Name: Pan Seared Pork Chops
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 pork chops ((or 1 pork chop per person) ); coarse sea salt; cracked pepper; 1 tbsp butter ((we prefer unsalted)); 1 tbsp olive oil

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Nothing like a simple pan seared pork chop! We season them with a little salt and pepper, sear them in a butter and olive oil mixture and a cast iron pan helps with the rest. The result? A perfectly crusted pan cooked pork chop that is tender, and ready in about 15 minutes.

How to Sear Pork Chops

1) Remove excess moisture. Pat them with a paper towel. This helps give them a better crust. Do this on both sides.
2) Give the pork chops a good crust with some salt and pepper. I would advise using a coarse salt and pepper- it gives a better crust and overall bigger flavor.
3) Melt 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan (I recommend cast iron) on medium high heat. When it starts to bubble, and the butter is fully melted, place the pork chops in the pan.
4) After about 5 minutes, and once they are fully seared, the pork chops should release from the pan.
- If you notice them ‘sticking’ still, give them another minute or two to fully sear.
- Continue to cook both sides until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of about 145 degrees farenheit.

Pork is fully cooked at 145 degrees farenheit.

What kind of pork chops should I use?

For this recipe, we used thick cut boneless pork chops. You can find these at most any grocery store either in the fresh case, or the refrigerated meat aisle.

If you are using a pork chop that is of a thinner cut, you’ll want to cut down the searing time so they are not overcooked. The most important tool for not overcooking pork chops is to use a meat thermometer.

Seasoning Pork Chops

For this recipe, we use a simple salt and pepper method. You can use different seasonings if you want more flavor.

Add granulated garlic and fresh chopped rosemary to salt and pepper. This makes for a light but not overpowering flavor addition.
Check out this recipe for an easy pork chop seasoning recipe.
I’ve added a little bit of cinnamon to the exterior of pork chops along with homemade applesauce. It’s such a sweet and savory flavor combination!
Kinders WoodFired Garlic is one of my favorite store-bought seasonings. It works well on pretty much any cut of protein!

More Tips for Pan Cooking Pork Chops

- Don’t handle them too much before they are cooked. Let them sear in the pan without being moved, otherwise the crust won’t form as well.
- A cast iron pan works best for searing and will give the pork chops a perfect golden crust. Of course, if you can’t use a cast iron skillet, any other kind will do in a pinch.
- What can I serve with pan cooked pork chops?
  - Add some mushroom gravy on top with some mashed potatoes on the side.
  - Top your pork chops with quick pickled onions for a zesty flavor combo.
  - Drizzle some avocado-lime-sauce onto your chop.
  - Need a healthy side dish? Try this chickpea salad, or this fresh corn salad.

More Pork Recipes:

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Enjoy! – Rachel & Kathi