Zesty Pork Medallions Recipes

CAJUN-SMOTHERED PORK MEDALLIONS

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons canola oil and butter in a heavy skillet (such as cast iron) over medium-high heat.
• Add the onion, reduce heat to medium-low and cook 4-5 minutes or until beginning to soften.
• Add celery, carrot and red bell pepper. Continue cooking over low heat for 5-8 minutes or until vegetables are very tender.
• Add the garlic, thyme, 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and flour and stir 1-2 minutes.
• Add the chicken broth and Worcestershire. Transfer to a saucepan, using a rubber spatula to clean out the skillet as much as possible.
• Bring the sauce in the saucepan to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer to thicken up and reduce slightly while cooking the pork medallions.
• Season pork medallions with remaining Cajun seasoning.
• Add remaining canola oil to skillet and heat to medium-high.
• Place the pork medallions in the skillet, reduce heat to medium and sear 2-3 minutes on the first side and 1-2 minutes on the other. Turn each medallion on their sides to sear the sides as well.
• Transfer sauce back to the skillet with the pork medallions and bring to a simmer. Cook the pork to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees.

PORK MEDALLIONS WITH BALSAMIC VINEGAR AND CAPERS

Steps:

• Place the flour, garlic salt, and pepper into a plastic bag. Shake to mix, the add the pork tenderloin pieces, and shake again to coat. Shake off the excess flour.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the pork medallions in the hot oil until golden-brown on both sides, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium, and simmer until the pork is no longer pink in the center, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the pork to a serving platter, then stir the lemon zest and capers into the simmering sauce. Continue simmering until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

SPICY KOREAN-STYLE PORK MEDALLIONS ON ASIAN COLE SLAW

Steps:

• To make slaw: Toss the cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper and half of the scallions with the dressing. Let sit for 15 minutes, toss again and transfer to a large serving platter.
• For pork: Mix together marinade ingredients (listed with pork). Toss the pork with 1/2 C of the sauce. Reserve the rest. Marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator or 25 minutes at room temperature.
• Heat 2 T canola oil in a heavy 12" skillet over a med-high flame until shimmering hot. Remove the pork from the marinade, shaking off the excess, and transfer the pork to a clean plate. Discard the marinade and add half of the pork medallions to the skillet, spacing them evenly. Cook them without touching until well browned, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook until the pork is just cooked through, about 2 more minutes. Set the pork on top of the slaw. Pour out the oil and wipe the pan with paper towels (if the drippings on the bottom of the pan look like they may burn, wash the pan). Return the pan to medium-high heat. Add the remaining 2 T canola oil and cook the remaining medallions in the same manner. Top the slaw with the remaining pork and pour the reserved sauce on top. Serve immediately, sprinkled with the rest of the sliced scallions, and your choice of garnish.

BACON WRAPPED PORK MEDALLIONS

Steps:

• Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Place the bacon in a large, oven-safe skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until lightly browned and still flexible, 6 to 7 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate. Remove any excess bacon grease from the skillet. Combine garlic powder, seasoning salt, basil, and oregano in a small bowl. Set aside.
• Wrap the pork tenderloin with the bacon strips securing with 1 or 2 toothpicks per strip of bacon. Slice the tenderloin between each bacon strip to create the medallions. Dip both sides of the medallions in seasoning mix. Melt butter and oil together in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each medallion for 4 minutes on each side.
• Place skillet into the preheated oven and bake until the pork is no longer pink in the center, 17 to 20 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).