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Quick Garlic Herb Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops

garlic herb butter pan-seared pork chops - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for juicy, tender pork chops seared to a golden crust and finished with a luscious garlic herb butter sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary), chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs. Stir well and set aside.
  3. Place a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Carefully place the pork chops in the hot pan without overcrowding. Sear without moving for 4-5 minutes until a golden crust forms.
  5. Flip the pork chops using tongs. Immediately add the garlic herb butter to the pan, letting it melt and bubble around the chops.
  6. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the chops repeatedly for 2-3 minutes to baste and infuse flavor.
  7. Cook another 3-4 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). If no thermometer, the chops should feel firm but springy.
  8. Transfer the chops to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices.
  9. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chops before serving.

Notes

Patting the pork chops dry before cooking is essential for a crispy crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain high heat and proper searing. Baste chops with garlic herb butter to keep them moist and flavorful. Let the meat rest after cooking to lock in juices. If butter starts to burn, reduce heat and add a splash of olive oil or water. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Fresh herbs are preferred but dried can be used at one-third the amount.

Nutrition

Keywords: pork chops, garlic herb butter, pan-seared, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, juicy pork chops