Parmesan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Chimichurri Sauce
Juicy pork tenderloin encrusted with a savory Parmesan crust, paired with a zesty Brazilian-style chimichurri sauce bursting with fresh herbs and garlic. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat dry 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin and season with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Mix 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese with 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish.
- Step 2: Brush pork tenderloin all over with 2 tbsp olive oil, then press it firmly into the Parmesan-panko mixture to coat evenly. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Step 3: Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup chopped parsley, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes in a small bowl to make chimichurri sauce.
- Step 5: Slice pork tenderloin and serve drizzled with the chimichurri sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Parmesan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Chimichurri Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Parmesan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Chimichurri Sauce?
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 Parmesan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Chimichurri Sauce?
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 Parmesan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Chimichurri Sauce 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.
What goes well with Parmesan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Chimichurri Sauce?
Brazilian pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
