THIN PAN-SEARED PORK CHOPS

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Thin Pan-Seared Pork Chops image

Double-thick pork chops always look appetizing, but unless they are cooked perfectly, they tend to be dry, regardless of whether you grill or bake them. That's especially true if they are lean loin chops. But skinny chops cooked over high heat on the stovetop are far more apt to come out juicy. Giving them an hour in quickly made brine adds even more flavor and tenderness. Ask your butcher to cut thin chops that weigh 4 to 5 ounces.

Provided by David Tanis

Categories     dinner, easy, steaks and chops, main course

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup granulated or brown sugar
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
12 black peppercorns, lightly crushed
6 allspice berries, lightly crushed
8 thin, bone-in pork chops, also known as breakfast chops, 4 to 5 ounces each (about 2 1/2 pounds total)
Extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper
5 ounces baby arugula (about 4 cups), or a mixture of arugula, tender parsley leaves and mint leaves
Pecorino cheese, for shaving (optional)

Steps:

  • Prepare the brine: In a nonreactive large bowl or large deep baking dish, combine salt, sugar, bay leaves, coriander, peppercorns and allspice. Stir in 8 cups cold water to dissolve salt and sugar.
  • Add pork chops to brine, making sure they are well submerged, and refrigerate. Leave chops in brine for 1 to 2 hours. Remove from brine, pat dry and bring to room temperature. Discard brine.
  • Make the dressing for the herb salad: Whisk together lemon juice, zest and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
  • Put 2 large cast-iron skillets over medium-high heat and film each pan lightly with oil. (Alternatively, use a large cast-iron griddle or ridged stovetop grill.) When oil is hot, add chops in one layer without crowding.
  • Cook for about 4 minutes, until chops are nicely browned, then turn and cook for about 3 minutes more, until firm to the touch. Transfer to a warm platter.
  • Put herb salad leaves in a shallow bowl and season lightly with salt. Toss leaves with half the dressing, just to coat. Place dressed salad on top of pork chops. Drizzle remaining dressing over the top, add shavings of pecorino cheese (if using), and serve.

Jamal sani
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I'm not a huge fan of pork chops, but these were surprisingly good. The sauce was especially tasty.


Zekarais
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These pork chops were delicious! The breading was crispy and the pork was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making them again.


Khvng Vybz
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The pork chops were a bit dry, but the flavor was good. I think I might add some more liquid to the pan next time.


Melissa
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These pork chops were amazing! The flavor was incredible and the pork was cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making them again.


siyam molla
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I'm not a big fan of pork chops, but these were actually pretty good. The breading was crispy and the pork was cooked well.


Mia Franckaert
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These pork chops were delicious! I loved the crispy breading and the tender pork. I will definitely be making them again.


Ujaif New york
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The pork chops were a bit tough, but the flavor was good. I think I might cook them for a shorter amount of time next time.


Eunice Fianko
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These pork chops were so easy to make and they turned out so juicy and flavorful. I will definitely be making them again.


Pagal Manda
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I'm not a huge fan of pork chops, but these were surprisingly good. The sauce was especially tasty.


CHIMA AZUBUIKE
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These pork chops were amazing! The breading was crispy and flavorful, and the pork was cooked perfectly.


Asfar Ali
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The pork chops were a bit dry, but the flavor was good. I think I might add some more oil or butter next time.


Boitumelo Lekhuleni
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Easy to make and delicious! I served these pork chops with mashed potatoes and green beans, and they were a hit with my family.


Monir Uddin Khan
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These pork chops were incredibly juicy and flavorful. I followed the recipe exactly and they turned out perfect. Even my picky kids loved them!