Go Back
–+ servings
pan seared pork chops
Pin Recipe Print Recipe
4.67 from 3 votes

Juicy Pan-Seared Pork Chops

I like to buy a whole pork loin and slice pork chops for the individual, all depending on how thick the person eating it likes their chop. I like to think of it as the Goldilocks of pork chops. Daddy bear likes 1-1/2-inch-thick, Momma likes 1-inch and baby likes ½-inch, that type of thing. So how do cook consistently juicy pan-seared pork chops of varying thicknesses?
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
I would be so happy if you followed me on Pinterest!Follow @SipsNibblesBites
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Pan Seared Pork Chops
Servings: 4
Calories: 382kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Water
  • 1/4 Cup Salt
  • 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon Black Peppercorns Whole
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
  • 4 Cloves Garlic Whole, crushed
  • 6 Leaves Sage
  • 1 Sprig Rosemary
  • 1 Cup Ice Water
  • 4 Pork Chops
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Instructions

To Brine the Pork Chops

  • Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, except ice water and pork chops. Bring to a boil to dissolve the salt and brown sugar. Then remove from the heat.
  • Pour the brine over the ice water to rapidly cool it. Add the pork chops and return to the refrigerator for 30-minutes up to 8-hours.

To Pan Sear the Pork Chops

  • Remove the pork chops from the brine and give them a quick rinse. Discard the brine. Use kitchen towels to dry the pork chops.
  • Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil then add the pork chops. Let the chops sear for 4-5 minutes until caramelized and golden brown. Turn the pork chops and reduce heat to low.
  • Using an instant-read thermometer, cook until the thinnest pork chop is 145°F. Remove and let rest. Continue testing all the pork chops from the thinnest to the thickest until they just read 145°F. remove and let rest briefly.
Nutrition Facts
Juicy Pan-Seared Pork Chops
Amount Per Serving
Calories 382 Calories from Fat 162
% Daily Value*
Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 6g38%
Cholesterol 152mg51%
Sodium 262mg11%
Potassium 891mg25%
Carbohydrates 3g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 49g98%
Vitamin A 88IU2%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 32mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.