Savory Southern Pan-Seared Pork Chops
Indulge in the robust flavors and tender texture of these Savory Southern Pan-Seared Pork Chops, inspired by traditional Southern cooking. This hearty dish features juicy pork chops seasoned with a blend of salt, thyme, and pepper, offering a perfect balance of flavor. The key to achieving tender, succulent chops is to allow them to rest seasoned, gradually brown them to perfection, and let them finish cooking in their residual heat. Serve with a simple pan sauce made from deglazing the skillet for an added depth of flavor that will delight the palate. Perfect for a family dinner, these chops are sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
4
Servings
138
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork chops
4 (1/2 to 1 inch thick)
salt
1 teaspoon
dried thyme
1 teaspoon
fresh ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon
oil
1-2 tablespoons (for cooking)
Instructions
1
Start by generously sprinkling the pork chops with salt, dried thyme, and freshly ground pepper on both sides.
2
Allow the seasoned chops to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial for enhancing flavor and tenderness.
3
In a large cast iron skillet or heavy stainless steel skillet, add 1-2 tablespoons of oil and heat over medium until shimmering.
4
Carefully place the pork chops in the pan, ensuring they are not touching to allow for even cooking.
5
Cook each side slowly, adjusting the heat if necessary, until the chops are beautifully golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
6
Once seared, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and turn off the heat. Let the chops rest in the covered skillet for about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chops. This will ensure they remain juicy.
7
After resting, remove the chops from the skillet. For a delicious sauce, deglaze the pan by adding a splash of water, wine, or broth, and a small pat of butter, scraping up any browned bits.
8
Serve the pork chops warm, drizzled with the pan sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
0.25g
Carbs
15.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Southern Pan-Seared Pork Chops?
This is a hearty Southern-inspired dish featuring juicy pork chops seasoned with salt, thyme, and pepper, seared to a golden brown and finished using residual heat to ensure tenderness.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What thickness of pork chops is recommended?
For the best results, use pork chops that are between 1/2 to 1 inch thick.
Why should I let the seasoned pork chops rest for 30 minutes before cooking?
Allowing the chops to rest at room temperature helps enhance the flavor and ensures more even cooking and tenderness.
What kind of skillet should I use?
A large cast iron skillet or a heavy stainless steel skillet is recommended for achieving a perfect golden-brown sear.
How much oil is needed for searing?
You will need approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The chops are seasoned with salt, dried thyme, and freshly ground pepper.
How long do I cook each side of the pork chop?
Cook each side for about 4 minutes until they are beautifully golden brown.
What is the secret to keeping the pork chops juicy?
The secret is to cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and turn off the heat once seared, letting the chops finish cooking in the residual heat for 8-10 minutes.
How do I make the pan sauce?
After removing the chops, deglaze the pan with a splash of water, wine, or broth and a small pat of butter, scraping up the flavorful browned bits.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 138 calories, 7.5g of fat, 0.25g of carbohydrates, and 15.25g of protein.
Is this pork chop recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, with only 0.25g of carbohydrates per serving, this is a very low-carb meal option.
What is the total ingredient count?
The recipe requires 5 main ingredients: pork chops, salt, dried thyme, fresh ground pepper, and oil.
At what heat should the oil be when starting?
Heat the oil over medium heat until it is shimmering before adding the pork chops.
Should the pork chops be touching in the pan?
No, ensure the chops are not touching to allow for even cooking and proper searing.
What can I use to deglaze the skillet?
You can use water, wine, or broth to deglaze the pan.
How long should the chops rest in the covered skillet?
They should rest for about 8 to 10 minutes, depending on their thickness.
Does this recipe include sugar or fiber?
No, this recipe contains 0g of sugar and 0g of fiber.
Can I use fresh ground pepper?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper for the best flavor.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include pork chops, southern cooking, pan-seared, easy dinner, family meal, tender meat, seasoned pork, and comfort food.
Is this dish suitable for a family dinner?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect family dinner that is sure to impress and satisfy everyone.
What is the primary protein source?
The primary protein source is pork chops, providing 15.25g of protein per serving.
How much salt is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
How much dried thyme should I add?
You should use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Do I leave the heat on while the chops rest under the lid?
No, you should turn off the heat once the skillet is covered to allow the residual heat to finish the cooking.
Should the sauce be drizzled over the chops?
Yes, for an extra layer of flavor, drizzle the prepared pan sauce over the warm pork chops before serving.
Is a non-stick skillet recommended?
While you could use one, cast iron or heavy stainless steel is preferred to get the traditional Southern golden-brown sear.
How do you know when the oil is ready?
The oil is ready when it begins to shimmer in the pan.
Can I use butter in the sauce?
Yes, adding a small pat of butter while deglazing helps create a rich and delicious sauce.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Pork.