Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden-brown, perfectly seasoned pork chop with a crispy exterior that crackles with every bite and a juicy, tender interior that melts in your mouth. This classic American skillet fried pork chop recipe is about to transform your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary, delivering restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that's simple to prepare but packed with mouthwatering flavor!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering and hot.
- Carefully place seasoned pork chops into the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook pork chops for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving, allowing a golden-brown crust to form.
- Flip the pork chops and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the second side, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Remove pork chops from skillet and let rest on a clean plate for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork chops come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent tough, dry meat.
- Moisture Matters: Pat the pork chops completely dry before seasoning. This crucial step helps create that irresistible golden-brown crust by removing excess surface moisture.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook pork chops in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing, which prevents that desirable crispy exterior.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked pork, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures juicy, safe-to-eat meat every time.
- Let It Rest: Always allow your pork chops to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
- Choose the Right Pan: A cast-iron skillet is ideal for achieving even heat and a perfect golden-brown crust. If you don't have one, use a heavy-bottomed pan.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with your seasonings. The garlic and onion powder will create a flavor profile that elevates these pork chops from good to extraordinary.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg
