Imagine transforming ordinary pork chops into a gourmet masterpiece with just a few simple ingredients and a splash of champagne vinegar. This French-inspired recipe is about to elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent, proving that restaurant-quality meals are within your reach. Get ready to impress your dinner guests and tantalize your palate with a marinade so delicious, it'll make you feel like a professional chef in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pork chops
- 1/4 cup champagne vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together champagne vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined to form a smooth vinaigrette.
- Place the pork chops in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the pork chops, ensuring they are completely coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Remove pork chops from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. This helps ensure even cooking.
- Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Remove pork chops from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Season the pork chops with additional salt and pepper if desired. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
- Remove pork chops from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Slice and serve the pork chops, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork chops come to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking and prevent tough meat.
- Marinating Magic: Don't exceed 2 hours of marinating time, as the acid in the champagne vinegar can start to break down the meat's proteins if left too long.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked pork, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to guarantee juicy, tender chops every time.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the meat to rest for 5 minutes after cooking helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful.
- Optional Flavor Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in your marinade for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 345kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
