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Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops

Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops

This Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops recipe offers a simple and flavorful way to prepare juicy, tender pork chops with a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfectly seared and infused with aromatic garlic and herbs, this quick and easy dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Pork Chops

  • 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)

Seasonings & Fat

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Aromatics

  • 4 fresh garlic cloves, whole
  • Fresh herbs (optional): rosemary, thyme, or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture and help achieve a golden crust. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper for balanced flavor.
  2. Heat the Pan and Oil: Warm a heavy skillet, preferably cast iron or stainless steel, over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until shimmering, indicating the pan is ready for searing.
  3. Sear the Pork Chops: Place the pork chops in the hot skillet without overcrowding. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side without moving them to develop a perfect caramelized crust and lock in juices.
  4. Add Garlic and Butter: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and whole garlic cloves to the pan. As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and continuously spoon the garlic-infused butter over the pork chops to infuse them with rich, savory flavor.
  5. Finish Cooking and Rest: Continue cooking the pork chops until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F, usually another 2-3 minutes. Remove the chops from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness before serving.

Notes

  • Choose bone-in pork chops for more flavor and juiciness.
  • Pat chops completely dry for the best sear and crust development.
  • Use a cast iron or stainless steel skillet for superior browning.
  • Control heat carefully: medium-high for searing and medium for basting with butter to prevent burning.
  • Let pork chops rest after cooking to keep them juicy and tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: Garlic Butter Pork Chops, Pan Seared Pork Chops, Juicy Pork Chops, Easy Pork Dinner, Garlic Pork Recipe, Gluten Free Pork Chops