Are you looking for a quick and easy way to make delicious boneless pork chops for dinner tonight?
Look no further than your trusty cast iron skillet!
With just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can have perfectly seared and juicy pork chops on the table in no time.
Whether you prefer a classic seasoning blend or want to experiment with herbs and spices, there are endless possibilities for customizing this versatile dish.
So grab your skillet and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Boneless Pork Chops In Cast Iron Skillet?
To start, you’ll need to heat up your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and wait until it’s hot enough to sear meat, around 375F.
Next, season your boneless pork chops with salt and pepper or your preferred seasoning blend. Place them in the skillet and sear one side for about 3-4 minutes until it’s deep golden brown. Flip the pork chops and continue frying for another 3-4 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145F.
It’s important to let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure they stay juicy and tender. You can serve them with your favorite side dish, such as a side salad or cubed potatoes.
The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops and whether they are boneless or bone-in. Here are some approximate cook times for boneless pork chops over medium-high heat:
– 1/2-inch-thick boneless pork chops: 2-3 minutes per side
– 1-inch-thick boneless pork chops: 4-5 minutes per side
If you prefer to add some extra flavor to your pork chops, you can try marinating them beforehand. Mix together some paprika, brown sugar, onion powder, oregano, ground mustard, Kosher salt, cumin and olive oil in a small bowl. Rub the spice mixture into the pork and marinade for about 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours) before cooking.
Another option is to use a herb marinade. Combine garlic, olive oil, thyme, parsley, salt and pepper in a bowl and coat the pork chops with the mixture for 30 to 60 minutes before cooking.
When cooking your boneless pork chops in a cast iron skillet, it’s important not to move them around too much while they’re searing. This will interrupt the essential sear and prevent that caramelized crispness that holds in those succulent juices.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Pork
When it comes to cooking boneless pork chops in a cast iron skillet, choosing the right cut of pork is important. Some of the best cuts for pan frying include center cut, ribeye, and loin chops. These cuts are tender and flavorful, making them perfect for searing in a hot skillet.
It’s important to note that the thickness of your pork chops will also affect the cooking time. Thinner pork chops will cook faster than thicker ones, so keep this in mind when selecting your cut of meat.
When shopping for pork chops, look for cuts that are pinkish-red in color with marbling throughout the meat. This marbling will help keep the pork chops moist and tender during cooking. Avoid cuts that are pale or have excessive fat or gristle.
If you’re unsure about which cut of pork to choose, ask your butcher for recommendations. They can help you select the best cut of meat based on your preferences and cooking method.
Preparing The Pork Chops
Before cooking your boneless pork chops in a cast iron skillet, you can prepare them by brining them for added flavor and juiciness. To make a simple brine, bring 1 cup of water to a boil and add salt and any optional flavorings such as herbs, spices or sugar. Stir until the salt is dissolved and then add 2 more cups of cold water to bring the temperature down. Place the pork chops in a shallow dish and pour the brine over them, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Once you’re ready to cook, remove the pork chops from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil and season with salt and pepper or your preferred seasoning blend. Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Wait until it’s hot enough to sear meat, around 375F.
Place the pork chops in the skillet and sear one side for about 3-4 minutes until it’s deep golden brown. Flip the pork chops and continue frying for another 3-4 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145F. Remove from heat, let them rest for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy your juicy boneless pork chops!
Seasoning Options For Boneless Pork Chops
If you’re looking for seasoning options for your boneless pork chops, there are a variety of options to choose from. One popular seasoning blend is a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Kosher salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. This blend adds a smoky flavor to the pork chops and gives them a beautiful color.
If you prefer a bit of spice in your seasoning, you can add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mix. For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness, brown sugar can also be added to the blend. However, if you prefer to avoid sugar in your seasoning, it can be omitted without affecting the overall flavor.
Another option is to use a herb-based seasoning blend. Combine garlic, olive oil, thyme, parsley, salt and pepper in a bowl and rub the mixture onto the pork chops before cooking. This blend adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the meat.
