These garlic butter pan-seared pork chops are juicy and full of flavor! With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a tasty meal that everyone will love.
Who wouldn’t want crispy chops swimming in butter and garlic? They’re so good that I can never resist making extra for leftovers—if there are any! 🐷💖
It’s super easy to whip these up after a long day. Just cook them in a hot pan, add the yummy garlic butter, and dinner is ready in no time! Perfect for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are my go-to for extra flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless chops or pork loin can work, but they might cook faster, so watch the time!
Olive Oil: This helps achieve that perfect sear. If you prefer, you could use vegetable oil or avocado oil instead for a higher smoke point.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness in the dish. If you want a dairy-free alternative, try using vegan butter or even olive oil for basting.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a lot of flavor. If you’re out of fresh garlic, use garlic powder, but remember to reduce the amount since it’s more concentrated.
Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary give a wonderful fragrance. If you don’t have fresh, dried herbs work fine—just use less, as dried herbs are more potent.
How Do I Achieve a Perfect Sear on Pork Chops?
Getting a good sear makes all the difference in flavor! Here’s how to do it: Start with patting the pork chops dry; this helps them brown nicely. Season generously with salt and pepper for added flavor.
- Preheat your skillet until it’s hot, then add the olive oil.
- Place the pork chops in the skillet without crowding the pan, which helps maintain the heat.
- Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown before flipping. This is key!
- Once flipped, don’t forget to baste with that delicious garlic butter for maximum flavor!
Check with a meat thermometer; they should be at 145°F (63°C). Allow them to rest after cooking to keep that juiciness locked in!
How to Make Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and around 10-12 minutes of cooking time. Just a quick 20-25 minutes total to have a delicious garlic butter pan-seared pork chop dinner ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This is important for achieving that nice golden crust! Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to bring out the flavors.
2. Heat the Oil:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This means it’s hot enough to give your chops the perfect sear!
3. Sear the Pork Chops:
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pork chops to the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes. You want to develop a beautiful golden crust on one side before flipping them over.
4. Cook the Other Side:
After 4-5 minutes, flip the pork chops and cook the other side for another 4 minutes. This will help them cook through while still staying juicy!
5. Add the Flavor:
Lower the heat to medium-low, and add the butter, minced garlic, thyme, and optional rosemary to the skillet. Allow the butter to melt and mix in with the herbs. The aroma will be amazing!
6. Baste for Moisture:
To make sure the pork chops stay flavorful and moist, tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted garlic butter over the pork chops continuously for 1-2 minutes. This is called basting, and it’s where the magic happens!
7. Check the Temperature:
Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F (63°C). Once they reach the right temperature, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for about 5 minutes to lock in the juices.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, garnish the pork chops with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired. Enjoy your flavor-packed, juicy garlic butter pan-seared pork chops!
Now sit back, dig in, and savor every delicious bite! 😋
FAQ for Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can definitely use boneless pork chops! Just keep in mind that they may cook a bit faster, so check the internal temperature around the 3-4 minute mark per side to avoid overcooking.
What Should I Do If the Pork Chops Are Still Tough?
If your pork chops seem tough, it could be due to overcooking. Make sure you cook to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), and allow the chops to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps them become tender and juicy!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Garlic?
Of course! If you need to skip the garlic, you can infuse flavor with additional herbs like sage or oregano, or simply adjust the seasoning to your taste. The dish will still be tasty!
How Do I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep them moist.
