Sautéed Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Apple-Cinnamon Sauce

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

Tender pork medallions pan-seared and topped with a warm, spiced apple-cinnamon sauce perfect for a Whole30 compliant dinner. This american-inspired pork (whole30) ready in about 30 minutes blends large, peeled, cored and diced apple, ground cinnamon, olive oil 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 320 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: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season 1 lb pork tenderloin medallions with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add pork medallions to the skillet and sear for 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F). Remove pork and set aside, tented with foil.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 small finely chopped shallot. Sauté for 2 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 large peeled, cored, and diced apple, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp sea salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the apple softens.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return pork medallions to the skillet, spoon sauce over them to reheat for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Apple-Cinnamon Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Apple-Cinnamon 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 Tenderloin Medallions with Apple-Cinnamon 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 Tenderloin Medallions with Apple-Cinnamon 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.

Is Sautéed Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Apple-Cinnamon Sauce whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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