This Pork Tenderloin Medallions Recipe is bathed in rich mushroom gravy and is deceptively easy to make!
This pork medallions recipe is hypnotic! It transforms pork tenderloin into juicy, golden, spice rubbed pork medallions that pan sear to tender perfection in minutes! The seared pork medallions are then enveloped in silky, umami rich mushroom gravy that deserves its very own encore. This pork medallions recipe may look and taste gourmet (perfect for special occasions like Motherโs Day!) but is simple to make with a cook time of less than 30 minutes once your ingredients are prepped. The one skillet cooking method also makes this recipe a weeknight dinner homerun with hardly any cleanup! Serve these pork medallions over a bed of mashed potatoes with honey roasted carrots or Parmesan asparagus and you have a swoon worthy dinner everyone will love!
Pork dinners are one of our favorite way to dress up dinner. If you’re looking for more tasty pork tenderloin recipes, you’ll love garlic butter pork tenderloin, chili Dijon pork tenderloin, blackberry hoisin pork tenderloin, and pork tenderloin with pineapple glaze.
PIN THIS RECIPE TO SAVE FOR LATER
Watch How to Make Pork Medallions
Pork Medallions Recipe
With Motherโs Day around the corner, I wanted to share this pork medallions recipe that boasts the adept combination of mega comforting, simple and impressive all at the same time. But most importantly, you will be obsessed with tenderness of the pork and the rich, full bodied gravy!
WHAT IS A PORK medallion?
If youโve never cooked with pork tenderloin medallions before, prepare to be blown away!ย Pork medallions are 1- to 2-inch-thick round slices of pork tenderloin that are easy to work with, cook up quickly and cook up super tender without the need for a brine.ย
The tenderness comes from the cut of pork, the quick cooking time (so there isnโt time to dry out the pork) and the even thickness of the flattened medallions.ย Pork medallions also boast fabulous flavor even though they are extremely low in fat โ about as lean as skinless chicken breasts!ย
For this recipe, the pork tenderloin medallions are seasoned and pan-fried for 3 to 4 minutes per side then kept warm before being nestled in the mushroom gravy.ย The emerging pork medallions are fabulously flavorful and buttery tender.ย I CANNOT wait for you to fall in love with them!
What you’ll need for Pork Loin Medallions
The pork medallions are star of the show – but the mushroom gravy is the supporting cast โ you canโt have one without the other!ย Hereโs what youโll need for this easy recipe:
how to purchase PORK for pork tenderloin medallions
Pork medallions are made of pork tenderloin, so youโll want to purchase one package for this recipe.ย Hereโs what to look for:
What is the best kind of mushrooms to use in this recipe?
You can use virtually any flavorful mushrooms for this pork medallions recipe other than white mushrooms (unless you would like a super mild flavor).ย I chose to use easy-to-find cremini/baby bella mushrooms and elevate them with the cooking technique.
Cremini mushrooms are the โmiddle childโ mushroom.ย They are a more mature version of the white button mushroom and therefore heartier, earthier and overall, more flavorful.ย They are also younger than the next mature variety, the portobello, and that is why they are often called โbaby bellaโ or โbaby portobelloโ mushrooms. Once they reach about 4โณ โ 6โณ in diameter, they are deemed a portobello. The younger cremini mushrooms still boast a deep savory flavor.
You are also welcome to use other flavorful mushrooms such as portobello, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms or more exotic mushrooms such as chanterelle, morel, enoki or king oyster mushrooms. You can even mix and match different varieties of mushrooms.
How to cook Pork Tenderloin Medallions
The beauty of pork medallions is how quickly they cook! The mushroom gravy takes a little more time, but is worth every second. Here’s how to make this exquisite recipe:ย
Step 1: Dredge pork medallions: ย
Step 2: Cook pork medallions:
Step 3: Caramelize the mushrooms
Step 4: Make the gravy
Step 5: Combine
DO I NEED TO REMOVE THE SILVERSKIN BEFORE COOKING?
Many packages of pork tenderloin will come pre-trimmed and ready to go but if your pork tenderloin comes with the silverskin intact, you will need to remove it before slicing the pork medallions. The silverskin is part of a sinew on one side of the pork tenderloin and looks like thin, silvery fat.ย You will need to remove it because it can become tough and chewy when cooked. ย
There really isnโt anything special about removing the silverskin. To remove, slip a sharp knife in between the silverskin and the meat to create a โtab.โ Angle the knife so the blade is facing toward the silver skin way from the meat.ย Finally, hold the tab taught while you cut the silverskin with a sawing motion until itโs cut free.
