Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Spiced Sweet Potato Mash

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

Tender pork medallions seared to golden perfection, paired with creamy mashed sweet potatoes seasoned with warm regional spices. This American-inspired pork recipe (gluten free), 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 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 large peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook for 15-18 minutes until fork-tender.
  2. Step 2: While potatoes cook, season 1 lb pork tenderloin medallions with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp paprika on both sides.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork medallions in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 145°F). Remove and keep warm.
  4. Step 4: Drain the sweet potatoes and return to pot. Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/3 cup whole milk, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp ground cumin. Mash until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Serve the pork medallions over a bed of spiced sweet potato mash, garnished with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Spiced Sweet Potato Mash take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Spiced Sweet Potato Mash?

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 Spiced Sweet Potato Mash?

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 Spiced Sweet Potato Mash 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 Spiced Sweet Potato Mash gluten free?

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

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