Ultimately, the seasoning options for your boneless pork chops are endless. Feel free to experiment with different spice blends and find what works best for your taste buds. Just remember to season your pork chops generously before cooking in order to enhance their flavor and ensure a delicious meal.
Preheating And Cooking In A Cast Iron Skillet
Preheating your cast iron skillet is essential for cooking boneless pork chops. Cast iron skillets take longer to heat up than other pans, but they retain heat very well. To preheat your skillet, place it on a burner over low to medium heat for 5-10 minutes until it’s evenly heated. You can check if it’s hot enough by hovering your hand over the pan to feel the heat.
It’s important to note that you should never preheat your cast iron skillet on high heat as this can shock the metal and result in an overly hot pan that will burn your food. Slowly heating the skillet allows the metal to warm up at a more even pace, creating an atmosphere where the pan’s metal will not stick to the food you put on it.
Once your skillet is preheated, add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan and wait until it’s hot enough to sear meat, around 375F. Season your boneless pork chops with salt and pepper or your preferred seasoning blend and place them in the skillet. Sear one side for about 3-4 minutes until it’s deep golden brown, then flip and continue frying for another 3-4 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145F.
It’s important to let your pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure they stay juicy and tender. If you prefer to add some extra flavor, you can try marinating them beforehand with a spice or herb mixture.
When cooking boneless pork chops in a cast iron skillet, avoid moving them around too much while they’re searing. This will interrupt the essential sear and prevent that caramelized crispness that holds in those succulent juices. With proper preheating and cooking techniques, you can enjoy perfectly cooked boneless pork chops in your cast iron skillet every time.
Checking For Doneness And Resting The Pork Chops
Checking for doneness is crucial when cooking boneless pork chops in a cast iron skillet. One of the most accurate ways to do this is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. The thermometer should read 145 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare, 150-155 for medium, 155-160 for medium-well, and 160 for well-done.
Another method to test doneness is by piercing the pork chops with a fork or knife and checking if the juices that escape are clear or have a faint pink tint. If the juices are clear, the meat is done. If not, return it to the heat source for further cooking.
You can also cut into one of the chops to check for doneness. If the meat is white all the way through, it is cooked properly.
Once your boneless pork chops are fully cooked, it’s important to let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicy and tender. Cover the chops loosely with foil and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions And Pairings For Boneless Pork Chops
Now that you know how to cook boneless pork chops in a cast iron skillet, it’s time to think about what to serve with them. Pork chops can be paired with a variety of sides, from classic mashed potatoes to more adventurous options like Brussels sprouts casserole. Here are some serving suggestions and pairings for boneless pork chops:
– Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Potatoes are a classic side dish for any protein, including pork chops. Creamy mashed potatoes are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights.
– Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts: These sweet and savory Brussels sprouts are a crowd-pleaser that pair perfectly with pork chops. The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness while the bacon adds a smoky flavor.
– Twice-Baked Potato Rounds: These cute little potato rounds taste just like your favorite twice-baked potatoes. They’re a fun twist on a classic side dish and a great way to switch things up during the week.
– Homemade Applesauce: Pork chops and applesauce are a classic pairing that never goes out of style. Making homemade applesauce is easy and adds a touch of sweetness to your meal.
– Wild Rice Broccoli Casserole: This rustic version of broccoli rice casserole uses wild rice instead of white rice, adding a nice chewy texture and nutty flavor to the dish. It’s perfect for rounding out a meat-heavy dinner.
– Roasted Fingerling Potatoes: These crispy roasted potatoes are seasoned with garlic and rosemary, making them the perfect complement to juicy pork chops.
– Glazed Carrots: The sweet and savory combination of glazed carrots pairs perfectly with savory pork chops. Even the kids will want seconds!
When it comes to serving suggestions and pairings for boneless pork chops, the possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer traditional sides or more adventurous options, there’s sure to be a dish on this list that will impress your loved ones and make them want more!