Are you ready to elevate your dinner game? Imagine succulent pork chops seared to perfection, topped with a luscious pear maple sauce that will tantalize your taste buds and leave your guests begging for seconds. This delightful American recipe combines the savory richness of pork with the sweet, fruity notes of ripe pears and the warm, comforting flavor of maple syrup. In just 30 minutes, you can create a dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also looks and tastes gourmet. Dive into this recipe and discover how to transform simple ingredients into a stunning meal that will impress everyone at your table!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 2 ripe pears, diced
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and begins to ripple.
- Carefully place pork chops in the hot skillet and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove pork chops from skillet and transfer to a plate, tent loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add diced pears and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and caramelize slightly.
- Pour maple syrup and Dijon mustard into the skillet, stirring to combine with the pears and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and the pears are tender.
- Return pork chops to the skillet, spooning the pear maple sauce over the top to reheat and glaze the meat.
- Plate the pork chops and spoon additional sauce and pear pieces over each chop before serving.
Tips
- Bring to Room Temperature: For the juiciest pork chops, remove them from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from becoming tough.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! A good seasoning will enhance the natural flavors of the pork and create a delicious crust when seared.
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Skillet: A heavy skillet retains heat better and ensures that your pork chops get that perfect golden-brown sear without overcooking.
- Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that your pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for optimal tenderness and safety.
- Sauté Pears to Perfection: When cooking the pears, keep an eye on them! You want them to soften and caramelize slightly, which adds depth to the sauce.
- Scrape the Pan: Don’t forget to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet when making your sauce; they add incredible flavor to your dish.
- Serve with Style: For an impressive presentation, plate the pork chops and drizzle the pear maple sauce generously over the top, adding a few extra pear pieces for a pop of color.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
