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 Tip: 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 Tip: 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 Tip: 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 Tip: 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 Tip: 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 Tip: 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.