Panko-Crusted Pork Tenderloin With Tahini Slaw (Easy, Healthy, High-Protein Dinner Recipe)
A great recipe for those who love pork that will make you feel good. Quick and easy weeknight dinners that are crispy, juicy, healthy and absolutely delicious. These panko-crusted pork tenderloins with tahini slaw are packed with lean protein, oven-baked for a low-fat finish, and paired with a creamy, dairy-free slaw made from fiber-rich kale and almond tahini, this recipe is the ultimate enjoyment for health-conscious foodies. You can also call this recipe Pork Loin.
This fusion-inspired dish is also perfect for low-carb diet, high-protein meal plan, and as clean eating dinner idea. The pork is coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection—no deep frying needed! And the slaw? It’s tossed in a luscious, homemade tahini dressing that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavor.
This recipe is also perfect for air fryer fans looking for a crispy pork tenderloin without the mess! So, for the best pork tenderloin recipe, a high-protein low-carb dinner, or a clean eating recipe that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, These pork tenderloins are the best option.
🔥 Reasons To Love This Panko-Crusted Pork Tenderloin Recipe
This crispy panko-crusted pork tenderloin paired with a refreshing tahini slaw isn’t just delicious—it’s a perfect combination of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. If you’re following a low-carb diet, or high-protein dinner recipes, or only need an easy family meal idea, this recipe is perfect.
- ✅ High Protein, Low Carb: Great for keto, weight loss, and fitness-focused diets.
- ✅ 30-Minute Dinner: Perfect weeknight recipe with minimal prep and cleanup.
- ✅ Crispy & Juicy: The oven-baked panko coating locks in flavor and texture.
- ✅ Healthy & Balanced: Paired with a creamy, dairy-free tahini slaw full of fiber and vitamins.
- ✅ Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well for work lunches or dinner planning.
- ✅ Budget-Friendly: Made with accessible, affordable ingredients for healthy eating on a budget.
Also, this recipe is inspired by the growing trend of healthy dinner recipes that support clean eating, high-protein lifestyles, and whole food nutrition. Perfect for modern home cooks!
Related: Kai Jiew (Crispy Fried Thai Omelet)
🛒 Ingredients Breakdown & Substitutions of Panko-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
This healthy panko-crusted pork tenderloin paired with a creamy tahini slaw is packed with flavor and nutrition. Below are the key ingredients, along with clever swaps for different dietary needs like keto, gluten-free, and vegan.
🥩 For the Pork Tenderloin
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, trimmed
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder + ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
🥗 For the Tahini Slaw
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 carrot, julienned
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar + 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil + 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water to thin dressing as needed
Ingredient Substitutions
- Low-Carb / Keto: Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of panko.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers.
- Vegan: Replace pork with tofu or seitan and use vegan mayo in slaw.
- No Tahini? Use Greek yogurt or almond butter as alternatives.
Related: Quick 15 Minuted Dinner Recipes
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions of Panko-Crusted Pork Tenderloin+ Tahini Slaw Recipe
Follow this simple process to make the most delicious and crispy oven-baked pork tenderloin with a creamy tahini slaw. It’s easy, quick, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Preheat the oven: Set to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil.
- Prepare the pork: Pat pork tenderloin dry with paper towels. Coat with Dijon mustard.
- Breading: Dip pork into the beaten egg, then coat with seasoned panko (add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper).
- Arrange: Place the pork on the baking tray. Drizzle lightly with olive oil for a crispy finish.
- Bake: Bake for 22–25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Rest: Let the pork rest for 5 minutes before slicing for juicier results.
- Make the slaw dressing: Whisk tahini, lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, and a splash of water until creamy.
- Combine the slaw: In a large bowl, mix shredded veggies and dressing. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Serve: Slice pork and serve with the slaw. Top with sesame seeds or herbs if desired.
💡 Pro Tip: Want a crispier texture? Air fry the pork at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Related: Air Fryer Chicken Recipes
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
This Panko-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Tahini Slaw is not just a meal—it’s a gourmet experience! Whether you’re cooking for a healthy family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or looking for low-carb dinner recipes that fit your weight loss goals, these pairing ideas will help you create a balanced, delicious plate.
🌿 Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Pairings
- Creamy Cauliflower Mash – The perfect low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes.
- Lemon Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Tangy, crunchy and keto-approved.
- Zucchini Noodle Salad – Light and refreshing with a hint of garlic and lemon.
🍠 Comforting & Healthy Sides
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Adds a naturally sweet balance to the savory pork.
- Lemon Herb Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed side with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
- Grilled Asparagus with Olive Oil & Garlic – Simple and heart-healthy.
Suggested: Miso Crab Cakes
💡 Expert Tips & Tricks for Best Results
Get the most out of your oven-baked pork tenderloin with these chef-approved tricks that guarantee flavor, texture, and health — all in one meal. Perfect for anyone searching for easy high-protein dinners, low-carb pork recipes, or healthy family meals.
-
🔥
Use a Meat Thermometer: To get perfectly juicy pork tenderloin, cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Overcooking leads to dryness — a common mistake in pork recipes!
-
🌿
Coat Pork in Mustard First: Brushing with Dijon mustard before breading helps the panko adhere while boosting flavor and adding a tangy kick. It’s a hidden gem for crispy pork crust recipes.
