These perfect pan-fried pork chops are juicy, tender and packed with flavour, with beautifully golden edges. Quick to cook and easy to master, they make an ideal weeknight dinner or comforting weekend meal.
Pork chops are another favourite in our house that can be enjoyed with so many different side dishes or salads. A quick and delicious protein to cook if you want to treat your loved one(s) to a special date night dinner.
Tips
- Cooking time guide (*note that the temperature will increase as the chops rest - the safe internal temperature for pork chops is 63C, with resting time):
- Thin chops - 2 to 3 minutes per side
- Medium chops - 4 to 5 minutes per side
- Thick chops - 5 to 7 minutes per side
- Optional variations:
- Garlic butter pork chops - serve with slices of garlic butter. See how to make it in this quick and easy garlic baguette recipe.
- Creamy mushroom pork chops - while the chops are resting, sauté some sliced chestnut mushrooms in the pan the chops were cooked in. Add some seasoning and a splash of double cream to the mushrooms.
- Spicy paprika pork chops - season the chops with some cayenne pepper and smoked paprika.
- This perfect pan-fried pork chops recipe is easily adapted if you're cooking for less or more people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most pork chops need 3 to 5 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Avoid overcooking and allow them to rest after cooking.
A slight blush of pink is safe if cooked to proper temperature.
A heavy frying pan or cast iron skillet works best.
Yes - butter adds flavour and helps create a golden crust.
Rosemary, thyme and sage pair really well.
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How to make these Perfect Pan-Fried Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 2 thick cut pork chops (total weight approx. 570g)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- Remove the chops from the fridge at least 20 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. Remove them from any packaging and sit them on a plate.
- Heat a griddle pan, large frying pan or skillet on a high heat (around 3 minutes). Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and freshly ground black pepper and rub each side with a little olive oil. Once the frying pan is hot, sear the fat on the chops for 2 minutes, until you get a nice colour on them. Then fry the chops for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness - 63C for medium and 71C for well done.
- Remove the chops from the pan and place on a warm metal tray in a warm place to rest for at least 5 minutes, to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve with your choice of vegetable side dishes.
Serving suggestions
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Perfect Pan-Fried Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 2 thick cut pork chops (total weight approx. 570g)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
- olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Remove the chops from the fridge at least 20 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. Remove them from any packaging and sit them on a plate.
- Heat a griddle pan, large frying pan or skillet on a high heat (around 3 minutes). Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and freshly ground black pepper and rub each side with a little olive oil. Once the frying pan is hot, sear the fat on the chops for 2 minutes, until you get a nice colour on them. Then fry the chops for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness - 63C for medium and 71C for well done.
- Remove the chops from the pan and place on a warm metal tray in a warm place to rest for at least 5 minutes, to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve with your choice of vegetable side dishes.
Notes
- Cooking time guide (*note that the temperature will increase as the chops rest - the safe internal temperature for pork chops is 63C, with resting time):
- Thin chops - 2 to 3 minutes per side
- Medium chops - 4 to 5 minutes per side
- Thick chops - 5 to 7 minutes per side
- Optional variations:
- Garlic butter pork chops - serve with slices of garlic butter. See how to make it in this quick and easy garlic baguette recipe.
- Creamy mushroom pork chops - while the chops are resting, sauté some sliced chestnut mushrooms in the pan the chops were cooked in. Add some seasoning and a splash of double cream to the mushrooms.
- Spicy paprika pork chops - season the chops with some cayenne pepper and smoked paprika.
- This perfect pan-fried pork chops recipe is easily adapted if you're cooking for less or more people.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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