How to cut Pork Medallions
Once the silverskin is removed, you are ready to cut the pork medallions.ย Place the pork tenderloin on a cutting board. ย Use a sharp knife to cut the tenderloin crosswise into 12 slices, about 1-inch thick, but the size will vary depending on the length of your tenderloin. These rounds are called,ย medallions.
How to flatten pork tenderloin medallions
Now that you have 12 pork tenderloin medallions, itโs time to flatten them with the palm of your hand.ย Weโre not talking super flat, just a gentle pressing of the medallion with your palm until they’re 1/2-inch thick โ no meat mallet required!ย These thinner slices of pork cook up more quickly and evenly which results in juicer pork. ย Flattening the pork medallions also breaks down some of the connective tissue which also tenderizes the pork โ win-win!
HOW TO KNOW WHEN PORK MEDALLIONS ARE DONE COOKING:
Pork medallions are very lean, so it is important not overcook them or they wonโt be as juicy.ย The USDA guidelines state that pork can be safely consumed when cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F with a resting time of three minutes.
The best way to check for doneness is with an instant read thermometer.ย If you donโt have a thermometer, I suggest cooking the medallions for only 3 minutes and then checking one for doneness. The pork should be juicy, opaque and slightly pink inside.ย If any juices squeeze out, they should be clear.
Make ahead pork tenderloin medallion recipe
You can prep portions of this pork tenderloin medallions recipe in advance so the final dish comes together quickly.
โข Dredge pork medallions.ย Slice the medallions and dredge in the flour and spices. Transfer the medallions to a parchment lined plateย in a single layerย and tightly cover with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator.
โข Chop aromatics.ย Dice the shallots and mince the garlic and store in separate plastic bags in the refrigerator.
โข Slice mushrooms.ย Mushrooms can be sliced and stored in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use. Remember to brush the mushrooms clean, donโt wash them!
TIPS
Tenderloin Medallions recipe variations
HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT pork medallions
โข To store:ย Pork medallions should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for three to five days.ย
โข To Freeze:ย Let the skillet cool completely then transfer the contents to a freezer safe bag and squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn or transfer to an airtight freezer safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator completely before reheating.
โข To reheat in the microwave:ย ย Heat for 1 minute, then at 30-second intervals until warmed through.ย Donโt overcook or youโll dry out the pork!ย
โข To reheat on the stove:ย Transfer to a skillet and heat over medium heat, flipping the pork medallions halfway through cooking.ย Heat just until warmed through.
โข To reheat in the oven:ย Transfer the medallions to an oven safe dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
What to serve with Pork Tenderloin dinner
Pork Loin Medallions FAQs
This pork medallions recipe is pretty straightforward, but below youโll find answers to commonly asked questions to satisfy your curiosity and guarantee success:
Yes, you can easy double this recipe and use both pork tenderloins in your package.ย To double the recipe, hover over the servings in the recipe card and use the slider to scale the recipe up to 8 servings. ย Keep in mind, you should still sear the pork and cook the mushrooms in multiple batches to produce the best textures. ย
To elevate the pork medallions recipe, it gets pan fried in a mixture of both butter and olive oil. If youโve never added butter to your pan frying, you will never go back!ย The butter adds the undeniably scrumptious, decadent buttery flavor and the oil prevents the butter from burning.ย ย Youย mayย use all oil but youย cannotย use all butter or the butter will burn.ย I recommend using both for best results.ย If you want to use a different oil, make sure it has a high smoking point and neutral flavor.
Pork medallions are quite small and shrink further when cooking, so youโll need 3 or 4 medallions per person. One recipe is 12 medallions, so it will feed three to four people.ย
Yes!ย You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced in half to create thin cutlets and treat them just like you would the pork medallions, adding extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time per side.
Dredging the pork medallions in flour is highly recommended but not a must. Dredging the medallions in flour creates a golden crust that insulates the temperamental pork and keeps it juicy and tender, it also seasons the medallions and, best of all, absorbs butter from cooking โ YUM! If you skip the flour, still coat the medallions in the same seasonings.
Yes!ย Simply swap the flour for gluten free flour and youโre all set.
The main differences between a pork chop and a medallion lies in their cut, size and tenderness. A pork chop is a larger, thicker cut of pork that includes both the bone and the meat. It’s typically taken from the loin or rib area of the pig and can be bone-in or boneless. On the other hand, a medallion refers to smaller, round slices of pork cut from a larger piece, such as the tenderloin. Medallions are more tender and lean due to their smaller size, making them suitable for quicker cooking methods like pan-searing or grilling.
Yes, pork medallions can be safely served with a slight hint of pink in the middle, as long as they reach an internal temperature of 145ยฐF (63ยฐC) and are allowed to rest for a few minutes before serving. This is in line with the guidelines provided by food safety organizations like the USDA. Cooking pork to this temperature ensures it’s safe to eat while maintaining its tenderness and flavor.