-
🥗
Slaw Separates = Meal Prep Win: If you’re meal prepping, store the tahini slaw and pork separately to preserve crunch and texture. A perfect option for healthy lunch ideas for work or make-ahead high-protein dinners.
-
🧴
Spray Panko with Olive Oil: Before baking, lightly spray or drizzle the crusted pork with olive oil to achieve a golden, crispy coating — just like air frying! Great for anyone googling “how to make pork tenderloin crispy in the oven.”
-
⏳
Let it Rest: After removing from the oven, allow your pork to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for the most flavorful bite.
Related: Egg Roll In a Bowl Recipe
🥗 Recipe Variations & Customizations
You can make many variations here if you want. Whether you’re on a keto diet, need a gluten-free dinner recipe, or prefer plant-based meals, this panko-crusted pork tenderloin with tahini slaw can be easily adapted to fit your dietary preferences — without sacrificing flavor!
🥩 Keto-Friendly Pork Tenderloin
Swap out the panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a low-carb, high-fat alternative perfect for keto followers. Pair with a sugar-free tahini slaw dressing.
🌾 Gluten-Free Option
Use certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers. This transforms the dish into a safe gluten-free dinner idea while keeping the same crisp texture.
🌱 Vegan-Friendly Twist
Substitute pork with crispy tofu, tempeh, or cauliflower steaks. Keep the slaw vegan by using maple syrup instead of honey. Great for those seeking high-protein vegan meals with bold flavors.
🔥 Spicy Sriracha-Tahini Version
Kick it up a notch with a spicy twist! Add a teaspoon of sriracha or harissa paste to the tahini dressing for a bold, fiery slaw that pairs beautifully with the crispy pork. Perfect for spicy food lovers!
💡 Pro Tip: Want more easy low-carb high-protein meals like this? Explore our 21 Easy Low Carb High Protein Recipes for healthy dinner ideas that work for weight loss, meal prep, and more.
Related: Korean Dak Bulgogi
Frequently Asked Questions
All your queries about panki-crusted pork tenderloin, tahini slaw, and healthy high-protein meals—answered in one place!
🔪 What is the ideal internal temperature for pork tenderloin?
The perfect internal temperature for pork tenderloin is 145°F (63°C). Use a digital meat thermometer for accuracy. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices. This ensures your pork is tender, juicy, and safe to eat.
🔥 Can I cook pork tenderloin in the air fryer?
Yes! The air fryer delivers a crispy panko crust in less time. Cook at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. It’s one of the best low-carb, high-protein dinner recipes for busy weeknights and perfect for healthy meal prep.
🥗 Is tahini slaw good for weight loss and healthy eating?
Tahini slaw is rich in fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein. Made with shredded cabbage, tahini, lemon juice, and a touch of maple syrup, it’s a nutrient-dense, low-carb side dish ideal for clean eating and keto-friendly diets.
🍱 Can I meal prep this pork tenderloin recipe?
Yes! This dish is meal-prep approved. Slice the pork after cooling and store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Store the tahini slaw separately to keep it crisp. Great for high-protein lunches and low-carb dinners.
🌾 Is this recipe gluten-free or keto-friendly?
It can be! Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or swap with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to make it keto. The slaw is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a perfect pairing for those on special diets.
Panko-Crusted Pork Tenderloin With Tahini Slaw Recipe
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside! This panko-crusted pork tenderloin is oven-baked to perfection and paired with a creamy, crunchy tahini coleslaw for a refreshing and healthy contrast. A high-protein, low-carb dinner recipe that makes an excellent weeknight family meal or an impressive dish for guests. Also, it's easy to prep and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
For the Pork Tenderloin:
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, trimmed
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling or spraying)
For the Tahini Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 carrot, julienned or shredded
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water to thin (if needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
- Pat dry the pork tenderloin and brush it all over with Dijon mustard.
- In a shallow bowl, mix panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip the mustard-coated pork into the beaten egg, then roll in the panko mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Place on baking sheet, drizzle or spray with olive oil.
Step 2: Bake
- Bake for 22–25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 3: Make the Tahini Slaw
- In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Add water 1 tsp at a time until the dressing is creamy and pourable.
- Toss with cabbage, carrot, and cilantro until well coated.
Step 4: Serve
- Slice pork and serve over or alongside the tahini slaw. Garnish with herbs or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Use an air fryer for an even crispier crust (cook at 400°F for 15–18 minutes).
- Marinate the pork in mustard and spices for 30 minutes beforehand for deeper flavor.
- Add toasted sesame seeds or sliced almonds to the slaw for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for tahini if you're not dairy-free.
- Great for meal prep – the pork and slaw both store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with roasted sweet potatoes or cauliflower mash for a complete meal.
- Serve with low-carb pita or in lettuce wraps for a protein-packed lunch.
- Add a drizzle of hot honey or sriracha tahini sauce for a spicy twist.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 485Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 129mgSodium: 654mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 5gSugar: 11gProtein: 38g
If you like this article about the Panko-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Tahini Slaw Recipe, please share it with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest. Also, subscribe to my blog to get all the latest content first on your mobile.
