Description
Achieve restaurant-quality crispy, juicy pork chops with a rich garlic butter sauce in just 30 minutes. This easy stovetop recipe uses simple ingredients and a basting technique for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in or boneless center-cut pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Kosher salt
- All-purpose flour (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Take pork chops out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Pat the chops completely dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Lightly dust with flour if desired.
- Place a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and let it get hot for about 3 minutes.
- Add olive oil to the pan and swirl to coat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
- Carefully place chops in the pan, ensuring they are not crowded. Sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip the chops over.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan. Once melted and foaming, add minced garlic and dried herbs.
- Tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the chops with the hot butter mixture repeatedly for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Remove chops from the pan and let them rest on a warm plate, tented with foil, for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Patting the meat dry is crucial for a good sear. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning. Letting the meat rest is non-negotiable to retain juices. If using boneless chops, reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes. For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with ghee or olive oil.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop with gar
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: pork chops, Texas Roadhouse copycat, garlic butter pork, easy dinner, stovetop pork chops, high protein meal, weeknight dinner