Italian Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Sage Butter Sauce
Tender pork medallions pan-seared to golden perfection and served with a fragrant sage butter sauce that highlights classic Italian flavors. This italian-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes blends salt, black pepper, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork tenderloin, sliced into 1-inch medallions
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 8 leaves fresh sage leaves
- 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb pork tenderloin cut into 1-inch medallions. Season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork medallions and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal 145°F). Remove medallions and keep warm.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted and foaming, add 8 fresh sage leaves and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and butter is lightly browned.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, then return pork medallions to the skillet, spooning the sage butter sauce over them to coat.
- Step 5: Serve immediately garnished with extra sage if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Italian Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Sage Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Italian Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Sage Butter Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Italian Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Sage Butter Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Italian Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Sage Butter Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Italian Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Sage Butter Sauce?
Italian pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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