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.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Pork Chops, Pan Seared Pork Chops, Juicy Pork Chops, Easy Pork Dinner, Garlic Pork Recipe, Gluten Free Pork Chops