Pan-Seared Heritage Pork Chops

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Pan-Seared Heritage Pork Chops are an elegant yet simple dish that brings out the natural flavors of the meat. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is designed to impress with minimal fuss.

Ingredients for Pan-Seared Heritage Pork Chops

Pork chops: Choosing bone-in chops helps retain moisture and adds flavor during cooking. Look for heritage breeds for the best taste.

Olive oil: Used for searing, it helps form the crust and adds a hint of richness.

Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural pork flavor.

Garlic powder and onion powder: These add depth and a subtle sweetness to the seasoning.

Fresh rosemary: Its earthy aroma complements the savory flavors perfectly.

Unsalted butter: Key for basting, adding a creamy richness and helping to create a beautiful golden crust.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the butter, adding a robust flavor.

Lemon wedges: The citrus cuts through the richness and brightens the dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra-crispy crust, ensure the pork chops are thoroughly dried before seasoning.
  • If your chops are thicker than 1 inch, you might need to finish them in the oven to reach the desired internal temperature.
  • Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Pork cooked to 145°F is safe and deliciously juicy.

Serving Suggestions

These pork chops pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve with creamy mashed potatoes or a side of seasoned rice. The lemon wedges add a bright finish, so encourage guests to squeeze a bit over their chops just before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, but keep in mind that boneless chops tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily. Adjust your cooking time accordingly.
What if I don't have fresh rosemary?
You can substitute with half the amount of dried rosemary, or experiment with other herbs like thyme or sage for a different flavor profile.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying them out.

Pan-Seared Heritage Pork Chops Recipe Walkthrough

First, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting a nice sear later on. Generously season both sides of each chop with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This forms the flavor base for your chops.

Next, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. You want it shimmering but not smoking. Carefully add the pork chops to the skillet. They should sizzle immediately. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until you see a golden crust form. This is where the magic happens, so resist the urge to move them around too much.

Once both sides are beautifully browned, reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary to the skillet. The butter will melt quickly, and as it foams, start spooning it over the chops. This basting technique ensures the meat stays juicy and infuses it with flavor.

Continue cooking the chops for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to be precise. Once done, transfer them to a plate. Let them rest for about 5 minutes; this helps the juices redistribute, making for a tender bite.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and straightforward — dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients that pack a flavorful punch.
  • The butter-basted technique keeps the meat juicy and tender.
  • Perfect balance of savory and aromatic flavors with a touch of citrus.

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Add the pork chops to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, until a golden crust forms.
4. Reduce the heat to medium, add the butter, minced garlic, and rosemary to the skillet, and spoon the melted butter over the chops.
5. Continue to cook the pork chops for 2-3 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
6. Transfer the chops to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving with lemon wedges.

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