Want to know how to cook pork medallions in the oven the best way? This lean, juicy cut is great for roasting and goes well with many spices. Depending on the ingredients used, pork tenderloin medallions can be just as nutritious as chicken or turkey breast.
The best way to cook pork medallions in the oven is to tenderize, sear and bake them. Marinate the meat overnight or for at least one hour before cooking to enhance its flavor and tenderness.
Costco’s pork medallions are a delicious and affordable cut of meat. These tender and juicy medallions are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or elegant dinner party entree. Cooking them in the oven ensures they come out moist, flavorful and cooked to perfection every time.
In this simple guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook tasty Costco pork medallions in the oven.
What Are Pork Medallions?
Pork medallions are tender, round cuts of meat sliced from the pork tenderloin They are approximately 1 to 2 inches thick and weigh around 3 to 5 ounces each.
Compared to other pork cuts, the tenderloin is very lean and low in fat Medallions are a premium cut that cook up tender and juicy when prepared properly. Their uniform shape makes them easy to cook evenly
Costco sells high-quality, boneless pork medallions that have been trimmed of excess fat and silver skin. They come individually vacuum sealed so you can thaw and cook just what you need.
Benefits Of Cooking Pork Medallions In The Oven
There are a few advantages to cooking pork medallions in the oven rather than pan searing or grilling them:
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Consistent heating: The oven distributes heat evenly around the meat, preventing hot or cold spots. This allows the medallions to cook through gently and evenly.
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Added flavor: Baking gives you the option to add aromatic ingredients to the pan like garlic, herbs or citrus to infuse more flavor.
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Easy to monitor: Setting the oven to the correct temperature and cooking time takes the guesswork out. You can easily check the medallions and adjust cook time as needed.
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Versatile: Oven-cooked medallions pair well with endless seasoning combinations, sauces, sides and garnishes.
Step-By-Step Guide To Oven-Cooking Medallions
Follow these simple steps for perfect oven-baked pork medallions every time:
1. Prepare the Pork Medallions
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Take the medallions out of the package and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Let them sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
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Trim off any excess outer fat or silver skin. The medallions can be left whole or sliced in half horizontally if very thick.
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Rub lightly with olive oil or melted butter. This helps promote browning and prevents sticking.
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Generously season both sides with salt, pepper and any other dry spices or herbs. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and rosemary all pair well.
2. Preheat the Oven
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Make sure to give your oven plenty of time to fully preheat before cooking the pork. This helps ensure even cooking.
3. Sear the Medallions (Optional)
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For enhanced flavor and texture, you can optionally sear the medallions before baking:
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Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add a bit of oil or butter.
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Place medallions in the pan without crowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until well browned.
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Searing adds a delicious crust while keeping the interior tender and juicy.
4. Transfer to Oven & Bake
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If you seared them, transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven.
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Otherwise, place seasoned medallions directly onto a baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
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Make sure they are spaced apart and not touching.
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Roast at 400°F for approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Rest, Slice and Serve
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Once cooked through, remove the pork from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
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Slice the medallions into rounds. They will be tender, juicy and perfectly rosy pink inside.
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Serve warm with your choice of sides and sauces. Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies and a wine sauce are delicious pairings.
Cooking Tips
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Use a meat thermometer to accurately determine doneness. Check temperature in the thickest part of the meat.
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Pork medallions cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
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Add sliced garlic, rosemary sprigs or citrus slices to the pan for extra flavor.
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Tent medallions loosely with foil if they are browning too quickly while baking.
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Let the meat rest before slicing to retain juices.
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For extra tenderness, marinate for 1-2 hours before cooking.
Common Questions
How long does it take to cook pork medallions in the oven?
Cooking time can vary based on thickness, but expect it to take 15-25 minutes in a 400°F oven to reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness.
What temperature should I cook pork medallions to?
The USDA recommends cooking pork to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to be safe to eat.
Can you cook pork medallions from frozen?
It’s best to thaw medallions in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. The oven heat will thaw them too slowly, leading to uneven cooking.
What is the best way to tell when pork medallions are done?
