UNESCO Cemetery Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender pork tenderloin seared with foraged herbs and a mustard-herb crust, inspired by the preserved landscapes of Lijssenthoek's UNESCO site. This belgian-inspired pork ready in about 45 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 3.8 (9 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Belgian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat the pork tenderloin dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Finely chop 3 tbsp fresh thyme and 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, then mix with 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp whole grain mustard, and 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil to form a paste.
  3. Step 3: Rub the herb-mustard paste evenly over the entire surface of the pork tenderloin, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Step 4: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then sear the pork for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and roast for 15-18 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the crust is crisp.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does UNESCO Cemetery Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 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 UNESCO Cemetery Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin?

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 UNESCO Cemetery Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin?

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 UNESCO Cemetery Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin 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 UNESCO Cemetery Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin?

Belgian 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.

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