Sautéed Pork with Herb and Garlic Sauce
Tender pork medallions pan-seared and served with a vibrant herb and garlic sauce inspired by local regional flavors. This mediterranean-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes blends olive oil, salt, black pepper 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cut into 1-inch medallions pork tenderloin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 1 lb pork tenderloin medallions evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork medallions and sear for 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove pork and keep warm.
- Step 3: Lower heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until the sauce warms and herbs release aroma.
- Step 5: Return pork to the skillet and toss with the herb and garlic sauce to coat evenly before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Pork with Herb and Garlic Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Pork with Herb and Garlic 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 with Herb and Garlic 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 with Herb and Garlic 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 with Herb and Garlic Sauce?
Mediterranean 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.
