Sautéed Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Apple and Fennel

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

Tender pork medallions pan-seared and served with a lightly caramelized apple and fennel sauté, perfect for a Whole30 dinner. This whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs small, thinly sliced fennel bulb, olive oil, sea salt 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 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Whole30 cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb pork tenderloin medallions with 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves. Sear pork medallions for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove and keep warm.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Add 1 small thinly sliced fennel bulb and 1 medium thinly sliced apple. Sauté for 5-6 minutes over medium heat until softened and lightly caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 minced garlic clove and 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant and the vinegar reduces slightly.
  4. Step 4: Return pork medallions to the pan and toss with apple-fennel mixture to combine before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Apple and Fennel 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 Sautéed Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Apple and Fennel?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Apple and Fennel?

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 Tenderloin Medallions with Apple and Fennel 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 Sautéed Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Apple and Fennel whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy 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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