Imagine a dinner that transforms ordinary pork chops into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece in just 25 minutes! This skillet pork chops and tomatoes recipe is your ticket to an incredibly juicy, flavor-packed meal that will have your family begging for seconds. With a golden-brown crust, perfectly seasoned meat, and blistered cherry tomatoes that burst with tangy sweetness, this dish is about to become your new weeknight cooking superstar.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
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 to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano, pressing the seasonings into the meat.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is almost smoking.
- Carefully place pork chops in the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving, allowing a golden-brown crust to develop.
- Flip pork chops and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the second side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness.
- Remove pork chops from skillet and set aside on a plate, tenting loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they start to blister and release their juices.
- Return pork chops to the skillet, spooning tomato sauce over them to reheat and combine flavors.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork chops sit at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Sear: Moisture is the enemy of a crispy crust. Use paper towels to remove excess moisture from the meat.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook pork chops in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and achieve that beautiful golden-brown exterior.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Cooking to 145°F guarantees juicy, perfectly cooked pork without dryness.
- Let the Meat Rest: After cooking, let pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Cast Iron is Your Friend: A cast-iron skillet provides the most even heat and best sear for your pork chops.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 310kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 80mg
