Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Herb Butter
A golden, crunchy pork tenderloin coated in nutty Parmesan and herbs, served with a rich garlic-herb butter that melts into the meat for a restaurant-quality keto dinner. This keto-inspired keto (keto, low-carb) ready in about 40 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, fresh parsley, fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 345 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels, then season evenly with 1/2 tsp black pepper. Combine 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley, 1 tsp fresh thyme, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a shallow dish.
- Step 2: Press the pork firmly into the Parmesan mixture to coat both sides evenly, then place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the pork for 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crust forms, then transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven.
- Step 4: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), then remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Step 5: While pork rests, melt 3 tbsp butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in remaining 1 tbsp parsley, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until the butter emulsifies and thickens slightly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Herb Butter take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Herb Butter?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork tenderloin from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Herb Butter?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Herb Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Crispy Parmesan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Garlic Herb Butter keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low-carb, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many keto recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.