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives you time to prep everything else while the oven warms up. Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels to ensure the crust sticks well during searing and roasting.

Mix together salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, garlic, mustard, lemon zest, and breadcrumbs in a small bowl. This is your flavorful herb crust. Rub this mixture all over the pork, pressing it into the meat so it adheres nicely.

Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the pork loin on all sides until it's beautifully browned, about 4-5 minutes per side. This step is crucial for flavor, as it creates a caramelized crust.

Remove the skillet from heat and pour in the chicken broth, which will help keep the pork moist. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and let it roast for about an hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

Once done, let the pork loin rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice juicier and more tender. Then, slice and serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with simple, fresh ingredients.
  • Packed with flavor from a blend of rosemary, thyme, and garlic.
  • A stunning dish that's perfect for holidays or special occasions.
  • Requires minimal kitchen equipment — just a skillet and an oven.

Ingredients

3 lbs pork loin
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp sea salt
1 tbsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 lemon, zested
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup chicken broth

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat the pork loin dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, garlic, mustard, lemon zest, and breadcrumbs.
4. Rub the mixture all over the pork loin, pressing it into the meat.
5. Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Sear the pork loin on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes per side.
7. Remove from heat and pour chicken broth into the skillet.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 1 hour, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
9. Let the pork loin rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!