Sautéed Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Lemon

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

Tender pork tenderloin medallions quickly sautéed with garlic and brightened with fresh lemon juice for a simple weeknight meal. This american-inspired pork ready in about 22 minutes pairs minced garlic cloves, olive oil, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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: 12 min Serves 4 American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb pork tenderloin and slice it into 1-inch thick medallions. Season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork medallions in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté garlic with pork for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and pour 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice over the pork. Toss gently to coat.
  5. Step 5: Transfer pork medallions to a serving plate and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Garlic and Lemon?

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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Pork Tenderloin with Garlic and Lemon?

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 Garlic and Lemon 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 Tenderloin with Garlic and Lemon?

American 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.

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