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.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (1 to 1.5 inches thick)
- 3–4 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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: garlic butter pork chops, pan seared pork chops, quick pork dinner, easy pork recipe, garlic pork chops