Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy meal? Then look no further! This recipe for juicy pork chops with sautéed mushrooms is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. It's packed with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking and offers a fantastic way to elevate simple ingredients into a truly delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, chicken broth can be substituted)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Preparing the Pork Chops:
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Season the pork chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step significantly enhances the flavor.
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Sear the pork chops: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This creates a delicious crust. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
Sautéing the Mushrooms and Onions:
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Sauté the onions: Add the butter to the same skillet and melt over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
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Add the mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their liquid and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally.
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Add garlic and thyme: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Combining and Finishing the Dish:
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Deglaze the pan: If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a minute or two to reduce slightly. If omitting the wine, proceed directly to the next step.
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Add broth and pork chops: Add the chicken broth to the skillet. Return the pork chops to the skillet, ensuring they are coated in the sauce.
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Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Serving:
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with the delicious mushroom sauce spooned over the top. This healthy meal is perfect served with roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
Cooking Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the pork chops in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mushroom mixture for a touch of heat.
- Different mushrooms: Feel free to experiment with different types of mushrooms, such as shiitake, oyster, or portobello.
- Creamy sauce: Stir in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This recipe for pork chops and mushrooms is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy pork, earthy mushrooms, and savory sauce creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. Enjoy!