Pan-Seared Pork with Spicy Demon Pepper Glaze
Tender pork medallions pan-seared and finished with a spicy, tangy glaze inspired by fiery demon peppers from folklore. This asian-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, vegetable oil 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 medallions pork tenderloin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2, thinly sliced scallions
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 1 lb pork tenderloin medallions with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork medallions and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 4: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1/4 cup water, bringing the mixture to a simmer and cooking for 3-4 minutes until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 5: Return the pork medallions to the skillet, tossing gently to coat them in the spicy glaze. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 6: Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Pork with Spicy Demon Pepper Glaze 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 with Spicy Demon Pepper Glaze?
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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork with Spicy Demon Pepper Glaze?
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 with Spicy Demon Pepper Glaze 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 with Spicy Demon Pepper Glaze?
Asian 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.
