Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops
Juicy and flavorful Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to create a rich garlic butter sauce that complements tender pork chops, delivering maximum taste with minimal effort in under 30 minutes.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Seared
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
- Grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese (for cheesy twist)
- Lemon juice (for marinating)
- Ghee or avocado oil (for dairy-free version)
- Fresh parsley or chopped chives for garnish
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, and let the seasoning sit for a few minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Heat the Pan and Sear: Place a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil is hot, carefully add the pork chops without overcrowding the pan. Sear each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until a golden brown crust forms.
- Add Butter and Garlic: Lower the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the pan. As the butter melts, continuously spoon it over the pork chops to infuse them with rich garlic flavor while keeping them moist.
- Finish Cooking: Continue cooking the pork chops for an additional 3 to 5 minutes depending on their thickness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove the chops from heat and let them rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices before serving.
Notes
- Patting pork chops dry helps achieve a crispy crust when searing.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even browning.
- Use fresh garlic for vibrant flavor; pre-minced lacks punch.
- Allow pork chops to rest before slicing to retain moisture.
- Maintain medium heat to prevent butter from burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: garlic butter pork chops, pan seared pork chops, quick pork dinner, easy pork chop recipe, garlic butter sauce