Pan-Fried Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Garlic Butter Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork tenderloin medallions pan-fried and topped with a rich garlic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs. This pork recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs pork tenderloin, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 International cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 1 lb pork tenderloin medallions with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add the pork medallions in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Transfer medallions to a plate and cover with foil.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and garlic is soft but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Cook the sauce for 1 minute until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Return the pork medallions to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them to coat. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Garlic Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Fried Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Garlic Butter Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Garlic 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 Pan-Fried Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Garlic 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 Pan-Fried Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Garlic Butter Sauce?

International 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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