Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary gourmet experience! This Pork Chops Tomato Pancetta Salad is not just a meal – it's a flavor explosion that combines the succulence of perfectly cooked pork chops with the crispy, salty punch of pancetta and the bright freshness of cherry tomatoes. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your cooking game to new heights.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pork chops
- Cherry tomatoes
- Pancetta
- Olive oil
- Fresh basil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature. Pat chops dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Dice pancetta into small cubes. Halve cherry tomatoes and chop fresh basil leaves, setting ingredients aside separately.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan.
- Place seasoned pork chops into the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
- While chops are cooking, in a separate small pan, crisp the pancetta cubes until they turn golden and slightly crunchy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Once pork chops are cooked, remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- On serving plates, arrange halved cherry tomatoes, sprinkle crispy pancetta cubes, and scatter fresh basil leaves.
- Slice rested pork chops and place atop the tomato-pancetta mixture. Drizzle with additional olive oil and season with extra salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve immediately while pork chops are warm and tomatoes are fresh.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork chops come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Sear: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the pork chops. This helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook pork chops in a single layer to ensure proper browning and prevent steaming.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked pork, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
- Let It Rest: Always allow your pork chops to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh basil if possible – it makes a world of difference in the final flavor of the dish.
- Pancetta Pro Tip: Cook pancetta slowly to render out the fat and create a crispy, golden texture that adds incredible depth to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 253kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 45mg
