This creamy pork tenderloin dish is sure to impress! It features tender pork cooked in a rich and tasty sauce, making it a perfect choice for busy dinners.
Honestly, who can resist creamy goodness? I love serving it with some rice or mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. Dinner made easy and satisfying! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Tenderloin: This cut of meat is tender and cooks quickly. If you can’t find pork tenderloin, you can use chicken breast or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time since chicken may take a bit longer.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce a rich texture. If you want a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or even Greek yogurt mixed with a little broth, but the sauce may not be as thick.
Chicken Broth: I like using low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. Vegetable broth can work too for a different flavor. If you don’t have broth, you could use water with a bit of seasoning.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a nice tang. If you have yellow mustard, that’s a decent substitute. However, it will be milder in taste.
Herbs: Fresh parsley is a great garnish for color and flavor, but feel free to use other fresh herbs like thyme or basil. I sometimes add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for an extra herbal touch!
How Do I Get the Perfect Sear on My Pork?
Searing the pork properly is key to getting that beautiful, golden crust that adds flavor to your dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a dry surface: Pat the medallions with a paper towel before seasoning. This helps them brown better.
- Use medium-high heat: This is hot enough to create a nice crust but not so hot that it burns.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if needed. Leaving space between the medallions allows even cooking and nice browning.
- Only flip once: Let the pork cook without moving it until it’s golden brown, then flip to the other side.
Following these tips will ensure you get juicy pork with a great texture every time!
Creamy Pork Tenderloin
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 to 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch medallions
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total, including about 10 minutes for preparation and around 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and easy dish, perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending all night in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork:
Start by patting the pork tenderloin medallions dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This step helps to bring out the flavor and allows the meat to sear beautifully.
2. Sear the Pork Medallions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork medallions in a single layer. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown but not completely cooked through. Once done, gently remove the pork from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Next, pour in the chicken broth while scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
4. Finish with Cream and Mustard:
Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard, mixing well to combine everything into a smooth sauce. If you’re using dried herbs, add them at this point for more flavor.
5. Combine and Simmer:
Return the pork medallions to the skillet, placing them back in the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the top and let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the pork is cooked through and the sauce is nicely thickened.
6. Taste and Garnish:
Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. For a beautiful finish, garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy pork tenderloin hot alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy the comforting and luscious sauce that brings all the flavors together!
This delightful dish is perfect for easy midweek dinners or cozy weekend meals. Enjoy! 😊
Can I Use a Different Cut of Pork?
Absolutely! If you don’t have pork tenderloin, you can use pork loin or pork chops. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the meat.
Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
Definitely! You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even use a mixture of Greek yogurt and chicken broth for a lighter sauce. Keep in mind this may alter the texture a bit.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain creaminess.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Dish?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers would complement the sauce beautifully. Just add them in during the last few minutes of cooking before serving!
