Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Apple and Shallot Sauce

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

Tender pork medallions pan-seared and topped with a savory-sweet apple and shallot sauce, adhering to Whole30 guidelines. This american-inspired pork (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes blends sea salt, black pepper, extra virgin 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb pork tenderloin cut into 1-inch medallions and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork medallions in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 145°F).
  3. Step 3: Remove pork medallions from skillet and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 thinly sliced shallots and 1 diced medium peeled green apple. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until shallots soften and apples begin to caramelize.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and coats the apples and shallots.
  6. Step 6: Return pork medallions to the skillet and spoon the apple-shallot sauce over them. Cook for another minute to rewarm the pork and meld flavors before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Apple and Shallot 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-Seared Pork Medallions with Apple and Shallot 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-Seared Pork Medallions with Apple and Shallot 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-Seared Pork Medallions with Apple and Shallot 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.

Is Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Apple and Shallot Sauce whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes