This post may contain affiliate links learn more

This Creamy Pork Tenderloin with Mushrooms is a luxurious yet simple dish that combines tender pork, sautéed mushrooms, and a creamy sauce with a hint of paprika and thyme. The pork is cooked to perfection, while the creamy mushroom sauce elevates the dish with rich flavors and a velvety texture. This recipe is ideal for a comforting family meal, yet elegant enough for special occasions.

Pair this flavorful pork with a side of rice, noodles, or potatoes to make it a hearty and complete meal. The richness of the cream, the earthiness of the mushrooms, and the tenderness of the pork create a symphony of flavors that is sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Pork tenderloin – 500 g (1 lb 1¾ oz)

Vegetable oil – for frying
Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
Garlic – 2 cloves, finely chopped

Mushrooms – 300 g (10½ oz), sliced
Cream – 200 ml (¾ cup)
Beef broth – 100 ml (⅓ cup)

Salt – to taste
Ground black pepper – to taste
Paprika powder – 1 teaspoon

Dried thyme – 1 teaspoon
Fresh parsley – 1 tablespoon, chopped (optional)

For Serving:

Side dish: rice, noodles, or potatoes

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork Tenderloin:

Begin by trimming any excess fat or silver skin from the pork tenderloin.
Cut the pork into 1-inch thick medallions. Season each piece generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil.

Once the oil is hot, sear the pork medallions for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. The pork should be lightly browned on the outside but still slightly pink in the center. Remove the pork from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil if needed.
Add the finely chopped onion and garlic to the pan and sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.

Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their moisture and start to brown.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce:

Once the mushrooms are golden and tender, add the beef broth to the pan to deglaze it, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Let the broth simmer for 2 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.

Stir in the cream and dried thyme, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or paprika if needed.

4. Combine the Pork and Sauce:

Return the seared pork medallions to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy mushroom sauce.

Cook the pork for another 5 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking. The pork should be tender and juicy, and the sauce should be rich and velvety.
If desired, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of freshness and color.

5. Serve:

Serve the creamy pork tenderloin with mushrooms immediately, alongside your choice of rice, noodles, or potatoes. The sauce pairs perfectly with any of these sides, allowing you to soak up the rich flavors.

Cooking Tips:

Searing the Pork: Ensure that the pork medallions are well-seared before removing them from the pan. This adds flavor and helps to lock in the juices, keeping the pork tender and moist.
Cream Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more broth or cream. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken.
Broth Options: If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken or vegetable broth can be used as a substitute. Homemade broth will always add more depth of flavor.

Mushroom Variety: You can use any type of mushrooms you like. Button mushrooms, cremini, or even wild mushrooms like chanterelles or porcini would work well in this dish.
Resting the Pork: Allow the pork to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help redistribute the juices. This will ensure the meat stays tender and juicy when served.

Storage:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover pork tenderloin and mushroom sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave before serving.

Freezing: You can freeze the cooked pork and sauce for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 28 g

Fat: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 2 g

Sodium: 650 mg

Please note that these values are approximate and depend on portion sizes and the specific brands of ingredients used.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different cut of pork for this recipe?

Yes, pork loin or pork chops would also work well in this recipe. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as thicker cuts may require a bit longer to cook through.

2. Can I substitute cream with a lighter option?

If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or a lower-fat cream option. However, the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy. You can also substitute with a dairy-free cream alternative, such as coconut cream.

3. What other herbs can I use?

Thyme pairs beautifully with mushrooms and pork, but you can also experiment with other herbs such as rosemary, sage, or oregano. Fresh herbs will give a more vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work well too.

4. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! You can add additional vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the mushroom mixture to increase the nutritional content and add more flavors and textures.

5. How can I tell if the pork is cooked through?

The internal temperature of the pork should reach 63°C (145°F) when measured with a meat thermometer. Let the pork rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Conclusion:

This Creamy Pork Tenderloin with Mushrooms is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or even a special occasion. The tender pork medallions, paired with the rich and flavorful mushroom sauce, create a harmonious combination that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.

With its easy preparation and versatile side dish options, this recipe is a great addition to your meal rotation. Whether served with rice, noodles, or potatoes, this creamy pork tenderloin is sure to become a favorite. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and enjoy a meal that’s both comforting and impressive.