How to Cook Juicy, Flavorful Pork Medallions from Costco

Pork medallions from Costco can be an easy and delicious dinner option. Their lean cut makes them versatile to cook using various methods. While Costco pork medallions come pre-seasoned a few extra steps will take the flavor to the next level. This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to cook moist tasty pork medallions from Costco using grilling, pan searing, or oven roasting.

What Are Pork Medallions?

Pork medallions are thin, round cuts of meat from the pork loin They are sometimes labeled as pork tenderloin medallions or pork loin medallions The medallions are cut across the grain of the loin, which makes them extra tender when cooked.

Compared to a whole pork tenderloin, the individual medallion shape helps them cook quicker. Since they are only about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick, the inside can cook through without the outside overcooking. Their small size also enables more seasoning flavors to penetrate the meat.

Costco sells seasoned pork loin medallions, typically packaged with two medallions per tray. They come pre-marinated in an Italian-inspired Tuscan seasoning blend. This provides a quick and easy seasoned pork option without much prep work.

Grilling Pork Medallions for Maximum Browning

Grilling is a great cooking method for pork medallions to get an evenly browned exterior. Follow these simple steps for grilled pork perfection:

Step 1: Prep the Pork Medallions

• Take the pork medallions out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before grilling. This helps them cook more evenly.

• Pat the medallions dry with paper towels. This helps achieve better browning when grilled.

• Brush both sides with a thin coating of oil. A high smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed works well. This adds flavor and prevents sticking.

• Season the medallions with extra seasoning if desired. The Tuscan seasoning already on the meat provides plenty of flavor, but a little extra salt, pepper, garlic powder, or Italian herbs never hurts.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

• For pork medallions, you’ll want very hot heat. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high, 400°F to 450°F.

• If using a charcoal grill, coals should be hot and mostly white when ready.

• The high heat helps give the thin medallions a nice sear while cooking through.

Step 3. Grill the Medallions

• Place the oiled and seasoned pork medallions directly on the preheated grill grates.

• Grill for approximately 4-5 minutes per side.

• Use tongs to flip the medallions halfway through. Don’t forcefully move them or they may stick.

• The medallions are fully cooked when they register 145°F on a meat thermometer.

• If you don’t have a thermometer, check for visual doneness cues. The meat should have a nicely browned exterior while still being slightly pink inside.

Step 4: Let Pork Medallions Rest

• Transfer the grilled pork medallions to a plate and tent with foil.

• Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

• Resting allows juices to redistribute so pork stays juicy and tender.

With these simple grilling steps, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality, caramelized pork medallions bursting with flavor.

Pan Searing Pork Perfection

Pan searing is another excellent, quick cooking method for Costco pork medallions. Here is a simple stovetop pan searing process:

Step 1: Pat Medallions Dry

• Start by patting pork medallions dry with paper towels.

• Drying the surface helps achieve an even, browned sear.

Step 2: Season the Pork

• Season medallions with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or any other desired seasonings.

• The Tuscan seasoning from Costco already provides plenty of flavor. But feel free to add more if you want extra oomph.

Step 3: Heat Skillet

• Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

• Use a skillet large enough to prevent crowding, which can steam the meat.

Step 4: Sear the Medallions

• Add pork medallions to the hot skillet and sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side.

• The high heat helps develop a flavorful, brown crust. Don’t move them around or they won’t brown properly.

• Cook until medallions reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Step 5: Let Rest and Serve

• Transfer seared pork medallions to a plate and tent with foil.

• Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to serve.

• The resting period allows juices to reabsorb for moist, tender meat.

With these easy steps, you’ll achieve professional-level seared pork medallions with picture-perfect grill marks.

Oven Roasting for Hassle-Free Cooking

Oven roasting is a totally hands-off cooking method for pork medallions. The dry, ambient heat of the oven surrounds the meat to cook it evenly. Here is a simple oven roasting technique:

Step 1: Prep Baking Sheet

• Preheat oven to 400°F.

• Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

• The lined pan helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare Pork Medallions

• Place pork medallions on prepared baking sheet.

• Drizzle lightly with oil and rub to coat all sides.

• Season with any additional desired seasonings.

Step 3: Roast in Oven

• Roast in preheated 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes.

• Roast until medallions reach 145°F internally.

• Check temperature by poking thermometer into thickest part.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

• Remove baked pork medallions from oven and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

• The resting time allows juices to redistribute through the meat.

With this foolproof oven roasting method, you’ll have tender, juicy pork medallions with very little effort required.

Handy Pork Medallion Cooking Tips

Here are some additional useful tips for cooking perfect pork medallions every time:

• Use a meat thermometer – This takes the guesswork out of doneness. Pork is safest cooked to 145°F.

• Let meat rest – Never skip this step! Resting for 5 minutes makes pork much juicier.

• Prevent overcooking – The lean cut of medallions makes them quick cooking. Monitor closely to avoid drying out.

• Try a marinade – For extra moistness and flavor, marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight before cooking.

• Add a sauce – Sauces like chimichurri, salsa verde, or browned butter with herbs pair deliciously with pork.

• Slice against the grain – This yields the most tender texture for enjoying your cooked pork medallions.

Enjoy Restaurant-Worthy Pork Medallions at Home

With these step-by-step instructions for grilling, pan searing, and oven roasting, you can whip up expertly cooked pork medallions any night of the week. The key is using very hot heat and not overcooking the lean medallions.

Take advantage of the convenient Costco seasoned pork medallions. Then elevate the flavor with extra seasoning and sauces. Your whole family will think you’re dining at a fancy restaurant when you serve perfectly prepared, juicy pork medallions cooked right at home.