Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Spiced Teashop Black Tea Reduction

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

Tender pork medallions pan-seared to golden perfection, finished with a rich black tea reduction infused with warm spices for a sophisticated main dish. This mexican-inspired pork ready in about 35 minutes brings together salt, black pepper, olive oil for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 400 g pork tenderloin medallions with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on all sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork medallions and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then remove from the pan and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup water to a simmer and steep 2 tsp black tea leaves with 1 whole star anise and 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon for 5 minutes to infuse.
  4. Step 4: Strain the tea infusion into the skillet used for pork, add 1 tbsp brown sugar and 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp butter into the sauce to enrich it, then return the pork medallions to the skillet and coat them with the glossy tea reduction before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Spiced Teashop Black Tea Reduction take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Spiced Teashop Black Tea Reduction?

Refrigerate any leftover pan-seared pork medallions with spiced teashop black tea reduction in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork Medallions with Spiced Teashop Black Tea 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 Spiced Teashop Black Tea 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 Spiced Teashop Black Tea Reduction?

Mexican 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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