Pan-Fried Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Mustard Sauce
Tender pork medallions pan-fried to golden perfection and served with a tangy mustard cream sauce that elevates the dish. This french-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 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 pork tenderloin, sliced into 1-inch medallions
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 small shallots, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 1 lb pork tenderloin medallions on both sides with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then add the pork medallions and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until a golden crust forms and internal temperature reaches 145°F; transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet; sauté 2 finely chopped shallots for 2 minutes until softened.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp Dijon mustard and 1/2 cup heavy cream, simmering for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Return pork medallions to the pan and spoon the mustard sauce over them; sprinkle 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Fried Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Mustard 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 Pan-Fried Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Mustard 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 Tenderloin Medallions with Mustard 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 Mustard 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 Mustard Sauce?
French 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.