The most reliable way is to insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of the thickest part of the meat. When it registers 145°F, they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
Should pork medallions be cooked with the lid on or off?
For oven roasting, it’s best to leave the lid or foil off to promote browning. Tenting loosely with foil only if they brown too fast.
Inspiring Recipe Ideas
Oven-cooked pork medallions are extremely versatile. Here are just a few recipe ideas to inspire you:
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Honey Dijon Pork Medallions – Coated with a honey, mustard and breadcrumb topping.
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Rosemary Garlic Pork Medallions – Infused with fragrant rosemary and garlic.
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Apple Cider Pork Medallions – Simmered in an apple cider sauce.
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Balsamic Pork Medallions – Glazed with a balsamic, garlic and thyme reduction.
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Pork Medallions with Scalloped Potatoes – Served atop creamy, cheesy scalloped potatoes.
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Pork Medallions with Green Beans – Served with fresh green beans sautéed in lemon and oregano.
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Pork Medallions with Pears and Blue Cheese – Topped with pears, blue cheese and caramelized onions.
Let your imagination run wild with seasoning and sauce combinations! Pork medallions are very versatile.
Conclusion
Pork medallions are an elegant, tender cut of meat that cook up juicy and flavorful straight from your Costco freezer. By following this simple oven roasting method, you can enjoy perfectly cooked medallions any night of the week.
Be sure to sear for enhanced flavor, use a thermometer to monitor doneness, and let them rest before serving. Pair these succulent medallions with your favorite sauces and sides for endless recipe options. Enjoy this easy oven-cooked meal on its own or impress dinner guests!
How to Marinate Pork Medallions
Pork medallions are juicy and tender, so its not necessary to marinate them. Marinades, though, can enhance their flavor and keep them moist while cooking.
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver recommends preparing the marinade at least one hour before cooking. If you can make it the day before, thats even better. His recipe calls for cumin seeds, fennel seeds, garlic cloves, sweet smoked paprika and fresh thyme. You will also need fresh orange juice, balsamic vinegar, ketchup, salt and pepper.
There are plenty of other marinade recipes you can try. Our Fresh Mango Marinade, for instance, takes just 5 minutes to prepare. Fresh mango, ginger root, orange juice, red pepper flakes, and other healthy ingredients that make it taste great are needed. For different tastes, you can also marinate pork in rice vinegar, cumin, pineapple juice, oyster sauce, or dried oregano.
Take the pork meat and put it in a large bowl or a zip-top bag. The marinade is now ready. Use a 1/2 cup of liquid per pound of meat. Remove the pork medallions from the marinade before cooking and transfer them to the oven.
Try this Pork Tenderloin With Apricot recipe that calls for a delicious orange juice glaze.
Is Pork Tenderloin Medallion Really Healthy?
Pork meat used to get a bad rap because of its high fat content. But some of the most common cuts of pork are about 16 percent leaner now than they were 19 years ago, per the Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation.
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Pork medallions also cook faster, so you dont have to spend hours in the kitchen.
Low in fat and calories, pork medallions can replace poultry in most recipes. These round cuts come from the pork tenderloin, also known as the pork fillet. You can roast, grill, or fry them in a pan. Just make sure you dont overcook them because theyll dry out and lose their flavor.
According to the USDA, a 3-ounce serving of roasted pork tenderloin provides:
- Calories: 122
- Total fat: 3 g
- Saturated fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 62.1 mg
- Protein: 22.2 g
- Zinc: 19% Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin B1: 67% DV
- Vitamin B3: 39% DV
- Tryptophan: 83% DV
For comparison, a 3-ounce serving of roasted chicken breast has 140 calories, 26.4 grams of protein and 3 grams of total fat and 1 gram of saturated fat. Its significantly lower in zinc and vitamin B12 but higher in most amino acids compared to pork tenderloin.
When enjoyed regularly, lean pork meat may help you with weight maintenance. In a July 2012 study in Nutrients, people with overweight who ate 2. Body weight, fat mass, abdominal fat, and waist circumference all went down in people who ate two pounds of lean pork meat every week for six months.