Print

Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops

Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops

Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops combine juicy, tender pork chops with a rich garlic butter sauce for a quick, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (1 to 1.5 inches thick)
  • 34 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary (for garnish and aroma)
  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne (for spicy variation)
  • Lemon zest and juice (for lemon garlic butter variation)
  • Mushrooms (for sautéed addition)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the pork’s natural flavors.
  2. Heat the Pan and Add Oil: Use a heavy skillet such as cast iron or stainless steel. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers but does not smoke, ensuring the pan is hot enough for searing.
  3. Sear the Pork Chops: Carefully place the pork chops in the hot pan. Leave them undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  4. Add Garlic and Butter: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the pan. Continuously spoon the melted garlic butter over the pork chops to infuse them with flavor and keep the meat moist.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.

Notes

  • Pat pork chops dry thoroughly before cooking for the best crust.
  • Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan and maintain temperature.
  • Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking; target internal temperature is 145°F (63°C).
  • Constantly baste with garlic butter for maximum flavor infusion.
  • Allow pork chops to rest before slicing to retain juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter pork chops, pan seared pork chops, quick pork dinner, easy pork recipe, garlic pork chops