Looking for a quick and delicious dinner that will impress your family or guests? Look no further! Our Pan Seared Pork Chops with Asparagus is the ultimate weeknight meal, combining juicy, perfectly seasoned pork chops with vibrant, tender-crisp asparagus. In just 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon thyme
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Season pork chops generously on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme, pressing the seasonings gently into the meat.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers and is nearly smoking.
- Carefully place pork chops in the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving, developing a rich golden-brown crust.
- Flip pork chops and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
- Remove pork chops from skillet and let rest on a cutting board, tented with aluminum foil, for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- In the same skillet, add trimmed asparagus, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp and lightly charred.
- Plate the pork chops alongside the asparagus, and serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Bring to Room Temperature: For perfectly cooked pork chops, take them out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Dry the Chops: Patting the pork chops dry with paper towels is crucial. Removing excess moisture allows for a beautiful golden-brown sear that enhances flavor and texture.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Generously season both sides of the pork chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. Press the seasonings gently into the meat for maximum flavor.
- Use the Right Pan: A cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan retains heat well and is perfect for achieving that coveted sear. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the pork chops.
- Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the pork chops rest for 5-7 minutes under aluminum foil. This step is key to keeping them juicy as it allows the juices to redistribute.
- Sauté the Asparagus: Use the same skillet to cook the asparagus after the pork chops. This not only saves time but also infuses the veggies with delicious flavors from the pork.
- Serve Hot: For the best experience, serve the pork chops and asparagus immediately while they are still hot. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 440kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 43g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 90mg
