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- 4 boneless pork chops (approximately 1 inch thick) - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste) - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Using fresh garlic makes a big difference in flavor. Fresh garlic has a bright taste and strong aroma that dried garlic lacks. You want your dish to shine, so choose the best. Next, pick the right cut of pork chops. Boneless chops are tender and cook quickly. They soak up flavors well, making them perfect for this garlic sauce. If you want substitutes, consider using organic ingredients. Organic pork might have better taste and quality. You can also swap out the red pepper flakes for a milder spice, if needed. For the olive oil, extra virgin is the best choice. It has a rich flavor that enhances the dish. You can even experiment with flavored oils for a twist. Remember, quality ingredients lead to better meals, so choose wisely! For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Garlic-Infused Pork Chops recipe. First, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is key for a good sear. Next, season both sides of the pork chops. Use sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. This mix adds great flavor. Now, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers before you add the pork chops. This helps achieve a nice crust. Place the seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet. Sear each chop for about 4-5 minutes. Flip them and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. The chops should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe eating. Once done, transfer them to a plate and cover with aluminum foil. This keeps them warm while you make the sauce. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add one tablespoon of unsalted butter and let it melt. After the butter melts, add four cloves of minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté the garlic for about 30-45 seconds. Watch closely to avoid burning it. Next, stir in one teaspoon of fresh lemon zest. Scrape any browned bits from the skillet. This adds flavor to the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes. This step helps the flavors blend well. Finally, return the pork chops to the skillet. Spoon the garlic sauce over each chop. Cook for an additional minute to warm them through. Let the pork chops rest in the sauce for a couple of minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. For a complete cooking guide, check out the Full Recipe. To get that perfect sear on your pork chops, start with a dry surface. Pat them down with paper towels. This helps the meat brown well. Use a hot skillet, and don’t crowd the pan. Each chop needs space to sear nicely. For seasonal herbs, think about what’s fresh. In spring, try fresh rosemary. In summer, basil works great. In fall, consider sage. Each herb brings a unique taste to your dish. Pork chops pair well with many sides. Creamy mashed potatoes add comfort. Roasted vegetables can add color and nutrition. A fresh green salad can lighten the meal. For a lovely touch, garnish with lemon slices or fresh parsley. This adds brightness and makes your dish look great. One big mistake is overcooking pork chops. They can dry out fast if cooked too long. Always check the internal temperature. Aim for 145°F (63°C) for juicy, tender meat. Another mistake is not letting the sauce meld. After cooking, let the pork chops rest in the sauce. This allows the flavors to blend well, making each bite delicious. {{image_4}} You can make your pork chops even better. Try adding mushrooms or spinach to the garlic sauce. These veggies bring a rich taste and a nice texture. Sauté the mushrooms until they are soft, then add them to the sauce. Spinach wilts quickly, so stir it in just before serving. You can also switch up the herbs. Instead of thyme, use rosemary or basil. Each herb gives a unique twist to the dish. Rosemary adds a piney flavor, while basil brings a sweet touch. Feel free to mix and match based on what you like. Not everyone has a skillet, and that’s okay! You can grill the pork chops for a smoky flavor. Preheat your grill and cook the chops until they are golden brown on the outside. This method keeps them juicy too. If you have a slow cooker, you can use it for this recipe. Season the chops as usual and place them in the slow cooker. Pour the garlic sauce over them and let it cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. This method makes the pork really tender. For those on a keto diet, you can make some easy changes. Use a sugar-free garlic sauce or omit any added sugars. You can also substitute butter with ghee for a dairy-free option. If you need a gluten-free meal, be sure to check your ingredients. Use gluten-free soy sauce if you want that umami flavor. Most spices and fresh herbs are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to enjoy this dish. For the complete process, you can check the Full Recipe. After you enjoy your pork chops, store any leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps the meat fresh and tasty. Pork chops can last up to three days in the fridge. Make sure they cool down first before sealing them up. To reheat your pork chops, use a skillet on low heat. This method helps keep the meat juicy. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes, flipping once. If you want to refresh the garlic sauce, warm it up separately. Pour it over the chops just before serving. This adds that fresh garlic flavor back to your meal. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. Cook pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side. This gives them a nice brown crust. The inside should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Yes, you can use bone-in pork chops. They have a richer flavor than boneless ones. Bone-in pork chops also tend to stay juicier during cooking. Look for a nice golden crust on the outside. The inside should be slightly pink and juicy. Always check the internal temperature to make sure it is 145°F (63°C). If you can't use garlic, try shallots or garlic powder. You can also use herbs like thyme or rosemary for flavor. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook the pork chops and sauce, then store them separately. Reheat them gently in a skillet before serving. For detailed instructions, check out the [Zesty Garlic-Infused Pork Chops recipe](#). This article covered how to make delicious garlic-infused pork chops. We looked at ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips. Understanding how to choose the right pork chops and use fresh garlic is key. You can enhance these flavors with herbs or even try different cooking methods. Avoid common mistakes, like overcooking, to ensure your dish shines. With this guide, you can enjoy tasty pork chops every time. Now, it’s time to cook and impress your family and friends!

- Pork Chops with Garlic Sauce

Elevate your dinner with this mouth-watering Pork Chops with Garlic Sauce recipe! Discover how to create perfectly seared, juicy pork chops infused with rich garlic flavors using simple ingredients and easy techniques. This dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through to explore the full recipe and savor this delicious creation tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless pork chops (approximately 1 inch thick)

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste)

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Start by patting the pork chops dry using paper towels. Generously season both sides of the pork chops with sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dried thyme to enhance flavor.

    Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the skillet. Sear each chop for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Once cooked, transfer the pork chops to a plate and tent with aluminum foil to keep them warm.

      In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the pan. Sauté for about 30-45 seconds, or until the garlic is aromatic, taking care not to let it burn.

        Stir in the lemon zest, making sure to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1-2 minutes, which will allow the flavors to beautifully meld.

          Return the seared pork chops to the skillet, spooning the aromatic garlic sauce generously over each chop. Cook for an additional minute to warm the chops through and absorb the sauce.

            Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the pork chops to rest in the garlic sauce for a couple of minutes, helping to infuse flavor further.

              To serve, plate the pork chops whole or sliced and drizzle with the luscious garlic sauce. Finish by garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pork chops alongside roasted vegetables or fluffy mashed potatoes. Create a lovely plate by drizzling any remaining sauce over the chops and garnishing with a slice of lemon for a pop of color.