Pumpkin Seed-Crusted Pork Tenderloin Roast

Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Servings: 2
Yield: 2 servings

Description

Chef John's fall-inspired recipe produces perfectly cooked, pumpkin seed-crusted pork tenderloin and a fast pan sauce that's sure to impress.

Ingredients

1 (1 1/4 pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/3 cup finely chopped pumpkin seeds
1 cup chicken broth, divided
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions

1 Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Season pork with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and cayenne.
2 Heat vegetable oil in an oven-proof pan over high heat. Sear pork in the hot oil until well-browned on all sides. Turn off the heat, and transfer to a plate.
3 Mix mustard, maple syrup, and cumin together in a small bowl. Use a spoon to spread mustard mixture all over the surface of the pork, getting as thick a layer as possible.
4 Transfer the pumpkin seeds on top of the mustard mixture in a thick layer, and lightly press down into the surface. Press pumpkin seeds into the sides as well.
5 Transfer pork back into the pan and add 1/2 cup of broth.
6 Roast in the preheated oven until pork is slightly pink in the center, about 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C). Remove pork to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
7 Place the same pan back over medium-high heat and add remaining 1/2 cup of broth, rice vinegar, and balsamic vinegar. Stir with a spoon and bring to a boil.
8 Cook until liquid has reduced by half, about 1 minute. Turn off the heat and stir in butter. Taste for seasoning and serve over sliced pork.