These Salt and Pepper Pork Chops bring out the perfect balance of salty and peppery flavors while keeping the pork juicy and tender. The crispy outer crust gives them a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with the savory, garlicky sauce.
This dish is quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress with a simple yet satisfying meal. The flavors are bold but not overpowering, allowing the natural taste of the pork to shine through. Add a side of steamed rice or veggies, and you’ve got a complete meal!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Directions:
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops and sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Lower the heat to medium and add soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the pork is cooked through and the sauce slightly reduces.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and garnish with green onions.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Salt and Pepper Pork Chops: A Perfectly Crispy Delight
Pork chops are a staple of many households, and when prepared right, they can easily become the star of any dinner table. This recipe for Salt and Pepper Pork Chops offers a crispy, savory, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s packed with bold flavors. The crispy crust on the pork, combined with the perfect balance of salt and pepper, will leave you craving more.
The Appeal of Salt and Pepper Pork Chops
Salt and Pepper Pork Chops are a classic dish that has become popular in many different cuisines around the world. It’s a dish that focuses on the fundamentals of good seasoning. While many pork chop recipes may involve heavy sauces or elaborate marinades, Salt and Pepper Pork Chops let the natural flavors of the meat shine through. The key here is seasoning – with a generous amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the savory taste of the pork.
What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its versatility. The combination of salt and pepper can be adjusted to suit personal preferences, and the pork chops themselves can be cooked to various levels of doneness, from tender and juicy to well-done and crispy. The crispy exterior achieved from searing the pork chops creates a satisfying texture contrast to the tender meat inside, making each bite an enjoyable experience.
A Simple Yet Flavorful Recipe
One of the best things about Salt and Pepper Pork Chops is how simple the recipe is. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a delicious dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The secret to success here lies in the technique – particularly in getting that crispy crust while keeping the pork tender and juicy. This is achieved through proper searing and controlling the cooking temperature.
For those who are cooking pork chops for the first time, this recipe serves as an excellent starting point. It introduces the essential methods of seasoning and cooking pork without overwhelming the cook with complex instructions or unnecessary ingredients. With a basic knowledge of heat control and seasoning, anyone can make these flavorful chops. The soy sauce and sesame oil added at the end give the dish a slight Asian influence, adding depth to the flavor without overpowering the simplicity of the salt and pepper.
Perfect Pairings for Salt and Pepper Pork Chops
The beauty of this dish is that it pairs well with almost anything. Whether you’re looking for a side dish to complement the pork chops or want to make the meal a little more hearty, there are endless options. Rice is a natural accompaniment, whether it’s a bowl of steamed white rice, fried rice, or even a more flavorful option like jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the delicious juices from the pork, making each bite even more enjoyable.
For vegetable lovers, consider adding a side of stir-fried vegetables. A mixture of bell peppers, onions, and snap peas provides a crunchy contrast to the tender pork, while maintaining the Asian-inspired flavors. You could also try roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, or Brussels sprouts, which bring out their natural sweetness to balance the savory pork.
Additionally, a light salad can work wonderfully with this dish. Something like a cucumber and avocado salad with a light vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pork chops. These side dishes bring balance to the meal, making it feel complete and well-rounded.
How to Get the Perfectly Crispy Pork Chops
Achieving that crispy exterior while ensuring the pork remains tender inside can be a bit tricky, but with the right technique, it’s easily done. The first step is to make sure the pork chops are patted dry with paper towels before seasoning them. Moisture on the surface of the meat will interfere with achieving that golden, crispy crust. The salt and pepper should be generously applied, as this is where the bulk of the flavor will come from.
The next step is searing the pork chops at the right temperature. Use a heavy-bottomed skillet, preferably cast iron, as it retains heat well. Preheat the pan on medium-high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the pork chops into the pan, making sure they don’t touch. Let the chops sear for several minutes on each side. Avoid moving them around too much, as this can disrupt the searing process.
Once the pork chops are nicely browned on both sides, reduce the heat and add the soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. These ingredients will infuse the pork with flavor, adding a savory depth without overpowering the seasoning. Allow the pork to cook through on medium heat, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, or 160°F (71°C) for medium. This ensures that the pork is cooked through but remains juicy.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Salt and Pepper Pork Chops are the perfect dish for anyone who loves a combination of simplicity and flavor. The crispy texture, juicy pork, and bold seasoning make it a meal that will satisfy your taste buds every time. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or the entire family, this recipe is sure to please.
The versatility of this dish makes it ideal for any occasion. You can enjoy it on a busy weeknight when you’re craving something easy yet delicious, or you can serve it as part of a more elaborate dinner with friends and family. The recipe is also perfect for meal prepping, as it keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Another reason to try this dish is its accessibility. It uses only basic ingredients, many of which are already staples in most kitchens, and it doesn’t require any special equipment or skills. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to execute and delivers fantastic results.
Conclusion
Salt and Pepper Pork Chops are a timeless dish that offers simple yet bold flavors. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also delivers a satisfying meal that can be paired with a variety of sides to suit your preferences. The crispy exterior and tender interior of the pork chop are enhanced by the perfect balance of salt and pepper, creating a savory experience that’s hard to beat.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a dish to impress guests, or something to add to your rotation of go-to meals, this recipe is a must-try. The combination of crispy texture, tender meat, and flavorful seasoning makes Salt and Pepper Pork Chops a dish that everyone will love.
Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving something hearty and delicious, and enjoy a meal that’s both simple to prepare and packed with flavor. With minimal effort, you can create a meal that’s sure to leave everyone satisfied.