Chef Mitchell preparing Savory Pork Medallions
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Savory Pork Medallions recipe during a culinary tour in France. The flavors and techniques I learned inspired me to recreate this dish at home. Over the years, I’ve perfected the recipe to bring out the best in the pork and sauce. It’s become a family favorite that I’m excited to share with everyone."

Chef Mitchell is passionate about French cuisine, with extensive training in classic cooking techniques. He has a knack for transforming traditional recipes into accessible dishes for home cooks. His love for French cooking shines through in every meal he prepares.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Savory Pork Medallions served on a plate

Why This Savory Pork Medallions Recipe Works

This recipe works beautifully due to its balance of flavors and textures. The pork medallions remain juicy and tender while being complemented by a rich mushroom sauce. The addition of Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that elevates the dish.

By searing the pork first, you develop a wonderful crust that locks in moisture. The creamy sauce enhances the pork without overpowering it, making every bite a delightful experience.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the pork. This will ensure a nice sear, which helps to lock in the juices. Let the pork rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it tender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the pork medallions and sauce ahead of time. Cook the pork for about 80% of the total time, then cool and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat gently in a skillet and finish cooking until the pork is fully cooked through.

If you prefer not to use chicken broth, you can substitute it with vegetable broth or water. However, using broth will enhance the flavor of the sauce significantly. Just ensure that the substitute is low-sodium to manage the overall salt content.

The best way to determine if the pork medallions are done is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. Additionally, the meat should be firm to the touch and juices should run clear.

Yes, you can freeze Savory Pork Medallions. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently in the skillet.

Savory Pork Medallions pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad. Steamed vegetables like green beans and carrots also complement this dish beautifully.

Savory Pork Medallions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they are kept in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and sear the pork medallions a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. On the day of serving, simply reheat the sauce and finish cooking the pork as directed in the recipe.

The best way to reheat Savory Pork Medallions is in a skillet over low heat. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help retain moisture. Cover the skillet to heat evenly without overcooking the pork.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The pork medallions are dry and tough.

Solution: To prevent dry pork, ensure you do not overcook the medallions. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness and consider brining the pork beforehand for extra moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The pork medallions lack a crispy exterior.

Solution: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the pork. Pat the medallions dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring better browning.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The pork medallions are tough from overcooking.

Prevention: To avoid overcooking, monitor the internal temperature closely and remove the pork from heat as soon as it reaches 145°F. If overcooked, serve with extra sauce to add moisture.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The center of the pork medallions is pink and undercooked.

Recovery: If the medallions are undercooked, return them to the skillet and cook on low heat until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Covering the skillet will help cook through evenly.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The exterior of the pork medallions is burnt.

Prevention: To prevent burning, cook the pork at a moderate heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can cause uneven cooking. If the exterior burns, reduce the heat and continue cooking until done.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: To fix a dish that is too salty, add a little sugar or additional cream to mellow the saltiness.

Bland: If the dish is bland, enhance it with additional seasoning or herbs, such as more thyme or freshly cracked black pepper.

Fresh ingredients for Savory Pork Medallions

Essential Ingredients for Savory Pork Medallions

The key to this recipe lies in the quality of your ingredients. Fresh pork tenderloin, for instance, ensures tenderness and flavor. Additionally, using fresh mushrooms and herbs makes a significant difference in the overall taste of the dish.

Choosing high-quality, organic ingredients can elevate this recipe from good to extraordinary. Look for pork that is well-marbled for moisture and flavor, and don't hesitate to splurge on fresh herbs and produce.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Pork Tenderloin: Opt for a fresh, high-quality pork tenderloin for the best flavor and tenderness. Look for cuts that are pink with minimal fat. Avoid pre-packaged options with preservatives.
  • Mushrooms: Select a mix of fresh mushrooms for depth of flavor. Cremini or shiitake mushrooms can add an earthy note, while button mushrooms provide a classic taste.
  • Heavy Cream: Using real heavy cream rather than a substitute ensures a rich and velvety sauce. Look for cream with a high fat content for the best results.
Cooking process for Savory Pork Medallions

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Savory Pork Medallions is straightforward yet rewarding. Start by preparing your ingredients and ensuring everything is at hand. A hot skillet is crucial for achieving the perfect sear on the pork.

By following each step carefully, from searing the pork to creating a luscious sauce, you'll achieve tender, flavorful medallions that impress at any dinner table.

Key Technique for Perfect Savory Pork Medallions

The most important technique in this recipe is the searing of the pork. This step not only develops flavor but also creates a beautiful crust that locks in moisture. Ensuring the skillet is hot enough is essential for this process.

Savory Pork Medallions

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
    For flavor
  • 1 cup chicken broth
    Low sodium recommended
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For richness

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs pork tenderloin
    Cut into medallions
  • 1 cup mushrooms
    Sliced
  • 1 medium onion
    Chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1 tsp thyme
    Dried
  • Salt and pepper
    To taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pork

    Season the pork medallions with salt and pepper on both sides.

  2. Sear the Pork

    In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the pork medallions for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

  3. Sauté Vegetables

    Remove the pork and add the onions and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until translucent.

  4. Add Mushrooms

    Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are browned.

  5. Create the Sauce

    Stir in the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.

  6. Add Cream

    Reduce heat to low and add the heavy cream. Stir to combine.

  7. Return Pork to Skillet

    Place the pork medallions back in the skillet, cover, and cook for an additional 20 minutes.

  8. Prepare Vegetables

    Steam the green beans and carrots as the pork finishes cooking.

  9. Serve

    Plate the pork medallions, pour sauce over them, and serve with steamed vegetables.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Savory Pork Medallions, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness. When reheating, ensure the pork is heated thoroughly to maintain flavor and moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Savory Pork Medallions can be elegantly served over a bed of mashed potatoes or alongside a fresh green salad. For a rustic touch, consider adding some crusty French bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or sage for a unique twist. You can also swap out the mushrooms for asparagus or spinach for a lighter variation.