Pork Medallions in Diabla Sauce

Gina Whitley
By
Gina Whitley
Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Sabores de mi Cocina", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine,...
12 Min Read

Pork Medallions in Diabla Sauce Recipe

Hello! Today I bring you a recipe that will make you look like a chef in your own home: pork medallions in diablo sauce. This dish combines the tenderness and juiciness of pork medallions with the intensity and spicy touch of a homemade diabla sauce, perfect for those who love intense and contrasting flavors. The recipe is simple, full of aromas that invite celebration and sharing with family or friends. If you ever thought that preparing a flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked meat was complicated, here you will discover how easy and quick it can be, using accessible ingredients and techniques available to everyone. In 2025, home cooking continues to be a canvas for experimenting and delighting with simplicity and authentic flavor. Additionally, you can accompany it with a few spoonfuls of white rice or some freshly made tortillas, creating a feast full of flavor and tradition.

Preparation time

  • Preparation: 20 minutes
  • Cooking: 30 minutes
  • Total: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

  • 600 g whole pork loin (you can also use medallions if you prefer)
  • 4-5 ripe tomatoes
  • 2 medium potatoes
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 head of garlic
  • Beef broth (approximately 1 cup)
  • 2 sweet bell peppers
  • Salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaf

If you don't have a whole pork loin, you can use pre-prepared pork medallions, but I recommend that the cut be about 2 cm thick to maintain juiciness. Ripe tomatoes will provide the natural acidity needed for the sauce; if you prefer a smoky touch, you can add a little chipotle in adobo.

Utensils we will use

  • Large pot or deep skillet
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Strainer or chinois to strain the sauce
  • Measuring cup or mug

Whenever you cook, remember to have basic utensils on hand; if you don't have a strainer, you can use a sieve or even strain the sauce with a spoon, pressing to get it as fine as possible. The base will be a wide skillet to properly brown the medallions and slowly cook the sauce, ensuring each bite has that smoky and spicy touch you're looking for.

Preparation: How to make Pork Medallions in Diabla Sauce

1. Prepare and sear the medallions

  • Season the meat: place the medallions on a plate and sprinkle with salt, pepper, thyme, and a little garlic powder if you want to enhance the flavor. This step helps the meat absorb the aromas and flavors from the start.
  • Sear in the pan: heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, place the medallions and cook them for approximately 3-4 minutes per side until they turn a deep golden color. This will seal in the juices and prevent them from drying out during the final cooking.

It's important not to move them too much so that the searing is even. You can set the medallions aside on a separate plate while you prepare the sauce, so they don't get too cold.

2. Sauté the vegetables and prepare the sauce base

  • Sauté onion and carrot: in the same pot or skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if necessary and place the onion diced into small cubes along with the thinly sliced carrot. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until the onion is transparent and the carrot begins to soften.
  • Add garlic and tomatoes: at this point, add the finely chopped garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute without burning them. Continue by adding the diced tomatoes, letting them cook for about 10 minutes until they release their juice and form a thick sauce.

3. Incorporate the peppers and spices

  • Add the sweet peppers: cut the peppers into strips or medium cubes and add them to the mixture. Cook for a few minutes so they integrate well into the sofrito.
  • Season: add bay leaves, an additional pinch of thyme, salt and pepper to taste. If you like a more aromatic touch, a little dried oregano works very well. Continue cooking over low heat so that the vegetables soften and all the flavors blend.

4. Cook the medallions in the sauce

  • Add the potatoes: peel and cut the potatoes into medium cubes and add them to the pot. This will thicken the sauce and also make the accompaniment more complete.
  • Incorporate the medallions: place the medallions in the sauce, cover them with beef broth or water and cover the pot. Cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes, turning occasionally so that the meat is well infused and the sauce thickens.

This time allows the meat to become tender and absorb the sauce, achieving that deep flavor and the characteristic spicy and smoky touch of the diabla sauce.

To finish and serve

Once the time has passed, remove the bay leaves, adjust salt and pepper if necessary, and pass the sauce through a strainer to obtain a fine and silky texture. Serve the medallions in a deep plate, covered with the hot sauce, accompanied by white rice or warm tortillas. The combination of flavors and the juicy texture of the pork will make this recipe a success at your table.

Tips for your Medallion in Diabla Sauce to be perfect

  • Season in advance: marinate the medallions in the spices for at least 30 minutes so that the meat absorbs more flavor.
  • Control the spice level: adjust the amounts of chipotle in adobo according to your tolerance, adding more if you want a more intense flavor.
  • Use quality ingredients: opt for fresh seasonal tomatoes and a good beef broth, preferably homemade or quality packaged like La Costeña.
  • Avoid overcooking the meat: remove the medallions when they reach an internal temperature of approximately 62-65°C, to keep them juicy.
  • Improve the sauce: for a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon of cream or evaporated milk when blending the sauce.

When to enjoy Pork Medallions in Diabla Sauce?

This dish is ideal for a special dinner, a family weekend, or a gathering with friends where you want to surprise with flavor and aroma. Perfect during festive seasons, in summer with a refreshing salad, or on holidays when you are looking for a memorable dish. Furthermore, its simple preparation allows you to dedicate more time to company than to cooking.

Comparative table: Alternatives in pork recipes with intense flavors

Looking for other similar dishes or ones you might confuse with medallions in diabla sauce? Here's a quick comparison so you can choose according to your taste and occasion.

RecipeKey ingredientsDifference/advantage
Pork medallions in diabla saucePork medallions, diabla sauceSpicy, smoky flavor, juicy meat
ChilorioShredded pork, guajillo chiliesShredded texture, spicy and slightly sweet flavor
Nut-crusted loin with mustard sauceLoin, walnuts, mustardCrispy texture, softer and creamier flavor
Medallions in reduction of red wineMedallions, red wine, butterMore elegant flavor, ideal for formal occasions
Pork medallions in mushroom sauceMushrooms, cream, porkUmami flavor, more creamy and smooth

Frequently asked questions about Medallions in Diabla Sauce? Don't miss these tips

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Gina Whitley, private chef with 25+ years of experience, creator of "Flavors of my Kitchen", mother and gastronomic entrepreneur. Specialist in traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, with international recognition.
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