Quick Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Savory Butter Sauce
Why You’ll Love This Pork Medallions Recipe
This easy pork medallions recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. In just about 25 minutes, you’ll have tender, juicy pork rounds coated in a flavorful spice rub and finished with a rich butter pan sauce. It solves the dry pork problem by searing the medallions to golden perfection and keeping the meat succulent. All you need are simple ingredients from your pantry, making this a stress-free, restaurant-quality meal at home.
What Makes This Recipe Special
What sets this recipe apart is its simple technique and big flavor. The pork tenderloin medallions are seared until they develop a golden-brown crust, locking in natural juices. Then we use the flavorful browned bits (fond) left in the pan to create a savory butter sauce with chicken broth and a pat of butter. A generous seasoning blend of paprika, garlic, and thyme infuses the meat with depth, delivering a one-pan dinner that feels gourmet but is easy enough for anyone to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few straightforward ingredients to make these pork medallions shine:
Pork tenderloin: A 1.5 lb (about 680 g) pork tenderloin, trimmed and sliced into 12 medallions.
Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to create a simple spice rub.
Cooking fat: Olive oil and unsalted butter for searing the pork and building the pan sauce.
Chicken broth: Low-sodium chicken broth (about 120 ml) to deglaze the pan and add flavor to the sauce.
Garnish: Chopped fresh parsley (optional) for a burst of color and freshness.
Pro-Tips for Success
Dry the pork: Pat the medallions with paper towels before seasoning. A dry surface helps them brown nicely.
Preheat the skillet: Heat the pan over medium-high before adding oil. A hot pan sears meat faster and creates a better crust.
Don’t crowd the pan: Sear the medallions in batches if needed. Giving each piece room ensures they sizzle instead of steam.
Season generously: Rub paprika, garlic, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper evenly on all sides. This spice mix really boosts flavor.
Use a meat thermometer: Cook pork to 145°F (63°C) internal temperature for juicy, safe-to-eat results.
Rest before serving: Let the medallions rest a few minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute, keeping the pork tender.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the pork: Going well past 145°F will make it dry and tough. Keep an eye on the cooking time and temperature.
Crowding the skillet: Adding too many medallions at once can trap steam, preventing a golden crust.
Not preheating the pan: A cold pan prevents a good sear; the meat may stick and release less flavor.
Skipping the rest: Serving immediately after cooking lets juices run out. Give the meat a brief rest under foil to absorb back all the tasty juices.
Flavor Variations
Balsamic & Capers: After searing, pour in balsamic vinegar and add capers to the pan sauce. Simmer until slightly thickened for a tangy, upscale flavor.
Mushroom Gravy: Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet after removing pork, then add beef or chicken stock. Stir in herbs and a touch of cream for a rich gravy.
Cajun Spice Rub: Swap the seasoning for a blend of smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme. Serve the medallions with a creamy lemon-dill sauce for a zesty kick.
Herb Lemon: Marinate medallions in lemon juice, rosemary, and garlic before cooking. Deglaze the pan with white wine for a bright, herb-infused sauce.
What to Serve With Pork Medallions
Mashed Potatoes or Rice: Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice are perfect for soaking up the buttery pan sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted carrots, broccoli, or sautéed green beans for a colorful, healthy side. They add crunch and balance to the meal.
Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and contrasts nicely with the rich pork medallions.
Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or dinner rolls are great for mopping up any extra sauce on the plate.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, let the pork medallions cool to room temperature, then refrigerate them in an airtight container. They will stay good for 3–4 days. You can also freeze cooked pork medallions for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or sauce to keep them moist. Alternatively, enjoy slices cold in a sandwich or atop a salad for a quick meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when pork medallions are fully cooked?
Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the thickest piece. Pork is safe and juicy at about 145°F (63°C) internal temperature. A slight blush of pink in the center is okay, but be careful not to overcook or the meat will dry out.
Can I use pork chops instead of tenderloin?
Yes. Boneless pork chops can be used if you slice them into medallion-size pieces. Trim any excess fat, then season and sear them the same way. Thicker chops may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can substitute beef or vegetable broth, or even a splash of white wine. If using water, add an extra pinch of seasoning (like a dash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce) to boost the flavor of the pan sauce.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any broth or additional sauces you use are gluten-free certified. Cornstarch or gluten-free flour can also be used to thicken the sauce if desired.
This recipe yields tender pork tenderloin medallions seared to golden brown and topped with a rich buttery sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s flavored with paprika, garlic, and thyme for restaurant-quality taste.
Ingredients
1.5 lb pork tenderloin, cut into medallions
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1
Step 1 (0-5 min) - Season the Pork Medallions
Pat the pork medallions dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Let them sit for a minute to absorb the flavors.
2
Step 2 (5-8 min) - Sear the Pork
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork medallions (working in batches if needed to avoid crowding) and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and almost cooked through. Remove the seared medallions to a plate and set aside.
3
Step 3 (8-10 min) - Deglaze and Make Sauce
Carefully pour the chicken broth into the hot skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the butter and let it melt, stirring to combine into a smooth pan sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.
4
Step 4 (10-12 min) - Finish and Serve
Return the seared pork medallions to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Cook for 1 more minute to heat through. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve the medallions immediately with sauce drizzled on top.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories300kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat15g24%
Saturated Fat4g20%
Cholesterol90mg30%
Sodium500mg21%
Total Carbohydrate6g2%
Dietary Fiber1g4%
Sugars2g
Protein30g60%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Bring Meat to Room Temperature: Let the pork sit out for about 15 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and maximum juiciness.
Uniform Thickness: Slice the tenderloin into equal 1-inch medallions. Even thickness helps them cook at the same rate.
Finish with Butter: Stir in a pat of butter into the pan sauce at the end for extra richness and a glossy finish.
Pin this recipe to share with your friends and followers.
Anna
Food and Lifestyle Blogger
Hi, I’m Anna — a wellness enthusiast, recipe creator, and founder of Cook Recipe. I love making healthy, easy, and feel-good meals that inspire others to live happier, more balanced lives. When I’m not in the kitchen, you’ll find me exploring new places or flowing through a yoga session! 🌿