Sautéed Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Fennel

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

Tender pork tenderloin medallions sautéed with sweet apples and anise-scented fennel for a balanced and flavorful Whole30 dish. This american-inspired whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs medium, thinly sliced fennel bulb, divided olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 lb pork tenderloin medallions with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add pork to skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer pork to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 medium thinly sliced fennel bulb, and 1 large peeled and sliced apple. Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves. Sauté over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until fennel softens and apples start to caramelize.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar to the skillet, stirring to deglaze and loosen browned bits, cooking for 1 more minute until fragrant. Return pork medallions to skillet, toss with apple-fennel mixture, and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Pork Tenderloin with Apple and Fennel take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 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 divided olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Pork Tenderloin 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 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 with Apple and Fennel whole30?

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

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