Pan-Fried Pork Medallions with Apple-Cinnamon Pan Sauce
Juicy pork medallions pan-fried and complemented by a sweet and aromatic apple-cinnamon sauce perfect for fall-inspired meals. This american-inspired pork ready in about 30 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 320 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, cut into 1-inch medallions pork tenderloin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium, peeled and diced apple
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp leaves fresh thyme
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 1 lb pork tenderloin medallions with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork medallions and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove pork and set aside.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. Add 1 medium diced peeled apple and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, then deglaze the pan with 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Return pork medallions to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and sprinkle 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves. Warm through for 1 minute before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Pork Medallions with Apple-Cinnamon Pan Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Pork Medallions with Apple-Cinnamon Pan 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 Pan-Fried Pork Medallions with Apple-Cinnamon Pan 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 Pan-Fried Pork Medallions with Apple-Cinnamon Pan 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 Pan-Fried Pork Medallions with Apple-Cinnamon Pan Sauce?
American 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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