– **Title**: Garlic Butter Pork Chops
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
– 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Start by seasoning the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops to the skillet.
3. Cook the pork chops for about 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip them over.
4. After flipping, add the butter, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet.
5. As the butter melts, use a spoon to baste the pork chops with the garlic butter sauce. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes.
7. Serve the pork chops drizzled with the garlic butter from the pan and lemon wedges on the side, if desired. Enjoy!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops are ideal for this recipe, as the bone adds flavor and moisture. If you prefer, you can use boneless chops, just adjust the cooking time a little as they may cook faster.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds great flavor when searing. If you’re out, try vegetable oil or even butter. Just keep an eye on the butter, as it can burn quickly!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness of the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use ghee or a plant-based butter alternative.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the star of this recipe, offering a wonderful aroma. In a pinch, you can use garlic powder, but remember, it won’t provide the same punch. Use about 1 teaspoon of powder for every clove.
Thyme: Fresh thyme gives lovely flavor; however, dried thyme works too! Dried is more concentrated, so use half the amount if you opt for it.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Seared Pork Chops?
Searing pork chops to a beautiful golden brown is key to locking in flavor and moisture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with dry pork chops. Pat them with paper towels to remove moisture, which helps achieve a great sear.
- Season generously with salt and pepper just before cooking. This enhances flavor and promotes a nice crust.
- Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. Wait until it shimmers before adding the chops.
- Sear for 4-5 minutes without moving them. This allows the crust to form. When golden, flip and repeat on the other side.
- Check the internal temperature; it should hit 145°F (63°C). Let them rest for a few minutes to keep them juicy!
How to Make Garlic Butter Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to cook. In just about 25 minutes, you’ll have flavorful garlic butter pork chops ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear better! Generously season both sides with salt and pepper to taste. It’s a simple step, but it enhances the flavor of the meat.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the seasoned pork chops to the pan. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, allowing them to become a beautiful golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check that they’re cooked through; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Once done, remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt, and then add in the minced garlic and thyme. Sauté everything together for about 1-2 minutes. You want to cook it just until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn—burnt garlic doesn’t taste good!
4. Coat the Chops:
Now, return the pork chops to the skillet. Spoon some of that delicious garlic butter sauce over the chops and let them cook for an additional minute. This will help warm them up again and coat them in all that garlicky goodness.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the pork chops with fresh parsley for a pop of color. If you like, serve with lemon wedges on the side to add a fresh zing when you eat them. Enjoy your tasty Garlic Butter Pork Chops with sides of your choice!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless pork chops can be used instead of bone-in ones. They may cook a bit quicker, so keep an eye on them and check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) after about 3-4 minutes per side.
What Can I Substitute for Thyme?
If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works well, though you’ll want to use about one-third of the amount (1 teaspoon dried for the 2 teaspoons fresh). Alternatively, you can use other herbs like rosemary or sage for a different flavor!
How Should I Store Leftover Pork Chops?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat with a tablespoon of broth or water to keep them moist, covering until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe on the Grill?
Yes! This recipe can be adapted for the grill. Season and oil the pork chops as directed, then grill over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes on each side, brushing with the garlic butter sauce during the last few minutes for added flavor.
