– **Title**: French Onion Pork Chops
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
– 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown. Remove the chops from the skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and sugar. Cook the onions over medium heat until they are caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 10-15 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
6. Pour in the beef broth and add thyme. Bring to a simmer.
7. Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning some of the onion mixture over the top. Cover and let simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the pork is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C).
8. Preheat the broiler in your oven. Once the pork chops are cooked, sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese over the top of each chop and place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from the oven and let rest for a couple of minutes.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious French Onion Pork Chops!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops are great for this recipe. If you prefer dark meat, try bone-in pork chops or even chicken thighs to make it more versatile.
Onions: Yellow or sweet onions work best for caramelizing. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with red onions for a different taste. Just remember, red onions can be a tad sharper.
Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a lovely aroma. If you don’t have it, you can use dried thyme, but cut the amount in half since it’s more concentrated. I like to use oregano occasionally for a different twist!
Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a rich flavor. If you don’t have it, try red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. They both offer a nice zing.
Cherry Tomatoes: I love the burst of flavor cherry tomatoes provide. You can easily swap them with grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes. Canned tomatoes would work in a pinch but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How Do You Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions can be a tricky process, but with the right approach, it’s easy! The goal is to gradually draw out the natural sugars in the onions for that delicious sweetness. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium-high heat to get the pan hot.
- Add butter to the skillet with your sliced onions, stirring them to coat.
- Reduce the heat to low after a few minutes to allow them to cook slowly without burning.
- Stir frequently, giving them a chance to turn golden brown, which usually takes 8-10 minutes.
- If they stick, add a splash of water to deglaze, scraping any tasty bits off the bottom.
Remember, patience is key! Don’t rush the process and you’ll be rewarded with sweet, caramelized goodness.
How to Make French Onion Pork Chops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Onion Mixture:
- 2 medium onions, sliced (preferably yellow or sweet)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
For Serving:
- Mashed potatoes (for serving, optional)
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30-35 minutes total, including preparation and cooking time. You’ll spend about 10 minutes seasoning and searing the pork chops, and then another 20-25 minutes cooking the onions and simmering everything together. It’s a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Start by seasoning the pork chops generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is important for giving the meat lots of flavor!
2. Sear the Chops:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops to the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. After searing, remove the chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Cook the Onions:
In the same skillet, add the butter and the sliced onions. Cook these over medium heat, stirring regularly, for about 8-10 minutes until the onions are soft and caramelized. If they start to stick to the pan, add a splash of water to help free them up, scraping the bottom with a spatula.
4. Add Flavorings:
Add the fresh thyme and balsamic vinegar to the onions. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring to mix everything well. Then, pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any tasty bits stuck there.
5. Add Cherry Tomatoes:
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, mixing them into the onion mixture. This will add a lovely sweetness to the dish and make it more colorful!
6. Reintroduce Pork Chops:
Return the seared pork chops back to the skillet, placing them on top of the onion and tomato mixture. Spoon some of the mixture over the chops. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pork chops are fully cooked (they should reach an internal temperature of 145°F).
7. Serve:
Once done, serve the pork chops with the caramelized onion and tomato sauce spooned generously on top. If you like, make it a complete meal by adding a side of creamy mashed potatoes and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious French Onion Pork Chops!
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead of Boneless?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops can add extra flavor and juiciness to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as bone-in chops may take a bit longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you want a lighter option or don’t have beef broth on hand, you can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth. For additional richness, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a little extra balsamic vinegar to complement the flavors.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra veggies. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and add them to the skillet when you cook the onions, allowing them to soften and caramelize together for enhanced flavor.
