Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or hassle? Then look no further! These frenched rib chops are surprisingly easy to make, yet deliver incredible flavor and impressive presentation. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game with this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in rib chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions:
Preparing the Chops:
- Frencing the Bones (Optional): If your rib chops aren't already frenched (meaning the meat around the bone is trimmed), use a sharp knife to carefully remove excess fat and meat, exposing the bone. This is mostly for aesthetics, but it looks fantastic! Be careful not to cut into the meat too deeply.
- Season the Chops: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Generously season both sides of the rib chops with this mixture.
Cooking the Chops:
- Sear the Chops: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the rib chops and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This step is crucial for developing a beautiful crust.
- Add Aromatics: Add butter, rosemary, and thyme to the skillet. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the chops for about 1 minute.
- Roast to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Roast for 12-15 minutes for medium-rare, or longer for your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches your preferred level (130-135°F for medium-rare, 140-145°F for medium).
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chops rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chop.
Tips for Success:
- Bone-in is Best: Bone-in rib chops retain moisture better during cooking, leading to a more tender and juicy final product.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chops in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning. Overcrowding will lower the pan temperature and result in steaming instead of searing.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the most reliable way to ensure your chops are cooked to your desired doneness.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your preferences.
Variations:
- Garlic Herb Butter: Add minced garlic to the butter mixture for extra flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend for a little heat.
- Citrus Glaze: During the last few minutes of roasting, brush the chops with a glaze made from orange or lemon juice and honey.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-35g
This easy recipe provides a healthy and delicious meal, perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion. The flavorful combination of herbs and the perfectly seared and roasted chops will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!