Finnish Pan-Fried Pork with Lingonberry Sauce
Tender pan-fried pork cutlets served with a vibrant, tangy lingonberry sauce. This classic Finnish dish balances the savory richness of the pork with the sweet-tartness of the lingonberries, creating a delightful and satisfying meal.

๐ง Ingredients
- 600 g Pork tenderloin or loin chops
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 cup Lingonberry jam or preserves
- 1/2 cup Chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp Red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Prepare the pork: If using tenderloin, slice it into 1-inch thick medallions. If using chops, ensure they are of even thickness. Pat the pork dry with paper towels.
๐ก Pro Tips: Patting the pork dry helps it to brown better. - 2
Dredge the pork: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Lightly coat each piece of pork in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
๐ก Pro Tips: A light coating of flour helps create a nice crust and thickens the sauce slightly. - 3
Pan-fry the pork: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the pork in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
๐ก Pro Tips: Do not overcrowd the pan, as this will steam the pork instead of searing it. - 4
Make the lingonberry sauce: Pour off any excess fat from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the lingonberry jam, broth, and red wine vinegar. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
๐ก Pro Tips: The browned bits (fond) add a lot of flavor to the sauce. - 5
Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir in the fresh thyme, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
๐ก Pro Tips: Simmering allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce. - 6
Serve: Return the pork to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over it to warm through, about 1-2 minutes. Serve the pork immediately with the lingonberry sauce spooned over the top.
๐ก Pro Tips: Serve with mashed potatoes, boiled potatoes, or lingonberry sauce.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โIf lingonberry jam is too tart, you can add a teaspoon of sugar.
- โFor a smoother sauce, strain out the thyme leaves before serving.
- โThis dish pairs well with a side of sautรฉed mushrooms or green beans.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a splash of port wine to the sauce for a richer flavor.
- Substitute cranberry sauce for lingonberry sauce if lingonberries are unavailable.
- Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a slight tang.