Are you tired of dry, bland pork chops that could double as shoe leather? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner game with these mouthwatering Simple Skillet Pork Chops that promise restaurant-quality flavor in just 20 minutes! This foolproof recipe transforms ordinary pork chops into a golden-crusted, incredibly tender masterpiece that will have everyone at your table asking for the recipe.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat the pork chops completely dry using paper towels to help achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoning blend.
- Generously season both sides of the pork chops with the spice mixture, 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 the oil shimmers and is just about to smoke.
- Carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to maintain proper heat circulation.
- Cook the pork chops for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing a beautiful golden-brown crust to develop.
- Flip the pork chops using tongs and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the second side until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork chops sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Dry is Good: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the pork chops dry. This crucial step helps achieve that irresistible golden-brown crust.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Give your pork chops breathing room in the skillet. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked pork, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This guarantees juicy, safe-to-eat meat every time.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
- Choose the Right Pan: A cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan provides the best heat distribution and creates an amazing crust.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 303kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 80mg
