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–+ servings
2 perfect pan-fried pork chops resting on a tray with bowls of melting potatoes, carrots and broccoli in the background.

Perfect Pan-Fried Pork Chops

By: Deborah
Perfect pan-fried pork chops with a golden crust and juicy centre. An easy pork chop recipe that’s ready in 15 minutes.  
PREP: 5 minutes
COOK: 10 minutes
TOTAL: 15 minutes
Servings: 2 people
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Equipment

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. 
 
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Nutrition

Calories: 363kcal | Protein: 44g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 147mg | Sodium: 118mg | Potassium: 733mg | Vitamin A: 13IU | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

KEYWORDS easy pork chop recipe, easy pork chops recipe, how to cook pork chops, juicy pork chops, pan fried pork chops recipe, pan seared pork chops, pork recipes UK, quick pork dinners
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