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Achieve perfectly seared pork chops with a gorgeous golden-brown crust and a juicy, tender center. This simple pan-frying technique with a butter-baste locks in flavor, making it a go-to for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes!
Prepare the Pork Chops: Remove pork chops from the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Heat the Skillet: Place a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the avocado oil and heat until it shimmers and just begins to smoke, about 2-3 minutes.
Sear the First Side: Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the hot pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4-6 minutes without moving them to develop a deep golden-brown crust.
Flip and Add Aromatics: Flip the pork chops. Immediately reduce the heat to medium and add the butter, smashed garlic cloves, and thyme sprigs to the skillet. The butter will melt and foam.
Baste and Finish Cooking: Tilt the skillet towards you, allowing the melted butter to pool. Use a large spoon to continuously baste the pork chops with the aromatic butter. Cook for another 4-6 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part (not touching bone) reads 145°F (63°C).
Rest Before Serving: Transfer the pork chops to a cutting board or plate. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful chop. Spoon some of the pan butter over the chops before serving if desired.
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Achieve perfectly seared pork chops with a gorgeous golden-brown crust and a juicy, tender center. This simple pan-frying technique with a butter-baste locks in flavor, making it a go-to for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes!
This american recipe takes 25 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 518.38 calories per serving with 45.99g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for dinner or lunch.
Substitute fresh rosemary sprigs for thyme for a more robust, pine-like flavor that pairs beautifully with pork.
Before searing, rub the pork chops with a mixture of 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder for extra depth of flavor.
After removing the chops to rest, discard excess fat from the pan. Deglaze with 1/4 cup of chicken broth or dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for a minute and pour over the chops.
Pork is a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids necessary for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting bone health, and maintaining overall body function.
Pork chops are particularly rich in B vitamins like thiamine (B1), niacin (B3), and B6. These vitamins are crucial for converting food into energy, supporting brain function, and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
This dish is a good source of essential minerals like selenium, which acts as a powerful antioxidant, and zinc, which is vital for a healthy immune system and wound healing.
A single serving of this Pan-Fried Pork Chop (approximately 185g cooked) contains around 450-550 calories, depending on the exact size and fat content of the chop.
Pork chops can be part of a healthy diet. They are an excellent source of protein and essential nutrients like B vitamins and selenium. This recipe uses pan-frying with butter, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet that also includes plenty of vegetables and whole grains.
While a thermometer is best, you can check for doneness by observing the juices. They should run clear or have a very faint pink tinge when the meat is pierced. The flesh should feel firm to the touch. However, to ensure both safety and juiciness, an instant-read thermometer is highly recommended.
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops. They will cook faster, so reduce the cooking time on each side by 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
The most common cause of dry pork chops is overcooking. Using an instant-read thermometer and pulling them from the heat at 145°F (63°C) is the best prevention. Also, ensure you are using thick-cut chops (at least 1-inch) and that you let them rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking.
These pork chops pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus or broccoli, a simple green salad, or applesauce.