Description
These pan-fried boneless pork chops are quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. Seared to golden brown perfection and then coated in a rich, sweet, and savory honey garlic sauce, they’re a perfect weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 15 ounces (425g) center-cut boneless pork chops (about 3 pork chops, approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick)
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh Italian parsley, for garnish (optional)
For the Honey Sauce:
- 2 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons warm water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 dashes cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Honey Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the honey, warm water, salt, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper. Stir well until the honey is dissolved and all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Set aside.
- Season Pork Chops: Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and ground black pepper.
- Heat Skillet: Heat a large cast-iron skillet (or other heavy-bottomed skillet) over high heat.
- Add Oil and Butter: Add the vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter to the hot skillet. Let the butter melt.
- Sear Pork Chops: Place the seasoned pork chops in the skillet in a single layer. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, without moving them, until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Push the seared pork chops to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the empty space in the skillet.
- Sauté Garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 10 seconds, or until fragrant and just starting to turn light brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Honey Sauce: Pour the prepared honey sauce into the skillet.
- Reduce Sauce: Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces to a thicker consistency and turns a rich amber brown color. This will take a few minutes.
- Coat Pork Chops: Spoon the sauce over the pork chops, coating them evenly.
- Serve: Turn off the heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Pork Chop Thickness: This recipe is designed for pork chops that are about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. If your pork chops are thicker or thinner, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Cast Iron Skillet: A cast-iron skillet is recommended for its excellent heat retention and even cooking, but you can use another heavy-bottomed skillet if you don’t have one.
- Honey Sauce: The honey sauce will thicken as it cooks. Be sure to stir it occasionally to prevent it from burning.
- Serving Suggestions Serve these with rice.