Seared Garlic Butter Pork Medallions

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

Tender pork medallions seared and finished with a fragrant garlic butter sauce. This japanese-inspired pork ready in about 20 minutes pairs pork tenderloin, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1 lb pork tenderloin medallions and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add the pork medallions in a single layer and sear for 3 minutes without moving until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves to the pan, stirring gently for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and butter is melted.
  5. Step 5: Spoon the garlic butter over the pork medallions continuously, then drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let rest for 3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Seared Garlic Butter Pork Medallions take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Seared Garlic Butter Pork Medallions?

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 pork tenderloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Seared Garlic Butter Pork Medallions?

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 Seared Garlic Butter Pork Medallions 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 Seared Garlic Butter Pork Medallions?

Japanese 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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