These garlic butter pan-seared pork chops are super tasty and juicy! With a buttery garlic sauce that makes them shine, they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Cooking these pork chops is a breeze! Just sear them in a hot pan, add garlic and butter, and watch the magic happen. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in chops add flavor and moisture, while boneless are easier to eat. If you’re in a pinch, thin pork loin or pork tenderloin can work, but adjust cooking time as they cook faster.
Olive Oil: I love using olive oil for its taste, but any cooking oil with a high smoke point like canola or avocado oil is great too. Just avoid extra virgin olive oil for high-heat searing.
Butter: Unsalted butter ensures you can control the seasoning. If you’re dairy-free, a plant-based butter or ghee can be tasty alternatives.
Garlic: Fresh is best for flavor, but if you’re out, garlic powder can do in a pinch (1/8 teaspoon per clove). I personally prefer fresh for that rich taste.
Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary enhance the dish’s aroma. Use dried herbs instead if fresh is unavailable, but cut the amount in half as dried herbs are more potent.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Pork Chops?
Cooking pork chops just right can be tricky, but following a few steps can help. Start by letting your pork sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking. This promotes even cooking.
- Always pat the pork dry – it helps achieve a lovely browned crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain temperature.
- Baste with garlic butter continuously during the last few minutes of cooking; this keeps the meat moist and adds flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer. Pull your chops off the heat at 145°F (63°C) for juicy results.
Enjoy your cooking!
Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time, so you can have a delicious dinner ready in just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely. Then, season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to add flavor.
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Let it get nice and hot but be careful not to let it smoke.
3. Sear the Pork Chops:
Carefully add the pork chops to the hot skillet. Don’t move them around; let them sear for 3-4 minutes until a lovely golden-brown crust forms on the bottom.
4. Flip and Cook:
Now, flip the pork chops over and let them cook for another 3-4 minutes. This will give them a nice color on the other side too!
5. Add the Garlic Butter:
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Toss in the butter, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Let this mix together for extra flavor!
6. Baste the Chops:
Tip the skillet slightly and use a spoon to continually baste the pork chops with that delicious garlic butter for about 2 minutes. This keeps the pork nice and juicy!
7. Check for Doneness:
Make sure the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Then, remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for about 5 minutes.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish your seared pork chops with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side if you like—this adds a nice zesty flavor!
Enjoy your flavorful and juicy garlic butter pan-seared pork chops!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Cuts of Pork?
Absolutely! While this recipe works great with bone-in or boneless chops, you can also use pork loin or tenderloin. Just keep in mind that these cuts may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a pan over low heat and add a splash of broth or water to keep them moist.
Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! While fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor, dried herbs work in a pinch. Use about half the amount, since dried herbs are more concentrated. So, for this recipe, use 1/2 teaspoon each of dried thyme and rosemary.
Can I Prepare the Garlic Butter in Advance?
You can prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time! Just melt the butter and mix in the minced garlic and herbs, then store it in the fridge for up to a day. Just reheat it gently before basting the pork chops.
