– **Title**: Pan Seared Pork Chops
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, finely chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
– 1/2 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. **Prepare the Pork Chops**: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. **Heat the Pan**: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat until hot, but not smoking.
3. **Sear the Pork Chops**: Add the pork chops to the skillet in a single layer. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and have a nice crust. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Remove the chops from the skillet and tent with foil to keep warm.
4. **Make the Sauce**: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the skillet, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth (or white wine) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. If using, stir in the Dijon mustard.
5. **Simmer**: Allow the sauce to simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. **Serve**: Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to coat. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to warm through. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Enjoy your delicious pan-seared pork chops!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: I recommend using boneless pork chops for easy cooking and serving. If you want to use bone-in chops, just adjust the cooking time a little longer. You could also try chicken breast or turkey cutlets as a substitute if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Olive Oil: Great for searing due to its high smoke point. If you don’t have olive oil, avocado oil works well too. It has a similar flavor profile and can handle high heat just like olive oil.
Butter: Adds richness to the dish and helps with flavor. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute with margarine or a plant-based butter. This can keep the dish tasty without the lactose.
Seasonings: Garlic and onion powder provide strong flavor. If you want to switch things up, fresh minced garlic and finely chopped onion can do the trick. Herbs like thyme or rosemary also make great additions!
How Do I Get a Perfect Sear on My Pork Chops?
Getting a perfect sear on your pork chops is all about patience and technique. Here are the steps to follow:
- Start by patting the pork chops dry. This helps to remove moisture so that they brown nicely.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering. Then, carefully add the chops without overcrowding the pan.
- Leave the pork chops alone for 4-5 minutes. Moving them around too soon will prevent that beautiful crust from forming.
- When it’s time to flip, add the butter. Basting helps keep them juicy and promotes even browning.
Remember, patience is key! Let the chops rest after cooking so they stay juicy when you cut into them. Enjoy!
How to Make Pan Seared Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 2 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
For Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Side:
- Fresh green beans or any side vegetable of choice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to cook. You can pull together a delicious meal in about 20-25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps achieve a nice, crispy sear. Season both sides of the chops generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to rub the seasonings in so they’re well-coated!
2. Heat the Pan:
Grab a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up until it’s hot but not smoking. You want it to shimmer a bit!
3. Sear the Pork Chops:
Carefully lay the seasoned pork chops into the skillet. Avoid moving them for about 4-5 minutes; this helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust. You can peek to check the color, but try not to flip them too soon!
4. Flip and Finish Cooking:
Once they’re nicely browned, flip the pork chops over. Add the butter to the skillet immediately. As the butter melts, use a spoon to baste the chops with the buttery goodness. Cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Rest the Chops:
After cooking, remove the pork chops from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Let them rest for at least 5 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to settle back into the meat, making them juicy and tender!
6. Serve:
Finally, serve your delicious pork chops garnished with fresh chopped parsley. Pair them with sautéed green beans or your favorite side vegetables for a complete meal!
Enjoy your tasty pan-seared pork chops!
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead of Boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops will take a little longer to cook since they have the bone, but the method remains the same. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for proper doneness. You may need to cook an extra 1-2 minutes per side.
What If I Don’t Have Garlic Powder or Onion Powder?
No problem! You can substitute with minced fresh garlic (about 1 clove per teaspoon) and finely chopped onion. Just sauté the fresh ingredients in the pan for about a minute before adding the pork chops to infuse the flavors!
How Should I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to avoid dryness, or use the microwave in short intervals.
Can I Add Other Seasonings or Marinades?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like smoked paprika, Italian herbs, or even a marinade. If using a marinade, allow the pork chops to soak for at least 30 minutes before patting them dry for optimal flavor.
