Imagine cutting into a golden-brown pork chop that's perfectly seared, then drizzling it with a luscious cherry preserves sauce that'll make your taste buds dance with joy. This isn't just another dinner recipe - it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary pork chops into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and some clever cooking techniques, you'll create a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare, but comes together in just 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat pork chops dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- Season both sides of pork chops generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering and hot.
- Place pork chops in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove pork chops from skillet and set aside on a plate, tenting with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add balsamic vinegar and cherry preserves, stirring to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces and thickens slightly.
- Return pork chops to the skillet and spoon the cherry preserves sauce over the top, coating each chop evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if desired.
Tips
- • Temperature is key: Always let your pork chops sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.• Pat those chops dry! Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden-brown crust that seals in the juices.• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness - 145°F is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked, juicy pork.• Don't rush the sauce - letting it simmer and reduce concentrates the flavors and creates a more luxurious coating.• For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a dash of rosemary to complement the cherry sauce.• If you prefer thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer or add a tiny cornstarch slurry to help it thicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 415kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 46g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 80mg
