Learn how to make perfectly cooked pan-fried pork chops every time. You'll get an irresistible crunch on the outside with juicy meat inside.
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Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy, tender pork, perfectly seared to golden-brown perfection. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delectable dish that goes well with simple sides like slow cooker rice or garlic butter green beans.
Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. From selecting the right cut of meat to mastering the cooking technique, get ready to upgrade your cooking skills and treat yourself to an irresistible dining experience.
Reasons to Love
- Comfort food appeal. The hearty nature of this dish makes it ideal for satisfying cravings on cozy evenings at home or during family gatherings. Its simplicity combined with its ability to deliver rich flavors often brings back fond memories associated with homemade meals.
- Versatility in flavor. Whether it's a simple salt and pepper seasoning or a more complex blend of herbs and spices, there are endless possibilities for enhancing the flavor profile of pan-fried pork chops.
- Delicious flavor. The natural juices of the meat are sealed in during the cooking process, resulting in a flavorful dish that many enjoy. The combination of seasonings and spices used to flavor the pork chops further enhances their taste, making them an irresistible choice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
As you gather your bone-in pork chops and seasonings for this delicious recipe, remember the importance of high-quality ingredients. Look for pork chops with a generous layer of fat, as this will contribute to a juicy and flavorful end result. Additionally, take the time to select fresh herbs and spices to get the best overall taste profile.
Here's what you'll need to make the pork chop recipe:
- thick-cut bone in pork chops
- unsalted butter
- garlic
- rosemary
- thyme
- salt and pepper
- oil for frying
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.
Instructions
Prepare the pork by patting each chop dry. Then, slice the tip of pork fat without cutting the meat.
Season meat with salt and black pepper. Let stand for at least 15 minutes.
In a heated skillet over medium-high heat, pan-fry each pork chop for 2 minutes on first side.
Flip and cook the other side for two minutes. Hold the bone using kitchen tongs and fry the fat's tip side for one minute.
Add butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the pan.
Baste pork chops for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown or when the thickest part near the bone reaches 145°F.
Transfer cooked pork chop on a cooling rack. Then pan-fry the next batch of pork chop. Allow each pork chop to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
Hint: Slicing the pork fat on the side of the pork chops prevents the meat from curling up to one side when making pan fried pork chops.
Variations
You can experiment with different seasonings and sauces to add variety to the fried pork chops recipe. Here are a few ideas you can try:
- Spices - add garlic powder, paprika, or even a Cajun spice blend to give your pork chops a flavorful kick. A smoky barbecue rub is also a great option.
- Sauces - consider topping the meat with a classic mushroom sauce or a tangy apple cider glaze for an extra burst of flavor. Pre-made honey mustard, teriyaki, or barbecue sauce are good choices too.
- Southern - mix salt and pepper with half a cup of flour and dredge the chops in a flour mixture before
If you want to reduce the amount of oil, you can try baking your chops in a cast iron skillet instead of frying them. The process would be the same as my oven-baked pork steak recipe.
Tips
Top tip: Basting while pan-frying ensures you'll have tender and juicy pork chops.
- Always choose bone-in chops instead of boneless. The bone adds flavor and helps retain moisture during cooking, resulting in juicier meat.
- Use cuts that are at least 1 inch thick. Thicker cuts are less likely to overcook which allows more control to achieve the perfect golden crust without drying out the meat inside.
- A meat thermometer is recommended. It allows you to monitor the internal temperature of the chop accurately, ensuring that it reaches 145°F (63°C), which is considered safe for consumption according to food safety guidelines.
- Use tongs when it comes time to flip your sizzling chops. Tongs provide better control compared to spatulas or forks.
Serving suggestions
Consider pairing your pork chops with mashed potatoes and garlic butter green beans or a tossed salad when serving them. These options provide a well-rounded, balanced meal.
For those who prefer lighter sides, a refreshing mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the pan-fried pork chops. The vibrant colors and varied textures of these side dishes add visual appeal to your meal while offering different flavors to enjoy alongside the savory pork.
Try topping the cooked chops with salsa, chutney, or flavored butters for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage
Allow the pork chops to cool down to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. If you're storing multiple pork chops, place a layer of parchment paper between each chop to prevent them from sticking together. Store the pork chops in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat pan-fried pork chops, you can use a microwave, oven, or stovetop. For best results, bring the pork chops to room temperature before reheating and use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This will help preserve the juiciness and tenderness of the pork chops when reheating.
FAQs
What type of pork chops are best for pan-frying?
Bone-in pork chops are ideal for a pan fried pork chops recipe as they retain moisture and flavor during cooking. Look for cuts at least 1 inch thick to ensure juicy and tender results.
How do I achieve a crispy crust when pan-frying pork chops?
To achieve a crispy crust, make sure to pat them dry before seasoning and frying. Also, allow enough space between each chop in the skillet so they don't steam each other.
Related Recipes
Want to try more meaty main dishes for one or two people? Here are more delicious recipe you can try:
- Pork burger recipe is perfect for a simple lunch or dinner.
- Air fryer chicken kabobs are loaded with delicious BBQ flavor.
- Tender pork chops in a crock pot are an effortless meal idea.
- Air fryer honey mustard chicken is quick to make and full of flavor.
- Ground pork stir fry cooks up fast on the stovetop.
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Recipe
Pan Fried Pork Chops (Bone-In)
Ingredients
- 2 thick-cut bone-in pork chops 1 ¼ inch thick skinless
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic crushed
- sprigs fresh rosemary
- sprigs fresh thyme
- kosher salt to taste
- coarse black pepper to taste
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Pat dry pork chops. Slice tip of pork fat without cutting the meat.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Let stand for at least 15 minutes.
- In a heated skillet, pan-fry a piece of pork chop for 2 minutes on each side. Hold the bone using kitchen tongs and fry tip side of the fat for 1 minute.
- Then add butter, garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Baste pork chops for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until slightly golden in color or when the thickest part near the bone reaches 145°F.
- Transfer cooked pork chop on a cooling rack. Then pan-fry the next batch of pork chop. Allow each pork chop to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
Kerstine
Tried this recipe tonight, and it was a hit with my family! Following the instructions is key to perfect results - crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Definitely saving this one for future dinners!
Tanya
I love this recipe! So easy to make but the flavors are just amazing! Paired mine with some rice and can I just say it was so delicious!
Beth
The meat was perfectly tender inside with a delicious crispy crust. I added some paprika and Cajun spice blend as suggested because they were available in my pantry. The pork chops were slightly smoky with the right amount of heat.
Claire
I made this yesterday for lunch, I had some herb butter so I used them for basting. The meat was tender and juicy! I Paired it with mashed potatoes and roasted green beans and it was so amazing!
Marie
These pork chops are a family favorite! The garlic and herbs enhance the flavor, and searing in butter gives a perfect crust. So tender and juicy. We love them!