Imagine a meal that combines the succulent tenderness of perfectly seared pork chops with the caramelized sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes—all prepared in a single skillet with minimal cleanup. This Pork Chop and Sweet Potato Skillet is not just a recipe; it's a culinary shortcut to a restaurant-quality dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and one pan, you'll create a hearty, flavorful meal that proves gourmet cooking doesn't have to be complicated.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by patting pork chops dry with paper towels and seasoning both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Dice sweet potatoes into approximately 1/2-inch cubes, ensuring uniform size for even cooking. Slice onion thinly and mince garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place seasoned pork chops into the hot skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove chops and set aside on a warm plate.
- In the same skillet with remaining oils and browned bits, add sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add diced sweet potatoes to the skillet, spreading them in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes to develop a crispy exterior.
- Stir in minced garlic and continue cooking sweet potatoes for an additional 5-6 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Return pork chops to the skillet, nestling them on top of the sweet potatoes and onions. Allow to reheat for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve hot, directly from the skillet, ensuring each serving includes a pork chop and a generous portion of sweet potatoes and onions.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your skillet is properly heated before adding pork chops to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook pork chops and vegetables in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and promote proper caramelization.
- Meat Thermometer Magic: Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork chops reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F without overcooking.
- Potato Precision: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform cubes for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Flavor Boost: Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra layer of complexity.
- Let It Rest: Allow pork chops to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain their juiciness and redistribute internal moisture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 288kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 36g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 80mg
