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Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Onions

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Our quick and easy Pork Tenderloin Medallions Recipe with onions is the perfect savory dish to serve for dinner and easy weeknight meals. These juicy pan-seared pork medallions are seasoned with keto-friendly spices, making them a healthy and flavorful dish you have always craved.

A pan filled with cooked pork pieces.
Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Onions. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

I love those Pork Tenderloin Medallions because they are both simple and satisfying. The pork medallions always turn out so juicy, and the caramelized onions add a wonderful sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory meat. It’s one of those meals I can whip up quickly, yet it feels like a special dinner every time. Plus, it’s keto-friendly, so I can enjoy it without worrying about carbs.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Simple but Impressive: Although it is an easy dish, it looks and tastes like something you would order at a nice restaurant. I made this recipe as a great way to enjoy a fancy meal at home without a lot of effort.
  • Packed with Protein: Aside from its delicious taste, this recipe for pork tenderloin is a great source of protein that will help you stay full and energized.
  • Low-Carb and Healthy: This dish is perfect for watching your carbs. This is the right choice if you want a savory, healthy meal.

Low-Carb and Easy Pork Recipes

Let me share some of my favorite homemade pork recipes that I know you’ll love. They’re delicious but healthy and perfect for anyone following a keto diet.

Our homemade churro pork rinds are made crispy and sweet for a great low-carb snack. I also have another version of this recipe using the air fryer. This air fryer pork rinds recipe is also one of the best keto snacks I created using pork skins.

These pork lard scratchings are also a healthy, crispy snack I grew up eating. This is a healthy version of the popular pork puffs, my favorite childhood snack.

Pan-Seared Pork Medallions

Pan-seared pork tenderloin medallions are one of the dishes I grew up with, thanks to my mom’s fantastic cooking. This method creates a perfect crust on the outside while keeping the pork juicy and tender on the inside. Since I learned how to cook this dish, it’s become my go-to method for making pork medallions.

Marinade Spices for Seared Pork Medallions

The secret to this flavorful pork tenderloin medallions lies in my marinade mixture. A mix of turmeric, curry powder, ginger, and cardamom pods gives the pork a warm, slightly spicy flavor that tastes natural.

Every time I create a marinade mixture for every meat recipe I do, I always consider flavor balance. It is all about it.

A pan with cooked pork pieces, caramelized onions, and fresh rosemary sprigs.
Pork with Onions.

How To Make Pork Tenderloin Medallions With Onions

Let’s begin with the process of cooking pork tenderloin medallions, step by step. I’ve prepared easy-to-follow instructions for you. This quick and simple homemade dish is perfect even for beginners.

Kitchen Gadgets Needed:

  • Frying Pan or Skillet: Sear the pork medallions using a good quality pan. You can also use a cast iron skillet.
  • Sharp Knife: You will need a sharp knife to slice the pork tenderloin into even medallions and chop the onions
  • Meat Hammer or Pounder: This helps to flatten the medallions even when cooking.
  • Wooden Spatula: Stir the onions and pork chops without scratching your pan.

Ingredients Needed:

  • Pork Tenderloin: Look for a loaf tenderloin around 1 to 1.5 pounds. You can also use pork loin, but tenderloin is more tender.
  • Onions: Yellow onions work best here, but you can also use white or red onions if that is what you have.

Spices for Marinade

  • Olive Oil: This will help to sear the pork and saute the onions when combined in the marinade mixture.
  • Turmeric: Use this to add color and warm flavor to the mixture.
  • Curry Powder: I add curry powder to meat marinades for spiciness.
  • Ginger Powder: This adds a kick that goes well with the pork.
  • Cardamom Pods: The exotic spice from cardamom pods makes the flavor profile more interesting.
  • Salt and Pepper: A sprinkle of salt and pepper is needed to balance the overall flavor.

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE PORK MEDALLIONS RECIPE

First Step: Prepare All Ingredients

Prepare by gathering all the ingredients needed for the recipe, including the pork tenderloin, onions, and the spices needed for the marinade mixture.

You can also prepare the pan and the other equipment you will use for easy preparation and cooking.

A glass container with marinated pork tenderloin medallions surrounded by whole onions. Ingredients listed: olive oil, turmeric, curry powder, ginger powder, cardamom pods, salt, and pepper.
Marinated pork tenderloin medallions.

Second Step: Slice the Pork

Take your whole loaf of tenderloin and cut the pork into 1-inch thick medallions. After cutting the pork tenderloin, gently pound the medallions using a kitchen hammer to thin the meat.

Doing this step will make the pork even more tender. Marinate the cuts of pork overnight with all the spices and olive oil for the best flavor.

Side-by-side images of pork preparation. Left: pork being sliced. Right: pork being tenderized with a mallet.
Pork being tenderized.

Third Step: Chop Onions

Before cooking the pork medallions from the marinade mixture, cut your white onions into thin slices and set them aside.

A person is slicing a white onion on a wooden cutting board.
Slicing a white onion.

Fourth Step: Cook the Medallions

Heat your pan or skillet over medium-high heat, and once hot, start adding the pork medallions without adding any oil. Sear the medallions dry and flip them using a wooden spatula to make sure they are cooked on both sides.

Once the pork is cooked, add the onion slices and cover. Let it cook for approximately 20 minutes until you get the perfectly tender pork medallions. Season with salt and pepper and serve with rosemary or thyme on top.