To ensure tender pork medallions, cook them to the recommended internal temperature, use moderate heat, and choose high-quality cuts. Here are the deets:
Overcooking:ย Pork can become tough and dry if it’s cooked for too long. Cooking beyond the recommended internal temperature of 145ยฐF (63ยฐC) can cause the meat to lose its moisture and become tough.
High Heat:ย Cooking pork medallions over excessively high heat can lead to quick searing on the outside while leaving the inside tough. It’s better to use moderate heat to ensure even cooking.
Undercooking:ย On the other hand, if pork is undercooked, it can be tough and chewy. It’s important to reach the recommended internal temperature to ensure both safety and tenderness.
Quality of Meat:ย The quality of the pork itself matters. Choose cuts labeled “tenderloin” or “loin” for better tenderness.
Thin Slices:ย If the medallions are cut too thinly, they can easily overcook and become tough. Thicker slices tend to retain moisture better.
Not Resting After Cooking:ย Allowing the pork medallions to rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, leading to a more tender result.
WANT TO TRY THIS RECIPE?
PIN ITย to your recipe BOARD TO SAVE FOR LATER!
FIND ME ON PINTEREST FOR MORE GREAT RECIPES! I AM ALWAYS PINNING :)!
ยฉCarlsbad Cravings by CarlsbadCravings.com
More Favorites from Carlsbad Cravings
Pork Tenderloin Medallions in Mushroom Gravy
Save This Recipe To Your Recipe Box
You can now create an account on our site and save your favorite recipes all in one place!
Ingredients
Pork
Mushroom Gravy
- 12 ounces baby bella/cremini mushrooms sliced ยผ-inch thick
- 1 shallot, minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ยผ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ยผ cup flour
- 2 ยฝ cups reduce sodium beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon reduced sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon beef bouillon (see notes)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ยฝ tsp EACH dried oregano, dried thyme
Instructions
- Prep pork: Trim silver skin from the pork tenderloin and cut crosswise into 12 medallions. Press each medallion with the palm of your hand to flatten to a about 1/2-inch even thickness. Whisk the flour and all pork seasoning together in a shallow dish. Dredge each medallion in the mixture, shake off any excess, then transfer to a dry surface.
- Cook pork: Melt the 2 tablespoons butter in 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add HALF of the pork medallions in a single layer and cook for approximately 3 minutes per side. Pork is cooked through when an instant read thermometer registers 145หF. Cooking time will also depend on the thickness of the medallions. Transfer pork to a plate, tent with foil and repeat with remaining pork.
- Caramelize mushrooms: Melt 2 tablespoons butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Increase temperature to medium-high and add half of the mushrooms. Give them a stir to evenly coat in the butter then arrange mushrooms in a single layer. Cook mushrooms for 3 minutes per side or until golden. Once evenly browned, season mushrooms lightly with freshly cracked salt and pepper and give them a stir. Remove mushrooms from skillet and repeat with remaining mushrooms; transfer all mushrooms to a plate.
- Gravy: To the now empty skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add shallot and sautรฉ over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes to soften. Reduce heat to medium, add garlic and red pepper flakes and sautรฉ for 30 seconds. Add flour and cook for 1 minute, scraping up the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in beef broth. Add soy sauce, Worcestershire, Dijon, beef bouillon, and all seasonings. Bring to a simmer until thickened. Once thickened to desired consistency, stir the mushrooms into the gravy.
- Assemble: Nestle the pork medallions into the pan and spoon some gravy over top. Cook over medium for a few minutes to warm through. Taste and season with salt and/or pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve over mashed potatoes (recommended), rice or pasta.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips for Success
- Use pork tenderloin โ not pork loin โ they are not the same! Pork tenderloin is smaller and thinner (about 1-2 pounds, verses 3-5 pounds); one package usually contains 2 tenderloins.ย
- Silverskin:ย The silverskin is part of a sinew on one side of the pork tenderloin and looks like thin, silvery fat.ย You will need to remove it because it can become tough and chewy when cooked. ย There really isnโt anything special about removing the silverskin. To remove, slip a sharp knife in between the silverskin and the meat to create a โtab.โ Angle the knife so the blade is facing toward the silver skin way from the meat.ย Finally, hold the tab taught while you cut the silverskin with a sawing motion until itโs cut free.
- Beef bouillon:ย You can use granulated beef bouillon, one beef bouillon cube or better than bouillon. If using a cube, crush and add it directly to the gravy, donโt dissolve in water first.
