Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Mustard Cream Sauce

1. Season Pork Tenderloin

Begin by seasoning your pork tenderloin generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This foundational step enhances the meat's natural flavors and is crucial for a well-seasoned dish.

2. Heat Skillet and Brown Pork

Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat for about a minute. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and/or olive oil to the skillet. When the butter starts to foam or the oil begins to dimple, place the pork tenderloin into the skillet. Allow the meat to brown on all sides, which should take about 4 to 6 minutes. Browning the meat is important as it creates a flavorful crust that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

3. Rest and Slice Pork

Once the tenderloin is well-browned, turn off the heat, remove the meat from the skillet, and let it rest on a cutting board. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful result. Leave the skillet to cool slightly. After the meat has rested, slice the tenderloin into inch-thick pieces.

4. Brown Sliced Pork

Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and/or oil. Place the sliced pork back into the skillet and brown each side, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. This additional browning step ensures that each slice is perfectly seared and delicious.

5. Transfer Pork to Platter

Reduce the heat to low and transfer the browned pork slices to a warm platter. This keeps the meat warm while you focus on making the sauce.

6. Prepare Sauce

To make the sauce, add 1/2 cup of water to the skillet. Turn the heat to high and cook, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for about a minute. These bits are packed with flavor and make your sauce rich and savory. Lower the heat slightly and stir in the cream. Cook until the sauce is slightly thickened, then add the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, or Calvados, if using. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

7. Serve Pork with Sauce

Finally, serve the pork slices with the sauce spooned over the top. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley leaves for a touch of color and freshness. Enjoy your herb-crusted pork tenderloin with mustard cream sauce, knowing you’ve created a flavorful and satisfying dish.