Pork Chops are a versatile and delicious cut of meat. Pan seared pork chops with herbs and Wine Vinegar become a tasty dinner meal that is a popular choice for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
It's not difficult to learn how to cook pork chops. In fact, you can't go wrong with some very simple techniques. Pork chops are inexpensive and are available from your supermarket or local butcher all year round making it the perfect weeknight dinner any day of the week.
What to Serve With Seared Pork Chops?
Pork is generally a flavorful cut of meat and can be served with:
- Smashed Potatoes
- Rapini (broccoli rabe)
- Eggplant and Zucchini saute
- Mashed potatoes, rice or a pasta dish
My favorite side is cooked rice that's placed in the pan, after the pork chops are cooked, and combined with the pan drippings of the pork chops.
Of course don't forget dessert like a smooth raspberry white chocolate ice cream, mini individual tiramisu cups or some nutella cookies.
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Here's Why You'll Love this Dish
Here are some great reasons that will want to make you have thin pork chops any day of the week:
- Quick and easy to cook: Pork chops cook faster than thicker cuts, making them ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a meal on the table in a hurry.
- Versatile: Pork chops can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as pan-fried, grilled, baked, or broiled.
- Cost-effective: Pork chops are generally less expensive than thicker cuts, making them a budget-friendly option.
- Great flavor: When cooked properly, pork chops can be incredibly flavorful and tender, making them a delicious addition to any meal.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Pork Chops - preferably Pork Rib or Sirloin
- Salt, Pepper and dried Italian Oregano - used for seasoning the pork
- Dry White Wine or Red Wine Vinegar - enhances the flavor of the pork chops
- Olive Oil - I prefer olive oil because it's a healthier alternative to vegetable oil
- Garlic Clove - enhances the flavor
How to Make Seared Pork Chops
Sauté garlic clove cut in half in a frypan with hot olive oil until fragrant.
Pat dry the pork chops with a paper towel.
Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
Season both sides of the pork chop and place in pan with hot oil on medium/high heat.
Let fry until golden on the bottom them flip. Add dry white wine or vinegar and continue to fry until golden on the bottom. About 5 minutes each side. Simmer until cooked through.
Remove pan lid if there is too much liquid to allow to evaporate.
Use pan juices to season rice as a serving suggestion.
Serve with your favorite side dish.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze leftovers. When you are ready to eat your pork chops, thaw them out in the refrigerator overnight and warm up in the microwave or over the stove top.
Meal Prep Tips
- You can season the pork chops in the pan before you flip them to cut down on dirty dishes.
- Ensure that the oil is hot enough before adding the pork chops. The oil should be shimmering and hot, but not smoking. Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after frying to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy finished product.
Substitutions and Variations
There are many ways to add flavor to pork chop recipes, depending on your taste preferences. Here are some variations:
- Rubs: Rubbing pork chops with a spice blend, such as cumin, paprika, and chili powder, before cooking can add a burst of flavor to the meat.
- Sauces: Adding a sauce, such as a honey mustard glaze or a tangy BBQ sauce, can enhance the flavor of pork chops and add moisture to the meat.
- Herbs: Adding fresh or dried herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage, can add depth and complexity to the flavor of pork chops.
- Cheese: Topping pork chops with melted cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, can add richness and flavor to the meat.
- Air Fryer - make pork chops in the air fryer for an even quicker meal. Preheat your air fryer to 360 degrees Fahrenheit and cook them for 10 minutes, flipping half way.
If you can think of any other way to make these pork chops, give it a try!
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
The cooking time for pork chops will depend on the cooking method and the thickness of the meat. Generally, a thicker pork chop should be cooked for 6-8 minutes per side over high heat, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Pork chops pair well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a salad.
The best way to cook pork chops is to sear them on either side and then lower the temperature to simmer until fully cooked. Make sure that you add liquid to your pan so that they don't dry out.
More Meaty Entrees
Recipe Details
Herb and Wine Vinegar Pan Seared Pork Chops
https://easyhomemaderecipes.ca
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tsp salt
- ground pepper to taste
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 2.2 lbs pork chop 4 Rib or Sirloin Pork Chops approx. ¾" thick
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Heat up olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Place pork chops in the pan and season the top. Sear on high/medium heat for about 3 minutes until seared on bottom and flip. Repeat for the other side.
- Season the top and add wine or vinegar to the pan. Reduce heat to a simmer
- Let cook for an additional 15 minutes, covered flipping the chops occasionally so that they are golden on both sides.
- If there is too much liquid, remove the lid and allow the liquid to evaporate. Once the pork chop liquid runs clear the chops are cooked. To check, use a meat thermometer and check that the meat temperature is 145℉
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
PIN for later
Food Safety
Note that the storage guidelines provided on this page and site are estimates from personal experiences. We are all adults and as an adult you are responsible to ensure that the food you eat is safe to eat. Since, I'm not a food safety expert, you are responsible to review your local guidelines on food storage prior to storing any food left-overs.
Remember to:
- Not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For Canadian Guidelines check the Government of Canada Food Safety Guidelines or see more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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