Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin to flatten meat into a thin, even thickness is one of the best ways to cook quick dinners. And quick dinners are what I’m all about here at Rachel Cooks. I am always looking for ways to make cooking easy and fun, so that you can prepare healthy delicious dinners without stressing out. How long it takes: 40 minutes Equipment you’ll need: meat mallet, skillet Servings: 4 How does flattening meat with a mallet help you get dinner on the table quickly? It’s all about cooking time. Thin slices of meat which are uniform in size cook faster. It’s that simple. A quarter-inch thick medallion of pork tenderloin or chicken breast will cook in a matter of minutes. A quick sear on both sides (about 5 to 6 minutes total time) is all it takes. Top it with a delicious sauce. Once the meat is cooked, you can add any manner of sauces. Today we’re cooking a lemon garlic sauce but we also just love creamy Tuscan mushrooms with both pork and chicken. Or make delicious baked chicken Parmesan. The chicken bakes in less than 20 minutes! A side benefit: You have a good excuse for hammering something! You’re also tenderizing the meat by breaking down the connective tissue that can make meat tough. That’s actually two side benefits. I’m excited to bring you this pork medallions recipe. Quick and elegant, with a white wine and lemon pan sauce, pork tenderloin medallions are nothing short of a dream. You’re going to love them!
How To Slice Pork Tenderloin Medallions
On a cutting board, use a sharp knife to cut the tenderloin in ½ inch slices. Lay plastic wrap over the slices and, using a meat mallet, rolling pin, wine bottle, or even the heel of your hand, gently pound each slice into ¼ inch thickness. Tip: Instead of plastic wrap, you can use waxed paper, parchment paper, or a zip top bag.
How To Make Pork Medallions
Cook the pork. After you’ve established who’s boss and you’ve pounded your pork tenderloin slices so they are tender and thin, a hot skillet and a quick sear will get you started. Once the pork is cooked, set it aside to rest while you prep the white wine sauce. Make the sauce. In the same skillet, briefly sauté chopped shallots until they’re tender; add garlic and sauté briefly. Add a little flour to brown for a minute, then add white wine to deglaze the pan and reduce. You’re almost there now. Next you’ll add a cup of chicken broth to simmer and thicken for about 5 minutes. Finally, stir in a tablespoon of butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh parsley. Briefly return the pork to the pan to coat it with the sauce. Serve. Pork tenderloin medallions with lemony white wine sauce are perfect served with rice, or even better, creamy risotto. I love them with baked spaghetti with spinach. Round the meal out with roasted green beans or Brussels sprouts, or a fresh salad.
Cooking Pork Safely
Pork is considered fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 145°F. You can use an instant read thermometer to ascertain the temperature. However, since these pork medallions are only a half inch thick, it’s a little more difficult to get an accurate reading. Don’t have an instant read thermometer? Take a look at your pork. Use a sharp knife to cut one in half if you need to. The pork should be mostly white with a hint of pink. The juices should be clear or faintly pink. This is medium rare, perfect for pork. Allow the pork to rest for a few minutes, and serve. Allowing the pork to rest for at least 3 minutes is important because the meat continues to cook just a bit longer and the juices settle down. If you see dark red in the center of your medallion or the juice is bloody, the pork hasn’t finished cooking, Return it to the pan and cook a bit longer. Try not to overcook the pork. In the past, it was recommended that pork be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. This is considered well done. The pork will be completely white all the way through, but it will be rather dry and tough. The USDA has changed its recommendation to 145°F in recent years. The pork should be tender and juicy.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Reheat: To serve, place on a plate, cover to prevent spatters, and gently reheat in the microwave until warmed through. Try not to overheat the medallions. Alternatively, place cold pork medallions in a skillet and gently reheat over low heat.
