Name: Cast Iron Seared Pork Chops with Herb Butter Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick); Kosher salt (to taste); Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 3 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (⅜ stick); 2 cloves garlic (smashed); 2 sprigs fresh rosemary; 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Description

This Cast Iron Pork Chops recipe offers a perfectly seared, juicy pork chop infused with the rich flavors of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and butter. Using a cast iron skillet, the chops are seared on high heat and then basted with aromatic herbs and butter to ensure a tender and flavorful meal in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pork Chops

2 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
Kosher salt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

For Cooking

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (⅜ stick)
2 cloves garlic (smashed)
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme

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Instructions

Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
Heat the Skillet and Sear: Place a cast iron skillet over high heat and add the vegetable oil. Heat until the oil starts to slightly smoke. Carefully add the pork chops, ensuring full contact with the pan. Sear each side for 1 minute to develop a flavorful crust.
Add Butter and Aromatics: Lower the heat to low. Add unsalted butter, smashed garlic cloves, and sprigs of fresh rosemary and thyme to the skillet to infuse aromatic flavors into the pork chops during cooking.
Baste and Cook: Continuously spoon the melted butter over the pork chops for about 3 to 4 minutes, flipping every 20 seconds. This basting technique helps keep the chops moist and infuses them with herb and garlic flavor.
Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chops. They are safe to eat at 145°F. Remove the pork chops from the skillet when they reach about 135°F to allow carryover cooking.
Rest and Serve: Transfer the pork chops to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and tender chop. Serve warm with your favorite sides and enjoy.

Notes

Ensure pork chops are about 1 inch thick for even cooking and optimal texture.
Use a meat thermometer to accurately check doneness and avoid overcooking.
Resting the meat is crucial to retain juices and enhance tenderness.
Fresh herbs can be substituted with dried herbs if needed, but fresh provides the best flavor.
Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for best searing results.