Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Peach Pork Chop recipe is a fantastic option for a quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend supper. The sweet and savory combination of juicy pork chops and ripe peaches is unbelievably delicious and guaranteed to impress your family and friends. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, proving that healthy meals can also be incredibly flavorful.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Get started:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your pork chops cook evenly and reach the perfect temperature.
Prepare the sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This simple sauce elevates the dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Cook the pork chops:
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Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper. A little extra seasoning never hurts!
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Heat a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great!) over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Searing creates a beautiful crust and locks in the juices.
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Pour the balsamic mixture over the pork chops. Make sure they're evenly coated.
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Arrange the peach slices around the pork chops in the skillet.
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Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked through.
Serve and enjoy!
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Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
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Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this simple yet elegant meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, marinate the pork chops in the balsamic mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Feel free to add other fruits to the skillet, such as apples or nectarines.
- If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, sear the pork chops in a regular skillet and then transfer them to a baking dish to finish cooking in the oven.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic mixture.
- This recipe is easily adaptable to different cooking methods. You could grill the pork chops instead of pan-frying and baking them.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This Peach Pork Chop recipe is a perfect example of how easy it is to create delicious and healthy meals at home. It's a quick dinner idea that's both satisfying and flavorful, showcasing the best of easy recipes and homemade cooking. Try it out and let us know what you think!