Craving a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in under an hour? Look no further! This Savory Balsamic Mushroom Pork combines tender pork medallions with earthy mushrooms in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. It’s a sophisticated yet incredibly simple dish that packs a serious flavor punch, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner party.
Ingredients
• (Total Time: 40 MIN | Serves: 4)
• 1 lb / 450g pork fillet, sliced into ½-inch thick medallions
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup / 8 oz / 225g cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 small chili pepper, finely chopped
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup / 240ml sugar-free tomato sauce
• Spices
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tsp dried celery
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
1. Directions
2. Pat the pork fillet slices dry and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Allow them to rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking.
3. In a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Once shimmering, add the pork slices in a single layer and brown for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside.
4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the same pot. Season with salt, pepper, and dried celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, until the onions are soft and the mushrooms have browned.
5. Add the crushed garlic, chili pepper, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
6. Pour in the balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
7. Return the browned pork and any accumulated juices to the pot. Coat the meat with the sauce, reduce heat to low, cover, and continue to cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and tender.
8. Serve immediately, optionally sprinkled with some grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Per Serving
• Calories: 385 | Total Fats: 24.8g | Net Carbs: 4.6g | Protein: 33.2g | Fiber: 1.6g
Pro Tips
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the pork. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure a beautiful golden-brown crust on each piece.
• For a richer, deeper flavor, use a mix of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and oyster.
• Let the balsamic vinegar reduce for a minute before adding the tomato sauce. This concentrates its flavor and cooks off any harsh acidity.
• This dish is fantastic served over creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
FAQ
Q: What cut of pork is best for this recipe
A: This recipe calls for pork fillet, also known as pork tenderloin, sliced into ½-inch thick medallions. This cut is naturally tender and cooks quickly, making it perfect for this dish.
Q: Can I use different types of mushrooms
A: Absolutely! While the recipe uses cremini mushrooms, you can create a richer, deeper flavor by using a mix of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and oyster mushrooms.
Q: What should I serve with Balsamic Mushroom Pork
A: This dish is fantastic served over something that can soak up the delicious sauce. The recipe suggests creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or a low-carb option like zucchini noodles.
Q: How do I make sure my pork is tender and not dry
A: The key is not to overcook the pork. First, brown the medallions for just 2-3 minutes per side. Then, after returning them to the sauce, simmer them covered on low heat for only 10-12 minutes until they are just cooked through.
