Spiced Apple-Cinnamon Pork Medallions
Tender pork slices with natural apple sweetness and warming spices, perfect for a sugar-free reintroduction meal after Whole30 resets. This american-inspired whole30 ready in about 25 minutes pairs medium, cored and finely diced apple, cinnamon, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 285 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz, sliced into 1/2-inch medallions pork tenderloin
- 1 medium, cored and finely diced apple
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 8 oz pork tenderloin medallions dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp salt.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add pork medallions to the skillet in a single layer. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Step 4: Add 1 medium diced apple to the skillet, reduce heat to medium, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender but still hold shape.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spiced Apple-Cinnamon Pork Medallions take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Spiced Apple-Cinnamon 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 cinnamon from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Apple-Cinnamon 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 Spiced Apple-Cinnamon Pork Medallions for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Spiced Apple-Cinnamon Pork Medallions?
American whole30 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
Restaurant quality! Can't believe how easy this was.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
