Indulge in Culinary Excellence with Mouthwatering Pork Medallions
What Cut is a Pork Medallion?
👩🍳 Pork medallions are round cuts of lean pork tenderloin. These tender cuts of meat are seasoned and seared to perfection and often served with sauce and a side of veggies. This easy, delicious recipe takes only 30 minutes!
If you’re a food enthusiast on a quest for the ultimate dining experience, then prepare to be captivated by the perfect pork medallions recipe we have in store for you. This recipe is sure to provide a flavor-packed kick that will transport you to foodie heaven. By combining special ingredients with the right cooking techniques, you can create an unforgettable experience for your kitchen.
In the realm of culinary excellence, few dishes can rival the succulent indulgence offered by tender and juicy pork medallions. These bite-sized pieces of meat, carefully cut and expertly seasoned, hold the potential to transport your taste buds to new heights of satisfaction. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, planning a special occasion, or simply seeking to elevate your everyday meals, pork medallions are the epitome of gourmet delight.
We have step-by-step instructions that will guide you in making delicious pork medallions suitable for any occasion. Our guidance covers selecting the best pork cuts, proper marinating techniques, and flavor combinations that complement pork perfectly. Whether you want to impress dinner guests or add a touch of sophistication to your regular meals, our tips can help you create a mouthwatering dish that will impress everyone.
Get ready to learn how to cook pork medallions! Let’s dive in and discover the secrets to crafting the perfect pan-seared pork medallions for a truly flavorful feast.
Table of Contents
- What are Pork Medallions?
- Pork Medallions Recipe
- Pork Medallions Recipe Tips and Variations
- How to Serve Pork Medallions
- Pork Tenderloin Medallions Storage and Reheating
- Pork Medallion FAQs
- Final Thoughts
What are Pork Medallions?
Pork medallions are round slices of pork tenderloin (not pork loin) that are 1-2 inches thick. They are easy to handle, cook quickly, and become very tender when cooked without needing brine.
The pork tenderloin is a thin muscle that runs along the pig’s backbone and weighs around 1-2 pounds, while the pork loin is a bigger, wider cut that weighs about 3-5 pounds. The tenderloin is amazingly tender as it comes from a less-used muscle, whereas the loin is more muscular and takes longer to cook to become tender.
Pork medallions are tender because of the cut of pork used, their flattened even thickness, and their quick cooking time which prevents them from drying out. Additionally, they have low-fat content, similar to skinless chicken breasts, but still offer great flavor.
Pork Medallions Recipe
This recipe for pork medallions turns pork tenderloin into juicy, golden medallions that are rubbed with spices and quickly pan-seared to tender perfection. The medallions are then covered in a delicious, savory sauce. These pork medallions are easy to make and turn out juicy and delicious if cooked properly. But make sure not to overcook them, or they may become dry.
Ingredients for Pork Medallions
The combination of thyme, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in this dish makes a versatile and delicious seasoning. It enhances the flavor of these medallions as well as other pork dishes and chicken. Here are the ingredients required:
Pork Tenderloin: To make this dish, you need a one-pound pork tenderloin cut into 12 medallions. If you’re buying from a grocery store, it’s usually available in two pieces per pack, but we use only one for this recipe.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning 12 pieces of pork, use approximately ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
Thyme: Just a teaspoon of dried thyme enhances the flavor of these pork medallions.
Paprika: To add flavor, use 1/2 teaspoon of sweet paprika or adjust to your liking.
Garlic Powder: Adding ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder will make the flavor of this dish more intense.
Oil: Avocado oil is recommended for sauteing, but you can also use vegetable oil or light olive oil. For pan frying, generally, it’s best to use oils with a higher smoke point, so vegetable oil is a good choice.
Butter: To improve the flavor and texture of the pan sauce, it is recommended to stir in a tablespoon of butter.
Broth: To prepare the pan sauce, add ½ cup of broth (low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth) to the pan.
Here are the measurements you need:
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 pound pork tenderloin, cut into 12 medallions
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter, plus more for the sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Pork Medallions
Prepare the skillet and the pork medallions by heating oil over medium-high heat in a 12-inch skillet. Cut the pork tenderloin into 12 slices and season each medallion with a mixture of salt, pepper, thyme, paprika, and garlic powder. Press them down to ensure that the seasoning is evenly spread and the medallions are flattened.
To cook the pork medallions, use a skillet and cook them in two batches to avoid overcrowding and steaming the meat. Put the pork in the skillet and cook them for 3 minutes on one side. Add butter to the pan when you flip the pork.
Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145˚F. The amount of time needed to cook the pork will vary based on its thickness. After cooking, take them out of the skillet and transfer them to a serving platter.
