Pan seared pork chops are a classic family dinner. A hot pan and a few simple seasonings give the meat tremendous flavor. Together, pork and apples strike a harmonious balance that feels just right in these early days of fall when the afternoons are balmy and the evening air is crisp. The recipe for the accompanying fresh apple pico de gallo is on The Heritage Cook - trust me when I say, you do not want to miss it!
Recipe Highlights
- Quick and easy recipe, only a few minutes of active prep time.
- Low calorie, even with a indulgent dollop of butter!
- A great source of protein.
Due to the high fat and calories of bacon and sausage, you may think pork chops are a no-no when it comes to eating for weight loss. However, many cuts of pork are as lean or leaner than chicken making pork an excellent choice for calorie conscious cooks.
As always, pairing your meaty main with colorful fresh side dishes is your best option for keeping your calories within your weight loss budget. These pork chops were a huge hit when I served them with a fresh green apple pico de gallo. The mild smoky paprika spice rub and dot of butter at the end was the perfect simple seasoning to give these chops a beautiful crust. We would have been in a comfort food trance if not for the vibrant zesty flavor of the apple pico de gallo.
This is a meal you will want to share with friends. Which is exactly what I have done, although not in the way you might expect. My dear friend Jane is the talent behind The Heritage Cook. From the moment Jane and I met we have gotten along just as you would expect from a pair of fiery Irish red headed Geminis - we laugh until our sides hurt and keep on going.
Recently, Jane's husband has been battling some extraordinary health challenges and Jane has been right there at his side. I so wish I could bring her a comforting meal with all the trimmings but we are separated by several states. In lieu of delivering food, I, and several others in our tight knit community, shared a virtual meal in the form of a post on her site.
Visit The Heritage Cook to complete this pan seared pork chops meal with the recipe for fresh green apple pico de gallo.
While you are there you can read about my grandma the recipe hoarder - her habit of collecting clippings is directly responsible for this duo of recipes. From there you can peruse Jane's extensive archive of recipes featuring tons of gluten free options and, my favorite series, Chocolate Monday. Who, knows you may find just the thing to share with someone in your life who could use a little comfort.
Connect with Jane on social media: Facebook | Pinterest | Twitter | Instagram
Pan Seared Pork Chops
Ingredients
- 4 ¼lb boneless pork chops, 1 inch thick
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil with a high smoke point such as grape seed oil
- 1 tablespoon butter unsalted
Instructions
- In a small bowl blend the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle mixture over both sides of the pork chops. Let the seasoned pork chops rest for 15-30 minutes.
- When the chops have rested, heat the oil in a large cast iron or heavy bottomed skillet to medium-high heat. Use tongs to place the chops in the pan. Cook the chops until a golden seared crust has formed 3 minutes per side for medium – 5 minutes for well done. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the pork chops.
- Place a ¼ of the butter on each pork chop, turn off the heat, and cover the pan loosely with a tent of aluminum foil (do not cover with a lid). After five minutes remove the pan from the heat and let the meat rest under the foil tent for at least 10 additional minutes before slicing or serving.
Jane, The Heritage Cook
Rose, you have outdone yourself once again. Creating the perfect meal that satisfies on all levels and still manages to be healthy and low calorie. You simply amaze me. I hope everyone visits both sites because this is a meal no one would want to miss! Your kind words got me choked up - you just are the sweetest person and I am so grateful for your friendship. Here's to many more years of belly-aching laughter!
Rose McAvoy
Jane it is truly my pleasure to share this meal with visitors to both our sites. That night we met is absolute proof that we are right where we need to be when we need to be there because on that hot Texas night I met you and many other amazing women who have become fixtures in my life.
I also hope everyone tries these two recipes together they are a knock-out!