Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary with this mouthwatering One Pan Pork Chops with Feta Snap Peas and Mint recipe! Imagine a dish that combines the succulent, perfectly seared pork chops with the vibrant crunch of fresh snap peas, the tangy richness of feta cheese, and a bright burst of mint - all prepared in just one pan and under 35 minutes. This isn't just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that will have your family begging for seconds and your dinner guests wondering if you've secretly trained in a professional kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pork chops
- Feta cheese
- Snap peas
- Fresh mint
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Mince fresh garlic cloves finely. Wash snap peas and trim their ends. Chop fresh mint leaves roughly.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and swirl to coat the pan evenly.
- Place seasoned pork chops in the hot pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove chops and set aside on a warm plate.
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and snap peas. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until peas are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the snap peas. Let cheese warm slightly in the pan's residual heat.
- Return pork chops to the pan, garnish with chopped fresh mint leaves. Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired.
- Serve immediately, ensuring each plate gets a pork chop, feta-topped snap peas, and a sprinkle of fresh mint.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your pan is hot before adding pork chops to achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust. A cast-iron skillet works best for even heat distribution.
- Pat Dry for Perfection: Always pat your pork chops completely dry before seasoning. This helps create a perfect sear and prevents steaming.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook pork chops in batches if necessary to maintain high pan temperature and ensure proper browning.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked pork, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Let the meat rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain juices.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh mint just before serving to maintain its bright, aromatic flavor. Chopping it roughly helps release maximum flavor.
- Feta Timing: Add feta cheese at the end to warm it slightly without fully melting, preserving its crumbly texture.
- Olive Oil Finish: A final drizzle of good quality olive oil can elevate the entire dish's flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 434kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 105mg
