How to Make the Perfect Lemon Garlic Pork Chops
American · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
These lemon garlic pork chops are a quick and satisfying dinner that delivers bold bright flavors in just 15 minutes. Juicy pan seared pork chops bathed in a simple lemon garlic pan sauce make a restaurant worthy meal on any weeknight.
Why this recipe works
This Lemon Garlic Pork Chops recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 350 calories with 36g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 4 pieces boneless pork chops about 3/4 inch thick
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme or fresh thyme
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Season the Pork
Pat pork chops completely dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Bringing the chops to room temperature for even 5 minutes helps them cook more evenly.
Step 2: Sear the Chops
Heat olive oil in a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium high heat. Add pork chops and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side without moving until a deep golden brown crust forms on each side.
Step 3: Make the Pan Sauce
Reduce heat to medium and add butter and garlic to the pan. Cook garlic for 30 seconds while spooning the butter over the pork chops. Add lemon juice and scrape up any browned bits from the pan.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Remove pork chops from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving. Spoon the pan sauce generously over the chops and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley. Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- boneless pork chops → bone in pork chops for more flavor but add 2 extra minutes of cooking time
- butter → ghee for a dairy free option that still provides rich buttery flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the resting period after cooking which causes all the juices to run out when cut
- Cooking pork chops straight from the refrigerator which leads to uneven cooking with a raw center
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 350 calories, 36g protein, 3g carbs, 21g fat, 0g fiber.
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