Description
This Garlic Butter Pork Chops recipe offers tender, juicy pork chops seared to golden perfection and infused with fragrant garlic, butter, and thyme. A quick and easy stovetop dish perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner, served with fresh lemon wedges to brighten the rich flavors.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pork Chops
- 1 lb. (500g) bone-in pork chops
- Coarse salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 sprigs thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pinch salt
To Serve
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry to remove any excess moisture, then season both sides generously with coarse salt and ground black pepper. Rub the seasonings into the meat to ensure they adhere well, which helps achieve a good sear.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the cooking oil, melted butter, and thyme sprigs. Allow the butter to melt and the mixture to become aromatic before adding the pork.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Place the pork chops into the hot skillet and cook for about 3 minutes on each side. Flip carefully to get a golden light brown crust on both sides while cooking the meat through.
- Add Garlic and Finish Cooking: Add the minced garlic to the skillet, stirring it around the pork chops. Continue flipping the chops and sautéing the garlic until it turns a light brown color. Add a pinch of salt to season the garlic and enhance the flavor.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the pork chops from the heat and allow them to rest for 5 to 10 minutes, letting the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges to add a bright, zesty contrast to the rich butter and garlic flavors.
Notes
- Patting the pork chops dry before seasoning helps achieve a perfect sear by removing excess moisture.
- For juiciness, use bone-in center cut or pork rib chops with good marbling about one inch thick.
- Using a meat thermometer, cook the pork until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for optimal doneness and safety.
- Rest the pork chops for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for tender and succulent meat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop (about 250g)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
