Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s as stunning as it is delicious? Picture juicy pork chops infused with the sweet-tart flavor of cranberry sauce, all in under 35 minutes! This Cranberry Infused Pork Chop recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Whether you're hosting a cozy dinner or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe is a must-try. Dive into the world of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- Pork chops
- Cranberry sauce
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Thyme
- Garlic
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and finely chopped fresh thyme leaves.
- Mince 2-3 cloves of garlic and set aside for later use.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and shows slight rippling.
- Carefully place seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet, allowing them to sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip the pork chops and add minced garlic to the pan, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and spread cranberry sauce evenly over the pork chops, allowing it to caramelize slightly.
- Continue cooking until pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Remove pork chops from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Plate the pork chops and drizzle additional warm cranberry sauce over the top before serving.
Tips
- Room Temperature is Key: Always remove the pork chops from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. This allows them to reach room temperature, ensuring they cook evenly and remain tender.
- Pat Them Dry: For that perfect golden-brown sear, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps to achieve a beautiful crust.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Generously sprinkle salt, pepper, and fresh thyme on both sides of the pork chops for maximum flavor.
- Watch the Heat: When searing the pork chops, make sure the olive oil is hot enough. It should shimmer and ripple before you add the meat, ensuring a nice crust forms.
- Don’t Rush the Flip: Let the pork chops sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes before flipping. This allows for a better crust and prevents them from sticking to the pan.
- Perfect Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked pork.
- Rest for Juiciness: After cooking, let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- Drizzle with Sauce: For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle additional warm cranberry sauce over the pork chops just before serving. It adds a beautiful finish and enhances the dish’s presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
