Do you want to cook pork chops that are tender, juicy, and full of flavor? Look no further! In this article, we will show you how to cook delicious cast iron skillet pork chops that will impress even the pickiest eaters. With the right techniques and ingredients, you can achieve restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen.
About This Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe
The cast iron skillet stove top method is perfect for a variety of pork chops, whether boneless or bone-in, loin or shoulder, rib or sirloin. You can serve them straight out of the skillet with their own tasty herb-infused melted butter and olive oil goodness or create a quick pan sauce to elevate the flavors.
Ingredients You Will Need to Pan Sear Pork Chops in Cast Iron Skillet
To make these mouthwatering pork chops, gather the following ingredients:
- Pork chops: We recommend using thick-cut Frenched bone-in pork chops for this stove top cast iron skillet cooking method. However, boneless pork chops such as loin chops or rib chops will work just as well.
- Salt and black pepper: To season the pork chops before cooking. You can also use garlic powder or paprika to enhance their appearance.
- Cooking oil and butter: A tablespoon of butter adds flavor, while the oil prevents the butter from burning.
- Herbs and garlic cloves: Thyme and rosemary pair wonderfully with the butter and oil mixture. Feel free to experiment with sage or oregano. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs at the end.
All you need for equipment is a good, heavy cast iron skillet and your stove.
Moist Pork Chops Every Time
One crucial step to achieving juicy and tender pork chops is to brine them. While this step may not be necessary for thinner or fattier cuts, brining works wonders for leaner cuts or thick-cut pork chops.
QUICK BRINE:
- Dissolve 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup kosher salt in 1 quart of hot water.
- Let the brine solution cool down completely.
- Place the pork chops in the brine solution and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours, or up to 6-8 hours.
- When ready to cook, pat dry the pork chops with a paper towel.
How to Cook Pork Chops in a Cast Iron Skillet
Cooking cast-iron pan-seared pork chops on the stove is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps:
- Brine the pork chops if they are thick cuts.
- Season the chops with salt and pepper on each side.
- Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter, olive oil, garlic, and herbs (such as fresh thyme and rosemary). Stir them around until fragrant.
- Sear the pork chops, using a spoon to gently baste them with the butter and oil mixture. Maintain a consistent medium-high heat.
- Remove the pork chops from the pan and loosely cover them with foil. Let them rest for about 5 minutes.
If you are cooking more chops than can fit in your skillet, do two batches and add more butter and olive oil for the second batch.
How Long to Cook Thick Pork Chops on Stove
- For perfectly pan-fried pork chops, brown each side nicely and flip them only once. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 155°F for a medium level of doneness. If you prefer them slightly underdone, 145°F is the medium-rare yet food-safe temperature for pork chops.
- Use a meat thermometer to measure the temperature in the center of each chop.
- The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your pork chops, the number of chops in the skillet, the size of your skillet, and your stove’s burner type (gas or electric).
- Generally, for thinner chops (around 1/2 inch), cook each side for 2 minutes. For thick pork chops (around 3/4 to 1 inch or slightly thicker), cook each side for 5 minutes.
Homemade Sauce for Pan Seared Pork Chops
You have plenty of options for sauces to accompany your pork chops. You can drizzle a bit of the garlic and herb-infused butter and oil mixture that you cooked them in, or you can make a simple mustard cream sauce. Mix heavy cream and mustard in a saucepan, bring to a simmer, and let it reduce.
Side Dish Ideas
These cast iron skillet pork chops pair perfectly with a variety of salads. We recommend trying a white bean and roasted red pepper salad or a Shopska salad. Alternatively, you can serve them with green beans, rice, Irish champ, crispy roasted potatoes, roasted onions, baked apple slices, mushroom gravy, or a tasty beer onion gravy.
Other Recipes You Might Like
- Marinades for Pork
- When to Brine and When to Marinate
- Pork Tenderloin with Apples & Onions
- Braised Pork Chops
- Pork Spare Ribs (Oven)
- Pork Shoulder Roast
That’s it! With these tips and tricks, you can become a master at cooking cast iron skillet pork chops. Enjoy your delicious, succulent meal! And for more exciting recipes and culinary inspiration, visit Ekilove.