To prepare the sauce, return the skillet to heat. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, being cautious of the smoke and steam. Use a whisk or other utensil to scrape up all the browned bits from the pan’s bottom, and cook for one minute. Then, add a few pats of butter to the sauce to thicken it slightly.
To complete the dish, put the medallions back on the skillet and cook for another minute until they are heated through. While cooking, scoop the sauce over the medallions. Add parsley on top as garnish and serve.
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes four servings of pork medallions. You can easily double or triple the ingredients and cook them in batches. Each serving of 3 medallions has the following nutrients:
- Calories: 389kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0.5g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Fat: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 202mg
- Protein: 19g
Pork Medallions Recipe Tips and Variations
To test the doneness of pork accurately, rely on its temperature rather than color. Even when fully cooked, pork may appear slightly pink. Make use of an instant-read meat thermometer to check the temperature. Pork is considered completely cooked at a minimum of 145°F. You may cook it to 160°F if you prefer, but that can cause it to be excessively dry.
To make your pork medallions tender, flatten them by pounding them between two sheets of plastic wrap with a meat mallet or the bottom of a saucepan. This will also make them cook more quicker!
To add a crunchy texture to your pork tenderloin medallions, you can bread them with Panko crumbs (or keto bread crumbs if you’re low-carb). Start by patting the medallions dry, then dip them in either milk or egg before coating them in the crumbs.
For best results, use a combination of butter and olive oil when cooking. The butter provides a delicious buttery flavor while the oil helps prevent the butter from burning. Avoid using only butter as it will quickly burn.
How to Serve Pork Medallions
This dish can be a flexible main course that can elevate any evening meal. They taste amazing when served on top of mashed potatoes. Additionally, they are delicious when served with rice or pasta. If you prefer a lighter choice, we recommend trying them with our popular cauliflower potato salad!
They’re also great when paired with a side of vegetables such as buttered carrots or sautéed asparagus. For a healthy side dish, toss chopped vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, and green beans, with sautéed shallots in butter and olive oil. Serve alongside your pork medallions.
Add some spice to your dish by mixing in extra red pepper flakes. Add at least ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you really want to feel the heat, add ½ teaspoon. To keep the dish suitable for all ages, you can add more red pepper flakes to individual servings as desired.
Pork Medallions Storage and Reheating
To store pork medallions, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for three to five days.
To freeze, after the skillet has cooled completely, transfer its contents to a bag that is safe for freezing and remove excess air to avoid freezer burn. Alternatively, transfer it to a freezer-safe container that can be sealed airtight. The food can be frozen for a maximum of 3 months. Before reheating, it should be completely thawed in the refrigerator.
To reheat using the microwave, start by heating for 1 minute. Then, continue heating at 30-second intervals until it is properly warmed through.
To reheat the pork medallions on the stove, place them in a skillet and heat over medium heat. Flip the medallions halfway through cooking and continue heating until they are warmed through.
To warm up the medallions in the oven, place them in a baking dish. Cover it with foil, then bake for 10-15 minutes at 350F until fully heated.
Pork Medallion FAQs
Can I Use Pork Loin For Pork Medallions?
No. These cuts of meat are different and cannot be used interchangeably in the recipe. Pork tenderloins are very tender, while pork loin is larger and tougher, and needs more time to cook. Though this recipe may work for boneless pork chops with slight changes to the cooking time.
What Temperature Should Pork Medallions Be Cooked?
To ensure that your pork is cooked safely, cook fresh cuts to an internal temperature of 145°F. The most reliable method for checking if the meat is cooked thoroughly is by using a digital thermometer.
Final Thoughts
If you want to experience an amazing culinary creation that will take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey, you should try making these perfect pork medallions. This delightful dish combines juicy pork medallions with a variety of flavors and textures, resulting in an exceptionally delicious feast that will leave your guests wanting more.
This recipe is easy to make yet elegant, making it perfect for both experienced chefs and home cooks. You’ll start by choosing the best pork cuts, then seasoning and searing them to perfection. The result is a delicious blend of flavors that anyone can appreciate.
This recipe is versatile and allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. You can either use traditional herbs and spices or experiment with different marinades and glazes from around the world. The pork medallions act as a base which you can modify as much as you want. They pair well with multiple sides like mashed potatoes and fresh veggies, making meal preparation easy and delicious.
Get ready to cook with the perfect pork medallions recipe. Gather your ingredients and heat up the stove to embark on a culinary adventure. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or treating yourself, this dish will surely be a centerpiece of flavor and a source of unforgettable memories to showcase your culinary skills. Check out this article for more pork recipes.