Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that transforms an ordinary pork chop into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece! This French-inspired recipe is not just a meal, but a gastronomic experience that will transport you straight to the charming kitchens of France. With just a few simple ingredients and expert techniques, you'll create a dish so delicious, it'll have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pork chops
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, pressing the seasoning gently into the meat.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding butter and olive oil together to create a flavorful cooking base.
- Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, carefully place the pork chops in the skillet.
- Cook the pork chops for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- During the last minute of cooking, add minced garlic to the pan, allowing it to become fragrant and infuse the pork chops with flavor.
- Remove pork chops from the skillet and let them rest on a clean plate for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Optional: Spoon the remaining butter and garlic from the pan over the pork chops before serving for extra flavor.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always remove your pork chops from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Moisture is the Enemy of Searing: Pat your pork chops completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve that coveted golden-brown crust.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook pork chops in a single layer to ensure proper searing and prevent steaming.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked pork, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This guarantees juicy, tender meat every time.
- Let It Rest: Always allow your pork chops to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Flavor Boost: The garlic added in the last minute of cooking provides a subtle, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Quality Matters: Use fresh, high-quality pork chops and don't be shy with seasoning - salt and pepper are your friends!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
