German Pork Medallions with Warm Sauerkraut Skillet

Felix Schneider
Felix Schneider
Published: March 1, 2026
Categories: Tarts, European, German
Tags: Comfort Food, Skillet, Balanced, Pork, German, Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut Skillet

Pan-seared pork medallions with tangy warm sauerkraut and mustard-yogurt cream—balanced German comfort.

Prep Time:15 minCook Time:25 minTotal Time:40 minServings:4Difficulty:Medium

This is my cozy take on a classic German pairing: tender pork medallions served on warm, tangy sauerkraut kissed with caramelized onions and a touch of apple for sweetness. It’s a balanced, weeknight-friendly dish that brings bright acidity, savory pork, and a creamy mustard finish together in a single skillet.

You’ll love how easy it is to cook: sear the pork for a golden crust, gently simmer the sauerkraut with broth and caraway, then finish with a light mustard-yogurt sauce for richness without heaviness. Serve with boiled potatoes or a rye slice for an authentic, satisfying meal.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories:520 kcal
Protein:38 g
Carbs:22 g
Fat:28 g

Directions

  1. 1
    Seasoned pork medallions with flour and beaten egg on a board

    Pat pork medallions dry and season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and smoked paprika. Dredge lightly in flour, dip in beaten egg, and set aside.

  2. 2
    Pork medallions searing golden in a cast iron skillet

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork medallions in a single layer and sear 2 minutes per side until golden; work in batches if needed. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.

  3. 3
    Sliced onions caramelizing in butter in a cast iron skillet

    Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Add sliced onion and cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly caramelized.

  4. 4
    Sauerkraut mixed with apple slices and caraway in the skillet

    Stir in apple slices and cook 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Add drained sauerkraut and caraway seeds and stir to combine.

  5. 5
    Broth poured into simmering sauerkraut and apples in a skillet

    Pour in chicken broth, scrape any browned bits from the pan, and bring to a gentle simmer. Season to taste with remaining salt and pepper.

  6. 6
    Seared pork medallions nestled in simmering sauerkraut with apples

    Nestle the seared pork medallions back into the sauerkraut mixture, cover, and simmer 6–8 minutes until pork reaches an internal temp of 145°F and flavors meld.

  7. 7
    Dijon mustard and Greek yogurt whisked into a creamy sauce

    Whisk together Greek yogurt and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Off the heat, stir the mustard-yogurt into the skillet to create a light, tangy finish—do not boil after adding yogurt.

  8. 8
    Finished pork medallions over sauerkraut with parsley in a skillet

    Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and serve straight from the skillet with boiled potatoes, spaetzle, or rye bread.

Ingredients

  • Pork tenderloin, trimmed and sliced into medallions:1 lb
  • Sauerkraut, drained:2 cup
  • Yellow onion, thinly sliced:1 piece
  • Tart apple (e.g., Granny Smith), cored and thinly sliced:1 piece
  • Low-sodium chicken broth:1/2 cup
  • Plain Greek yogurt:1/3 cup
  • Dijon mustard:2 tbsp
  • All-purpose flour (for dredging):1/4 cup
  • Large egg, beaten:1 piece
  • Olive oil:1 tbsp
  • Unsalted butter:1 tbsp
  • Caraway seeds:1 tsp
  • Kosher salt:1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper, freshly ground:1/2 tsp
  • Smoked paprika:1/4 tsp
  • Fresh parsley, chopped:2 tbsp

Tips & Notes

  • Drain sauerkraut well to avoid a watery skillet; reserve a tablespoon of sauerkraut juice if you like extra tang.
  • Sear pork quickly on high heat for color, then finish gently with the sauerkraut to keep the medallions tender.
  • Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream if you prefer a richer finish, but add off the heat to prevent curdling.
  • Serve with boiled potatoes or a simple green salad to keep the meal balanced.