How to sear pork chops to golden perfection
- Start by patting your chops dry and sprinkling them very liberally with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Use a cast iron for a nice, golden sear. It conducts heat the best and will give the pork chops a nice even color.
- Preheat your skillet to medium high and add the olive oil. When it’s shimmering hot and not a moment before, add your chops.
- Sear over medium-high heat without moving the pork chop.
- Resist the urge to move the pork chops around or look underneath as they cook, it will disrupt the sear. Once the pork chops are golden brown on the first side, you can flip. Do not sear more than 5 minutes.
- If the pork chops are stuck to the pan, try giving them more time. They generally release from the pan when they’re crisp on the outside and ready to flip. This takes about 4 minutes per side.
- Flip and sear the other side until browned. Remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before cutting into them.
Pork Chop Basics
- Either boneless or bone-in pork chops will do. I prefer the thick cut pork chops because they are easier to work with:).
- The lack of bone also means that they can be less flavorful, while the lack of fat can create a dry texture and it’s often recommended that you brine them prior to searing. However, I personally find that I don’t plan my meals very well ahead of time in order to brine them. Instead, I prefer to follow these tips and tricks on how to sear a perfect pork chop.
- Take your pork chops out of the fridge and let your them rest for 20 minutes on the counter before cooking them so they come to room temperature. This will ensure they cook on the inside and the center reaches the perfect temperature.
- Generously season your pork chops because pork chop crust is important for flavor. Being liberal with seasoning this will make for a delicious and flavorful pork chop crust.
- To properly cook the pork chops, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, don’t rely blindly on cooking time.
- Let the pork chops rest on a plate for 10 minutes – they will continue to cook and the residual heat will bring them to the recommended 145 F degrees.
- Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the pork chops.