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Crispy Pan-Seared Pork Chop

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A quick and easy recipe for juicy, tender pork chops with a crispy golden crust, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick, center-cut
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (neutral or light, high smoke point)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 fresh garlic cloves, crushed or lightly smashed
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
  2. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add olive oil to the pan and swirl to coat evenly.
  5. Place the pork chops carefully in the pan and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
  6. Flip the chops and immediately add butter, garlic, and thyme or rosemary to the pan.
  7. Baste the pork chops by tilting the pan and spooning melted butter and aromatics over the top repeatedly. Cook for another 3-5 minutes depending on thickness and desired doneness.
  8. Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
  9. Remove the chops and let them rest on a plate for 5 minutes to redistribute juices.
  10. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chops just before serving.

Notes

Patting the pork chops dry before cooking is crucial for a crispy crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Rest the chops after cooking to keep them juicy. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based alternatives. Fresh herbs are preferred but dried can be used in smaller amounts.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, pan-seared pork chop, crispy pork chop, easy pork recipe, juicy pork chop, weeknight dinner, cast iron skillet

Find it online: https://lucastable.com/crispy-pan-seared-pork-chop-recipe-easy-juicy-tender-interior-guide/