Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Smoky Kansas Spice Rub
Tender pork medallions are coated with a smoky, slightly spicy Kansas-inspired seasoning and pan-seared to juicy perfection, served with a simple pan sauce. This american-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch thick medallions pork tenderloin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the Kansas spice rub. Coat all sides of 1 lb pork tenderloin medallions evenly with the rub.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork medallions and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until a deep golden crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 3: Remove the pork from the skillet and tent with foil. Reduce heat to medium, add 1 tbsp unsalted butter, then pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, scraping the browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Return the pork to the skillet for 1 minute to coat with the sauce, then serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Smoky Kansas Spice Rub 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 Smoky Kansas Spice Rub?
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 smoked paprika from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Smoky Kansas Spice Rub?
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 Smoky Kansas Spice Rub 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 Smoky Kansas Spice Rub?
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.
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