Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Apple-Cider Reduction
Juicy pork medallions pan-seared and finished with a tangy apple-cider reduction that balances savory and sweet notes beautifully. This american-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs teaspoon salt, teaspoon black pepper, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound, cut into 1-inch medallions pork tenderloin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 small, finely chopped shallots
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1 pound pork tenderloin medallions dry and season on both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear pork medallions for 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove medallions and keep warm.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 2 finely chopped shallots and sauté over medium heat for 2 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup apple cider and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Cook until the cider reduces by half, about 6 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves until sauce is glossy and coats the back of a spoon. Return pork medallions to the pan and spoon sauce over them before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Apple-Cider Reduction 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-Seared Pork Medallions with Apple-Cider Reduction?
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 teaspoon salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Apple-Cider Reduction?
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-Cider Reduction 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-Seared Pork Medallions with Apple-Cider Reduction?
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.
