Frequently Asked Questions
What are Glazed Honey Mustard Pork Chops with Zesty Mustard Greens?
This is a savory dish featuring bone-in pork chops coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze, served with fresh sautéed mustard greens, capers, and herbs.
What cut of meat is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for four bone-in pork blade steaks that are approximately 3/4-inch thick.
How do I prepare the pork chops before cooking?
Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
What is the purpose of the parchment paper in the skillet?
A circle of parchment paper is placed over the pork chops to prevent them from sticking to the weight used during searing and to help distribute heat.
Why should I weigh down the pork chops while searing?
Using a heavy skillet or cans to weigh down the chops ensures even contact with the pan, resulting in a superior golden-brown crust.
What oil should be used to sear the pork?
Grapeseed oil is recommended for searing because it has a high smoke point suitable for high-heat cooking.
How long do I sear the pork chops on each side?
Sear the pork chops for about 2 to 2.5 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops.
What ingredients are in the honey mustard glaze?
The glaze consists of honey mustard, chicken broth, thyme sprigs, unsalted butter, capers, and fresh lemon juice.
Can I substitute honey mustard if I don't have it?
Yes, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of honey mustard with 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard and 2 teaspoons of honey.
How do I make the sauce for the pork?
Lower the heat, add thyme, honey mustard, and chicken broth to the skillet, and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the liquid reduces by half.
What is the final step for the sauce?
Finish the sauce by swirling in unsalted butter and capers to emulsify, then add a splash of lemon juice.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of low sodium chicken broth for the sauce.
What do the capers add to the dish?
Capers add a briny, salty punch that complements the sweet glaze and rich pork.
How are the mustard greens prepared?
The mustard greens should be destemmed and coarsely chopped before being sautéed.
What oil is used for the greens?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the garlic and mustard greens.
How do I cook the garlic for the greens?
Sauté three smashed garlic cloves in olive oil for 1-2 minutes until they are golden and fragrant.
How long should the mustard greens cook?
The greens should only be cooked for about 30 seconds, just until they are wilted.
Are there any optional garnishes?
You can garnish the dish with fresh thyme leaves and red pepper flakes for additional flavor and heat.
What kind of skillet is best for this recipe?
A large cast iron skillet is ideal for achieving a high-quality sear on the pork chops.
Is this dish considered gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is gluten-free.
Can I use different greens?
While mustard greens are recommended for their zest, you could substitute with kale or spinach, though cooking times may vary.
What does 'smashed' garlic mean?
Smashed garlic means the cloves are flattened with the side of a knife to release oils while remaining mostly whole.
Why should I scrape the bottom of the skillet?
Scraping the bottom (deglazing) releases the browned bits, which contain intense flavor for the sauce.
How much lemon juice should I use?
Use between 1 and 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, depending on your taste preference.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe makes enough for four people, using four pork blade steaks.
Is the pork supposed to rest?
Yes, letting the pork rest in the sauce allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender result.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter is recommended to better control the sodium levels in the sauce.
What should I do if my skillet is too small?
Cook the pork chops in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can prevent proper searing.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is designed as a quick dinner, with the greens taking only seconds to cook once the pork is done.
How do I serve the final dish?
Place the pork chops on a plate alongside the sautéed greens and pour the honey mustard sauce over the meat.