Pan-Seared Pork Chops

Golden crust, juicy center, butter-basted

Prep: Cook: Serves: 4

Ingredients

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  • 4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

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  1. Remove chops from fridge before. Pat very dry.
  2. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat oil in cast iron over medium-high until smoking.
  4. Sear without moving until deep golden.
  5. Flip. Add butter, garlic, thyme.
  6. Tilt pan and baste .
  7. Check temp: 140°F for slightly pink, 145°F for medium.
  8. Rest .

Notes

  • Thick-cut bone-in stays juicier.
  • Pork is safe at 145°F.

Serious Eats (Kenji López-Alt tested)