Description
Savor tender pork chops cooked to perfection and smothered in a rich Irish whiskey cream sauce infused with mushrooms, garlic, and a subtle hint of nutmeg. This comforting yet elegant dish brings a taste of Ireland to your dinner table and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Pork Chops
- 2 thick bone-in pork chops
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 7 ounces crimini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1/3 cup Irish whiskey
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- Pinch of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mixed peppercorns (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and position the rack to the middle. Generously season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops, cooking without moving them for 4-5 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust. If the oil splatters excessively, reduce the heat. Remove the chops from the pan and set them aside.
- Sauté Onions: To the same skillet, add butter and chopped onions. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onions soften.
- Cook Mushrooms: Add sliced crimini mushrooms to the pan and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender and browned.
- Add Whiskey and Garlic: Stir in the Irish whiskey and minced garlic. Cook for 3 minutes to allow the alcohol to reduce and the flavors to meld.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, then add a pinch of nutmeg, Worcestershire sauce, and mixed peppercorns if using. Stir to combine well.
- Bake Pork Chops in Sauce: Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), generally about 10-15 minutes for 1-inch thick chops. Thinner chops may cook faster – check earlier to avoid overcooking.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve the pork chops immediately, spooning the creamy whiskey sauce over them. Ideal with mashed potatoes or traditional Irish colcannon for a full meal.
Notes
- For best results, use thick pork chops (around 1 inch) to prevent drying out during baking.
- The sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated; however, fresh sauce tastes best.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, substitute whiskey with apple cider or broth, though the flavor will differ.
- Keep an instant-read thermometer handy to ensure pork is cooked safely but remains juicy.
- Serve with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed greens, or roasted root vegetables to balance the richness of the sauce.