- Mushrooms: You can use virtually any flavorful mushrooms for this pork medallions recipe other than white mushrooms (unless you would like a super mild flavor) such as Portobello, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms or more exotic mushrooms such as chanterelle, morel, enoki or king oyster mushrooms. You can even mix and match different varieties of mushrooms, just make sure to cut them the same size.
- Donโt wash the mushrooms.ย You should never rinse your mushrooms or they will absorb water like a sponge and become waterlogged. Waterlogged mushrooms will not brown as well or become as flavorful, and instead will emerge soggy and squeaky.ย Instead, clean your mushrooms with a damp paper towel.
- Make ahead.ย See post for how to prep the pork, mushrooms and aromatics ahead of time.
HOW TO STORE AND REHEAT
- To store:ย Pork medallions should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for three to five days.ย
- To Freeze:ย Let the skillet cool completely then transfer the contents to a freezer safe bag and squeeze out excess air to prevent freezer burn or transfer to an airtight freezer safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator completely before reheating.
- To reheat in the microwave:ย ย Heat for 1 minute, then at 30-second intervals until warmed through.ย Donโt overcook or youโll dry out the pork!ย
- To reheat on the stove:ย Transfer to a skillet and heat over medium heat, flipping the pork medallions halfway through cooking.ย Heat just until warmed through.
- To reheat in the oven:ย Transfer the medallions to an oven safe dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Tag @CarlsbadCravings and Use #CarlsbadCravngs
Leave a Review, I Always Love Hearing From You!
Anita says
Thank you for sharing your recipe. I making it today for a friend. Itโs a if hit with everyone.โค๏ธโค๏ธ
Jen says
Thanks Anita! You sound like an amazing friend to have!
Kathy Holden says
I have been cheating on the gravy but love this recipe. I carmelize some onions. Flour and season the pork tenderloin as directed, brown the meat. Top with onions and then I use a can of FrancoAmerican mushroom gravy with worcestershire sauce and 1/2 can of water. Simmer for about 15 minutes and ready to go. My husband loves it. Tonight served over mashed potatoes with steamed broccoli. Had to warn him I wanted leftovers. I’m usually one to make it all myself, but since I discovered this gravy on sale, read the ingredients – it is just to handy to have in the cupboard. Thanks so much for your recipe!
Jen says
I’m so glad that you have been loving the recipe! Your gravy sounds like a delicious shortcut!
Petrus van Nierop says
Hi Jennifer.
Absolutely brilliant.
I really thought i made a mess of things but the taste is really to blow you away.
My lady friend and cook passed away and i am an senior ceoliac and on top of this a brand new stove/oven.
So enough variables..
Yes my result ended up a bit lumpy but the TASTE WOW.
Served with potato and spinach mash.
I will add you to my favourite recipe cook.
Jen says
I am so glad the taste was great! I hope you find lots of new favorite recipes!
Jennifer says
Just made this for dinner tonight and we all absolutely loved it! The only thing I did different was add lots more mushrooms and used packaged brown gravy. I’m unable to stand for long periods of time, so the packaged gravy made it easier on my body.
Will definitely make again!!
Jen says
I am so glad that you were able to make it your own and that it will be a repeat!
Pierrette says
Made this recipe tonight so good also easy to make it’s keeper
Thank you for all your advice
Lady P
Jen says
I’m so glad you enjoyed the advice and the food!
Jenifer Aragon says
I havenโt made this yet but Iโm wondering about using Better than Bullion Mushroom. What do you think?
Jen says
I think that would be tasty! It would add even more mushroom flavor for the mushroom lover!
Barb Delp says
Oh my word. That Pork Tenderloin Medallions in Mushroom Gravy was absolutely amazing. The medallions were so so tender. And the flavor of the gravy was rich and sublime. I’m an old cook who certainly learned a new trick with this recipe. Made it for a family dinner and the little grands had seconds and thirds. I served it with a hearty Pennsylvania Dutch noodle. Too tired for mashed potatoes!
Jen says
I’m so happy to hear that this was such a winner for you and your family! I’m sure paired beautifully with the noodles!
Laura Courson says
Your Port Medallions look like you cut them initially in one inch pieces and you got 12 medallions. My Port Tenderloin is not long enough to cut it in 12 sections. I guess I will have to cut them in one inch piece and see how many I get. What do you advise? Thank you
Jen says
Hi Laura! I hope it turned out wonderful! Sorry for not getting back to you right away!
Shannon says
Made this for dinner last night and it was so good! My husband kept commenting how good it was. I was done making everything a little before we planned on eating and I put it all back in pan and just kept it very low and it was delicious! Planning to make when my college kids come home!
Jen says
Yay Shannon! Thank you SO MUCH for your sweet review! So happy to hear that you and your husband loved it and that you want to share the love with your kids when they visit! Hope you have a wonderful time together when they come home!