Description
Succulent pan seared pork chops bring Mediterranean magic to dinner tables with golden-brown perfection. Juicy meat and herbal seasonings create an irresistible meal that will delight dinner companions and satisfy serious protein cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 bone-in pork chops, approximately 1 inch thick
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Cooking and Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Prepare pork chops by thoroughly drying them with paper towels to ensure optimal searing potential. Apply a robust seasoning blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika across both surfaces, creating an even flavor profile.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until the surface becomes visibly shimmering, indicating perfect searing conditions.
- Carefully place seasoned pork chops into the hot skillet, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust without disturbance for approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Gently flip the chops and reduce heat to medium, continuing cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove pork chops from skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes, allowing internal juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Transfer rested pork chops to serving plates, optionally drizzling accumulated pan juices over the meat for enhanced flavor.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant, herbaceous finish to the dish.
Notes
- Choose bone-in pork chops for maximum flavor and juiciness, as they retain moisture better during cooking.
- Pat meat thoroughly dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust and prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for superior heat retention and creating an exceptional crispy exterior on the pork chops.
- Allow meat to reach room temperature before cooking to guarantee even cooking and prevent tough, chewy texture.
- Experiment with alternative seasoning blends like herbs de Provence or Cajun spice mix for diverse flavor profiles.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking and maintain optimal tenderness.
- For gluten-free option, verify all seasonings are certified gluten-free and avoid cross-contamination during preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg