This creamy pork tenderloin is an easy recipe that brings comfort food to your table. With tender meat and a rich, savory sauce, it’s a meal that feels fancy but is super simple to make!
Who doesn’t love a dish that cooks quickly and tastes amazing? I like to serve mine with mashed potatoes, so you can soak up all that delicious sauce. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This cut is perfect for searing and stays juicy. If you can’t find tenderloin, use pork loin or chicken breast as a great alternative!
Heavy Cream: It makes the sauce rich and creamy. For a lighter option, half and half works well. If you’re looking to reduce calories, you can use a combination of milk and cornstarch to thicken.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a nice tang. If you’re not a fan of mustard, you can skip it. But, I find it adds a nice depth of flavor!
Thyme: Fresh thyme is wonderful if you have it, but dried thyme works just fine too. You could also experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley!
How Can I Perfectly Sear Pork Tenderloin Medallions?
Searing your pork is crucial for flavor. Follow these simple steps to get it just right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding oil or butter. This helps achieve a beautiful brown crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give the medallions space to avoid steaming.
- Sear the pork about 2-3 minutes per side. If you feel resistance while flipping, give it another minute before checking again.
Perfectly seared pork starts with a hot skillet and patience. Enjoyy!
Creamy Pork Tenderloin Recipe Easy and Delicious
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch medallions
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for lighter)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful creamy pork tenderloin recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and around 20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to make this delicious dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Medallions:
Start by patting the pork tenderloin medallions dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a nice sear. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Flavor is key!
2. Sear the Pork:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork medallions into the skillet. Sear them until they are nicely browned on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once browned, remove the pork from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic and Onion:
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion (if using). Sauté for about 1-2 minutes or until fragrant and translucent. This step brings out the flavors beautifully!
4. Deglaze the Pan:
Now, pour the chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes to slightly reduce.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Let the sauce simmer gently until it begins to thicken, around 3-5 minutes. It should be creamy and rich!
6. Combine and Finish Cooking:
Return the pork medallions to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the pork is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C) and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if needed. Adjusting is key to making this dish taste just right!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your creamy pork tenderloin with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice to soak in all that delicious sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! While pork tenderloin is ideal for this recipe due to its tenderness, you can substitute it with pork loin or even chicken breast. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since different cuts may have different cooking times.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Sauce Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning as coconut milk can add a slightly different flavor.
What Should I Serve with Creamy Pork Tenderloin?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. You could even serve it over pasta for a delicious twist! Feel free to choose sides that soak up the creamy sauce for the best experience!
