Description
Garlic Butter Pork Chops are a quick and easy weeknight dinner option featuring juicy, tender pork chops seared to a golden brown and smothered in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce. This flavorful recipe combines simple ingredients like fresh garlic, butter, and herbs to create an impressive and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pork Chops
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Garnish and Optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
- Sear the Chops: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until a beautiful golden crust forms. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Finish Cooking in the Sauce: Return the pork chops to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter over them as they cook for another 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to coat evenly and ensure the pork chops finish cooking through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Plate the pork chops and pour any remaining garlic butter sauce over the top for a rich, flavorful finish.
Notes
- Use thicker pork chops (at least 1 inch) to retain moisture during cooking.
- Always pat pork chops dry before seasoning to achieve the perfect sear.
- Fresh garlic is recommended for a brighter, more complex flavor.
- Add butter towards the end of cooking to avoid burning and create a silky sauce.
- Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep them juicy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Pan-Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg