Here’s a delicious recipe for Pan-Seared Pork Chops with a flavorful sauce:
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
For the Sauce (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Season the pork chops:
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme or rosemary.
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Sear the pork chops:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. For thicker chops, you may need to cook them an additional 2-3 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—145°F (63°C) is the ideal internal temperature. Once done, remove the pork chops and set them aside.
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Make the sauce (optional but highly recommended):
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream or sour cream and Dijon mustard (if using), and let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve:
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them to coat. Let the chops warm through for a minute. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve your pork chops with mashed potatoes, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal!