Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops recipe is a simple and delicious way to elevate your weeknight dinners. Ready in just 20 minutes, these juicy pork chops are seared to golden perfection and coated in a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
This is a delightful recipe for garlic butter pan-seared pork chops that are easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
When it comes to quick and delicious meals, this Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops recipe is a game-changer. In just 20 minutes, you can serve up a dish that's not only easy to make but also full of flavor. Perfectly seared pork chops are finished off with a rich garlic butter sauce that packs a punch. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when time is limited but taste is still a priority.
By utilizing simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry, this recipe allows you to whip up a satisfying meal without a trip to the grocery store. The combination of olive oil and butter not only helps achieve a beautifully browned crust but also enhances the dish's overall flavor profile. It's simple, fast, and utterly delicious!
Flavorful Garlic Butter Sauce
The star of this dish undoubtedly lies in the garlic butter sauce. As you cook the minced garlic in the melted butter, it releases its savory aroma and infuses the oil with deeper flavors. This sauce elevates the pork chops from a simple protein to a gourmet experience. With just two ingredients—garlic and butter—you can create magic that will impress your family and friends.
Moreover, the garlic butter sauce can be easily adapted to suit your tastes. Want to add a kick? Consider introducing some red pepper flakes or a touch of lemon juice for brightness. This versatility makes the sauce a remarkable companion not just for pork chops but for chicken, vegetables, and even seafood.
Serving Suggestions
These Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, which soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. You can also add a side of sautéed green beans or a fresh salad to add some crunch and color to your plate. The balance of flavors—from the buttery richness of the pork chops to the acidity of a side salad—will create a well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy.
For a heartier option, consider serving your pork chops over a bed of rice or couscous. This not only makes the meal more filling but also allows you to enjoy every drop of that succulent garlic butter sauce. You might even want to add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the mix to elevate the dish further.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Sear the Pork Chops
Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes.
Combine and Serve
Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftover pork chops, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To ensure they remain juicy, try not to stack the chops on top of each other, or separate them with parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating on the stovetop with a little bit of butter can help retain their moisture and flavor.
Alternatively, you can freeze cooked pork chops for longer storage. Allow them to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When reheating from frozen, aim for low and slow, so they warm through without drying out.
Nutritional Benefits
Pork chops are a great source of lean protein, making them an excellent choice for a balanced meal. They contain important nutrients such as zinc, iron, and B vitamins, which are essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting your metabolism. When combined with healthy fats from olive oil and butter, you can create a nutritious meal that supports your dietary needs.
In addition, this recipe uses minimal ingredients, making it easy to adjust for dietary preferences or restrictions. If you want to make it healthier, consider substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative. This dish's simplicity and versatility ensure it can fit into various dietary lifestyles.
Variations to Try
Experimenting with different herbs and spices can unlock a whole new realm of flavor for these pork chops. Incorporating herbs like rosemary or thyme into the garlic butter sauce can offer an aromatic touch that complements the savory pork beautifully. Alternatively, marinating the pork chops before searing can infuse them with additional layers of flavor.
For a more adventurous flavor profile, try adding honey or maple syrup to the garlic butter sauce for a sweet twist that balances out the savory. This sweet-and-savory combination pairs incredibly well with the richness of the pork. Don't hesitate to play around with different flavors to make this dish your own!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts or thighs instead of pork.
→ What sides pair well with this dish?
Creamy mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables are great options.
Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops
This Garlic Butter Pan Seared Pork Chops recipe is a simple and delicious way to elevate your weeknight dinners. Ready in just 20 minutes, these juicy pork chops are seared to golden perfection and coated in a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Created by: Natalie Briggs
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4.0
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How-To Steps
Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter and minced garlic. Cook until the garlic is fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes.
Return the pork chops to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 35g