Cast Iron Pork Chops – The Secret to the Best Pork Chops Is Your Cast Iron Skillet
The secret to perfectly cooked pork chops lies in your cast iron skillet. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chops with a golden crust, elevating simple ingredients to restaurant-quality results. It’s proof that minimal effort can yield incredible flavor.
Each bite of these cast iron pork chops bursts with savory goodness, thanks to fresh rosemary, garlic, and a buttery finish. The method ensures even cooking, sealing in moisture while enhancing the natural flavors of the meat.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, these chops are versatile and crowd-pleasing. Pair them with your favorite sides for a meal that’s as comforting as it is impressive.
Cast Iron Pork Chops – Ingredients
Pork Chops
The star of the dish, bone-in pork chops offer rich flavor and tenderness. Their natural juices are locked in during the searing process, creating a perfect, juicy bite.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper
A simple yet essential seasoning duo that enhances the meat’s natural flavors, allowing the savory richness of the pork to shine through.
Vegetable Oil & Butter
This pairing creates a golden-brown crust while maintaining a tender, juicy interior. The butter adds a luscious richness that complements the pork’s savory profile.
Garlic & Rosemary
Garlic infuses the chops with aromatic depth, while fresh rosemary brings a fragrant, earthy touch that perfectly balances the pork’s richness for a flavorful finish.
Recipe Tips
1. Use Room Temperature Pork Chops
Allow your pork chops to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures they cook more evenly, preventing the center from being too cold and the outside from overcooking. A room-temperature chop will sear more efficiently and retain its natural juices, resulting in a tender, juicy finish.
2. Don’t Skip the Drying Step
Before seasoning, make sure to blot your pork chops dry with paper towels. This simple step removes excess moisture, helping to achieve a crispy, golden crust when searing in the hot cast iron skillet. A dry surface is key to locking in flavor while creating a beautiful, caramelized exterior.
3. Keep an Eye on the Internal Temperature
To avoid overcooking, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of your pork chops. Aim for 140°F (60°C) before removing from the skillet, as the temperature will rise slightly while resting. This guarantees perfectly cooked chops, not too dry or underdone.
What to Serve with Cast Iron Pork Chops
1. Roasted Vegetables
Pair your cast iron pork chops with a medley of roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts. Their natural sweetness complements the savory richness of the pork, while the crispy texture adds a delightful contrast to the tender chops.
2. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting, classic side to balance the rich flavors of the pork. The smooth texture of mashed potatoes works wonderfully with the buttery garlic sauce from the skillet, soaking up the delicious juices left behind.
3. Apple Slaw
For a fresh and slightly tangy contrast, serve your pork chops with a crisp apple slaw. The tartness of green apples and the crunch of cabbage provide a refreshing balance, cutting through the richness of the meat while adding an extra layer of texture to the meal.
FAQ
1. Can I use boneless pork chops instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless pork chops. However, bone-in chops tend to retain more moisture and flavor during cooking, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly when using boneless cuts.
2. Can I substitute rosemary with another herb?
Absolutely! While rosemary adds a distinct, earthy flavor, you can substitute it with thyme or sage for a different aromatic profile. These herbs pair wonderfully with pork and will still provide a flavorful finish.
3. Can I cook these pork chops in a different pan?
While a cast iron skillet is ideal for even heat distribution and a beautiful sear, you can use a regular skillet if you don’t have one. Just ensure your pan is hot enough to achieve a good sear on the pork chops.
4. How do I know when my pork chops are cooked perfectly?
To ensure your pork chops are perfectly cooked, use an instant-read thermometer. When it reaches 140°F (60°C) in the thickest part of the chop, they’re done. Resting the chops for 5 minutes will raise the temperature to the ideal 145°F (62°C).
Cast Iron Pork Chops – The Secret to the Best Pork Chops Is Your Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- Bone-in pork chops 3/4 to 1-inch thick, 6 to 8 ounces each
- Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Vegetable oil
- Butter
- Fresh garlic 2 cloves, thinly sliced
- Fresh rosemary 4 sprigs, plus chopped rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Allow the pork chops to sit at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes before cooking, ensuring an even cooking process.
- If the chops have a fat cap, make a few vertical incisions to prevent them from curling during cooking.
- Pat the pork chops dry using paper towels, then season both sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes. Add vegetable oil to the pan. Once the oil is shimmering, place the pork chops in the skillet and sear for 2 minutes on each side.
- Add the butter and sliced garlic to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Lay the sprigs of rosemary atop each chop. Tilt the skillet to allow the melted butter and oil to pool on one side.
- Spoon the butter and garlic mixture over the chops occasionally, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Remove the rosemary, turn the chops, and replace the rosemary on top. Continue to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, basting the chops as needed. The pork should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when tested with an instant-read thermometer.
- Once the chops are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a cutting board or serving platter.
- Tent the chops with foil and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. During this time, the internal temperature will rise to 145°F (62°C).
- Before serving, garnish the chops with freshly chopped rosemary.
