Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience? These oven-roasted Berkshire pork chops are about to become your new secret weapon in the kitchen. Berkshire pork is renowned for its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor that puts ordinary pork to shame. With just a few simple techniques, you'll create restaurant-quality pork chops that are crispy on the outside, incredibly juicy on the inside, and guaranteed to impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 Berkshire pork chops
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure the pork chops cook evenly and develop a nice crust.
- While the oven is heating, take the Berkshire pork chops out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps them cook more evenly.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear and crust on the meat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over both sides of the pork chops, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the pork chops, making sure to cover them thoroughly for maximum flavor.
- Heat an oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Allow the skillet to get hot, which will help to create a nice sear on the pork chops.
- Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- After searing, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the pork chops for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the pork chops to a plate. Cover them loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- After resting, serve the oven-roasted Berkshire pork chops with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork chops come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heating.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Searing: Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the pork chops. This crucial step helps achieve that golden-brown crust.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Don't guess about doneness! Cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for perfectly juicy pork.
- Rest Your Meat: Letting the pork chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Choose the Right Pan: A cast-iron skillet is ideal for achieving an even, beautiful sear and can go directly from stovetop to oven.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with your seasoning - the right blend of herbs and spices can elevate the natural flavor of Berkshire pork.Pro Tip: If you can't find Berkshire pork, look for heritage breed pork which offers similar rich flavor and marbling.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