Four-step process of cooking pork with onions. Step 1: Seasoned pork slices in a pan. Step 2: Cooking pork slices. Step 3: Sliced onions added on top of cooked pork. Step 4: Covered pan with steam visible.
Cooking pork with onions.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE:

  • Uniform Cutting: Slice the pork tenderloin into even 1-inch medallions. This helps ensure that all pieces cook at the same rate. Thinner slices may overcook, while thicker slices need more cooking time.
  • Flatten: Lightly flatten each medallion with a meat hammer. This step ensures even cooking and makes the meat more tender.
  • Hot Pan: Ensure your frying pan or skillet is hot before adding the pork medallions. A hot pan sears the meat perfectly, locking in the juices and creating a delicious crust.
  • Don’t Overcook: Pork tenderloin is a lean cut that can quickly dry out if overcooked. Aim to sear the medallions for about 3 minutes on each side until they’re browned and cooked through.
A skillet filled with cooked pork pieces, onions, and fresh rosemary sprigs.
Pork Tenderloin with rosemary.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Substitute For Pork Loin

You can use pork loin instead of tenderloin for this recipe, as it’s a popular alternative. Remember that pork loin is slightly leaner and may need more cooking time to reach the same tenderness as pork tenderloin. Both cuts work well and deliver delicious results.

Can I Cook Pork Tenderloin Medallions In a Roasting Pan?

While a roasting pan isn’t ideal for searing because it’s not designed for high-heat cooking, you can still use it. After searing the medallions on the stovetop, transfer them to the oven to finish cooking in the roasting pan. It might take a little more time and attention, but it’s a good option if you still need to get a skillet available.

What To Serve With Pork Tenderloin Medallions Recipe?

For a complete meal, pair it with mashed cauliflower or simple frozen cauliflower rice, as they are light dishes perfect for complementing the flavors of pork tenderloin. Mashed cauliflower is a lot better and healthier than mashed potatoes.

Serve it with roasted Brussels sprouts on the side or any veggie salad like broccoli salad and potato mayo salad for a refreshing balance between these dishes.

A skillet filled with seasoned and cooked pork pieces mixed with caramelized onions and spices.
Skillet filled with pork pieces.
How Do I Store Cooked Pork Medallions?

Store your leftover pork medallions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or a week. If you want to reheat, gently warm them in a pan to maintain their tenderness, or use the microwave if you are in a hurry. Just avoid overheating to keep the pork juicy.

More Savory Dinner Recipes

Check out more of our tasty dinner recipes to keep your kitchen adventures exciting. If you enjoyed this one, you’ll find other recipes you’ll love.

Our best cheesy cabbage beef casserole is one of the best dishes I made for dinner the same as my spinach stuffed chicken. These easy recipes are made with different types of meat, making them perfect for your dinner rotations.

Enjoy our homemade sausage recipes like this sausage sauerkraut and keto sausage balls, perfect for a dinner party or easy meals.

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A pan of cooked pork tenderloin medallions with onions and fresh rosemary, labeled "Low-carb easy pork tenderloin medallions with onions" from lowcarb-nocarb.com.
Pork tenderloin medallions with onions.

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Cooked pieces of meat with caramelized onions and fresh rosemary sprigs in a pan.

Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Onions

Zuzana Paar
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Our quick and easy Pork Tenderloin Medallions Recipe with onions is the perfect savory dish to serve for dinner and easy weeknight meals. These juicy pan-seared pork medallions are seasoned with keto-friendly spices, making them a healthy and flavorful dish you have always craved.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinate 1 day
Course Main Course, Main dishes, Recipes
Cuisine American, European, International
Servings 6 Portions
Calories 170 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

Instructions
 

  • Prepare by gathering all the ingredients needed for the recipe, including the pork tenderloin, onions, and the spices needed for the marinade mixture. You can also prepare the pan and the other equipment you will use for easy preparation and cooking.
  • Take your whole loaf of tenderloin and cut the pork into 1-inch thick medallions. After cutting the pork tenderloin, gently pound the medallions using a kitchen hammer to thin the meat. Doing this step will make the pork even more tender. Marinate the cuts of pork overnight with all the spices and olive oil for the best flavor.
  • Before cooking the pork medallions from the marinade mixture, cut your white onions into thin slices and set them aside.
  • Heat your pan or skillet over medium-high heat, and once hot, start adding the pork medallions without adding any oil. Sear the medallions dry and flip them using a wooden spatula to make sure they are cooked on both sides. Once the pork is cooked, add the onion slices and cover. Let it cook for approximately 20 minutes until you get the perfectly tender pork medallions. Season with salt and pepper and serve with rosemary or thyme on top.

Video

Notes

  • Uniform Cutting: Slice the pork tenderloin into even 1-inch medallions. This helps ensure that all pieces cook at the same rate. Thinner slices may overcook, while thicker slices need more cooking time.
  • Flatten: Lightly flatten each medallion with a meat hammer. This step ensures even cooking and makes the meat more tender.
  • Hot Pan: Ensure your frying pan or skillet is hot before adding the pork medallions. A hot pan sears the meat perfectly, locking in the juices and creating a delicious crust.
  • Don’t Overcook: Pork tenderloin is a lean cut that can quickly dry out if overcooked. Aim to sear the medallions for about 3 minutes on each side until they’re browned and cooked through.

Nutrition

Serving: 2PiecesCalories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 6gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 792mgPotassium: 334mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 13IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 45mgIron: 1mg

Disclaimer

Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.

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By Zuzana Paar on September 8th, 2024
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About Zuzana Paar

Zuzana is the creative force behind this vibrant blog. With passion as a recipe developer, content creator, food writer, movie maker, and photographer, she poured her heart and soul into curating a space brimming with delightful keto and low carb recipes. Join her on this flavorful journey where quick, easy-to-make dishes take center stage, bringing joy and nourishment to your table.

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