Recipes

Simple Seared Pork Chops

JeanMarie Brownson|

Simple Seared Pork Chops
4.5 (2 ratings)
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Pork chops are the ultimate versatile protein — they can be ready in a matter of minutes for a weeknight supper or topped with a simple sauce for a holiday feast. You can make any number of chops with this method, just be sure they are in a single, uncrowded layer in the pan. The salt mixture in the recipe is sufficient for four chops, but you can double or halve it. Leftover pork tastes great thinly sliced on a sandwich or in a green salad. 
Prep Time
10
minutes
Cook Time
10
minutes
Servings
4
Simple Seared Pork Chops
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
  • 2-4 bone-in, center-cut pork loin chops, each 1-inch thick and weighing 8 ounces
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 tablespoon expeller pressed canola oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil or peanut oil
  • cherry-balsamic gastrique or creamy baby bella sauce, optional (see notes for recipe)
  • sliced green onions, for garnish
Directions
  1. Step 1: Pat chops dry and place on a plate. In a small dish mix together 1½ teaspoon each kosher salt and sweet paprika along with ½ teaspoon each black pepper and granulated garlic. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over all sides of the pork chops. Cover chops loosely. If desired, refrigerate for several hours (up to 8 hours).
  2. Step 2: Heat oven to 400F convection or 425F conventional. While the oven heats, let chops come to room temperature if necessary.
  3. Step 3: Heat a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet, griddle or ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium heat until a drop of water sizzles on contact. Swirl oil in a pan. Use tongs to add chops (in a single, uncrowded layer). Let cook, without turning, until deeply golden on the bottom, about 4 minutes. Flip chops and immediately slide the pan into the hot oven.
  4. Step 4: Cook, without turning, until the center of the chop is slightly firm (but not hard) when pressed or 145F on an instant-read thermometer, 5 to 6 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Remove from the oven to a plate; tent with foil to keep warm while you reheat the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Serve chops topped with a spoonful of your chosen sauce (see notes). Garnish with sliced green onions.
 
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