If you’re looking for a pork dish that’s both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Dijon herb-crusted pork medallions deliver just that. A golden, crunchy crust locks in the juices, while Dijon mustard adds a tangy bite that pairs beautifully with a blend of fresh herbs.
Unlike heavy breaded pork recipes, this version keeps things light but still full of texture and deep, savory flavors. The coating consists of fresh herbs, garlic, and breadcrumbs, forming a flavorful crust that crisps up beautifully when seared and finished in the oven. The Dijon mustard acts as a binder while enhancing the dish with its signature sharpness.
These pork medallions cook quickly, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for a special meal. Serve them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a well-rounded dish that works for any occasion.
Why You’ll Want to Try This Recipe
This dish brings together crisp texture, bold flavors, and juicy pork, all in one bite. The combination of Dijon mustard and an herb-crusted coating makes every medallion rich, aromatic, and satisfying.
- Quick and Easy – This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Crispy and Juicy – The herb crust creates a crisp exterior, while the pork stays tender and moist inside.
- Rich Layers of Flavor – Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth, while the herbs and breadcrumbs provide an earthy crunch.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home – This dish looks and tastes gourmet without complicated steps or expensive ingredients.
With a crisp, golden crust and juicy center, these pork medallions are anything but ordinary.
Ingredients for the Best Herb-Crusted Pork Medallions
Each ingredient in this dish plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture.
- Pork Tenderloin – The best cut for medallions because it’s naturally tender and cooks quickly.
- Dijon Mustard – Acts as a flavorful binder, helping the herb crust stick to the pork.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – Adds extra crispiness to the crust, keeping it light but crunchy.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley, Thyme, and Rosemary) – A combination of earthy, fragrant herbs enhances the flavor of the pork.
- Garlic – Adds a bold, savory depth to the crust.
- Olive Oil – Helps with browning, giving the crust a golden, crispy finish.
With these simple ingredients, you get pork medallions that are both crispy and packed with flavor.
How to Make Dijon Herb Crusted Pork Medallions
This recipe comes together in just a few steps, with minimal prep and quick cooking time.
- Slice and Prep the Pork – Cut the pork tenderloin into 1-inch thick medallions and pat them dry.
- Coat with Dijon Mustard – Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over each piece. This helps the crust stick.
- Prepare the Herb Crust – In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, chopped fresh herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Press the Coating onto the Pork – Coat each medallion evenly, pressing the mixture onto the surface.
- Sear for a Golden Crust – Heat oil in a skillet and sear the pork for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Finish in the Oven – Transfer to a baking sheet and roast at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve – Let the pork medallions rest for 5 minutes before serving.
This method creates the ideal balance of crispiness and tenderness in every bite.
How to Get the Best Texture and Flavor
- Use fresh herbs – Fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley give a more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Don’t skip the sear – A quick sear helps lock in moisture and creates a golden crust.
- Let the pork rest after cooking – This prevents juices from running out, keeping the medallions tender.
- Use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs – Panko creates a lighter, crispier coating that won’t become soggy.
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With these simple tips, your pork medallions will have a perfectly crisp crust with a juicy interior.
Side Dishes for Dijon Herb Crusted Pork Medallions
These pork medallions go well with a variety of side dishes, whether you want something fresh, creamy, or hearty.
Side Dish | Why It Works |
---|---|
Garlic Mashed Potatoes | Creamy and rich, complementing the crispy pork. |
Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Adds a slightly bitter contrast to the tangy Dijon. |
Lemon Herb Quinoa | A light, refreshing grain to balance the flavors. |
Honey Glazed Carrots | The sweetness pairs well with the savory crust. |
Sauteed Green Beans | A fresh, crisp side to keep the meal light. |
Parmesan Risotto | A creamy, cheesy side that adds extra indulgence. |
Apple Fennel Salad | Adds crunch and brightness to balance the richness. |
Each side dish enhances the flavors of the pork while bringing balance to the meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, proper storage ensures the pork stays crispy and flavorful.
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating in the Oven – Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to keep the crust crispy.
- Avoid the Microwave – It can make the crust soggy. Use a skillet or air fryer instead.
- Freezing – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
With the right reheating method, the pork medallions stay crispy and delicious even the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes! You can use pork loin or thick-cut boneless pork chops. Just adjust cooking time based on thickness.
Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard?
If you don’t have Dijon, whole grain mustard or honey mustard will work well. Regular yellow mustard is an option, but it has a milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep the crust light and crispy.
How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Can I cook these in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.
Dijon Herb Crusted Pork Medallions
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl For combining the breadcrumb mixture
- Skillet For searing the pork medallions
- Tongs For flipping the medallions while cooking
- Baking Sheet For finishing the pork in the oven
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs pork tenderloin cut into 1-inch thick medallions
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat the pork medallions dry with paper towels. Brush each piece with Dijon mustard on all sides.
- In a mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Press each pork medallion into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork medallions for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
- Use whole grain mustard for a bolder, more textured coating.

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!
Sherry Eiler
Friday 7th of March 2025
I didn’t even need to tweak it—so good as is!
Frank Byrd
Friday 7th of March 2025
Absolutely loved this recipe! The balance of flavors was just right.