Description
A quick and easy recipe for tender, juicy pork chops cooked in a rich and savory garlic butter sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish features perfectly seared pork chops infused with garlic, butter, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon for brightness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 3–4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure a beautiful sear, then season generously on both sides with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning creates a base for all other flavors to shine.
- Heat the Pan and Sear: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork chops and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, without moving them, to form a golden crust that locks in juices.
- Add Garlic and Butter: Reduce heat to medium and add the butter along with the minced garlic to the pan. Spoon the melting butter over the chops continuously for 2-3 minutes as the garlic infuses the sauce with its bold flavor.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lemon: Add fresh thyme or parsley to the pan, continuing to baste the pork chops with the infused butter. If using, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the chops for a fresh contrast that brightens the rich sauce.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the pork chops to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in an even juicier bite. Serve drizzled with the garlic butter sauce from the pan.
Notes
- Dry your chops first to ensure a delicious, crispy sear without steaming.
- Use room temperature meat for even cooking and to prevent toughness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to maintain heat and proper browning.
- Baste liberally by spooning garlic butter over chops to build flavor and moisture.
- Let the pork chops rest after cooking to retain their juices and maximize juiciness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: garlic butter pork chops, pan seared pork chops, quick pork chops, juicy pork chops, easy pork recipe
