Sautéed Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Cauliflower Rice

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

Pan-seared pork tenderloin medallions seasoned with warming spices, served alongside fragrant sautéed cauliflower rice. This whole30 (whole30, low carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Whole30 cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over 1 lb sliced pork tenderloin medallions.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork medallions and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove pork from skillet and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and sauté 1 small finely chopped yellow onion with 2 minced garlic cloves for 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Step 4: Add the grated cauliflower from 1 medium cauliflower head to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cauliflower rice is tender but not mushy.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1 tbsp lime juice. Serve the sautéed spiced pork medallions atop the cauliflower rice for a flavorful Whole30 meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Cauliflower Rice take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Cauliflower Rice?

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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Cauliflower Rice?

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 Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Cauliflower Rice 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 Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Cauliflower Rice whole30?

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

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