Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Baden-Württemberg Apple-Onion Compote

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

Tender pork medallions pan-seared to golden perfection, served with a sweet and savory apple-onion compote inspired by the regional flavors of Baden-Württemberg. This german-inspired pork ready in about 35 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 320 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 German cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 1 lb pork tenderloin into 1-inch thick medallions. Season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork medallions and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, then remove from skillet and cover loosely with foil.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 1 medium thinly sliced yellow onion to the skillet. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium peeled and diced Granny Smith apple, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1/4 cup water. Stir to combine and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the compote thickens and the apples are tender.
  5. Step 5: Return pork medallions to the skillet and coat them in the apple-onion compote for 2 minutes to warm through before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Baden-Württemberg Apple-Onion Compote take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Baden-Württemberg Apple-Onion Compote?

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-Seared Pork Medallions with Baden-Württemberg Apple-Onion Compote?

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 Baden-Württemberg Apple-Onion Compote 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 Baden-Württemberg Apple-Onion Compote?

German 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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