Sautéed Pork Medallions with Caramelized Onions and Mustard Sauce

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

Tender pork medallions seared to golden perfection, topped with sweet caramelized onions and a tangy mustard cream sauce. This german-inspired summer cookout ready in about 40 minutes blends olive oil, large, thinly sliced yellow onion, unsalted butter into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 30 min Serves 4 German cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb pork tenderloin medallions with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, then sear the medallions for 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and keep warm.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion. Cook slowly, stirring frequently for 12 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 minced garlic clove and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp Dijon mustard and 1/2 cup heavy cream, simmering gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Return the pork medallions to the skillet, spoon the mustard sauce and onions over them, and cook for 1 minute to warm through. Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Pork Medallions with Caramelized Onions and Mustard Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Pork Medallions with Caramelized Onions and Mustard Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Pork Medallions with Caramelized Onions and Mustard Sauce?

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 Sautéed Pork Medallions with Caramelized Onions and Mustard Sauce 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 Sautéed Pork Medallions with Caramelized Onions and Mustard Sauce?

German summer cookout 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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