Are you in a search for a perfectly pan seared pork chop that is still slightly pink in the center? Or, do hate pork because it’s always overcooked and dry? In this post I will walk you through the process of how to cook a pork chop to perfection.

Perfectly cooked pork chop is always cooked to a nice medium instead of the shoe leather texture and is pinkish inside.

PORK CHOPS BASICS

• Either boneless or bone-in pork chops will do. I prefer the thick cut pork chops because they are easier to work with:).
• Generously season your pork chops because pork chop crust is important for flavor. Being liberal with seasoning this will make for a delicious and flavorful pork chop crust.
• To properly cook the pork chops, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, don’t rely blindly on cooking time.
• Let the pork chops rest on a plate for 10 minutes – they will continue to cook and the residual heat will bring them to the recommended 145 F degrees.
• Cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the pork chops.
• Take your pork chops out of the fridge and let your thems rest for 20 minutes on the counter before cooking them so they come to room temperature. This will ensure they cook on the inside and the center reaches the perfect temperature.

How to sear pork chops

Pat dry the pork chops

Start by patting your chops dry and sprinkling them very liberally with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.

Preheat your skillet

Heat your skillet to medium high and add the olive oil. When it’s shimmering hot and not a moment before, add your chops.

Sear without moving the pork chop

Sear on one side and resist the urge to move the pork chop or look underneath until about 3-5 minutes into searing. Once the pork chops are golden brown on the first side, you can flip. Do not sear more than 5 minutes.

Flip the pork chop

Flip and sear the other side until browned. Remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before cutting into them.

How to tell if the pork chop is done

Not sure how to tell how done a chop is? The pros do it by feel and a steak or chop cooked medium should have a slight resistance when you press on it with your finger but not feel hard and solid.

The easiest way to check if the pork chop is done is to use meat thermometer. When they reach an internal temperature of 135 F degrees they are done. Remove them from the skillet and let them rest on a plate for 10 minutes, during which time they will continue cooking with the residual heat and will eventually reach 145 F degrees.

Do remember that cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the pork chops.

More pork chop recipes

10 Best Pork Chop Recipes
Instant Pot Pork Chops in Creamy Wine Sauce
Honey Balsamic Pork Chops
Best Pork Chops in Creamy Herb & Wine Sauce

5 from 4 votes

Print

Easy Pan Seared Pork Chops

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Total Time

20 mins

 

Learn how to cook a pork chop to perfection!

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: how to cook pork chops, pan seared pork chops

Servings: 4

Calories: 238 kcal

Author: Olga

Ingredients

• 4 pork chops (thick in size)
• Italian seasoning
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil for searing

Instructions

1. Pat chops dry with the paper towel and sprinkle them very generously with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.  

2. Heat your skillet to medium high and add the olive oil. When it's shimmering hot and not a moment before, add your chops.
   

3. Sear on one side, without moving them at all, until they are nice and golden brown on the first side, about 3-5 minutes. Flip and sear the other side until browned. 
   

4. The easiest way to check if the pork chop is done is to use meat thermometer. When they reach an internal temperature of 135 F degrees they are done. 

5. Remove them from the skillet and let them rest on a plate for 10 minutes, during which time they will continue cooking with the residual heat and will eventually reach 145 F degrees.
   

6. Do remember that cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the pork chops.
   

Nutrition Facts

Easy Pan Seared Pork Chops

Amount Per Serving

Calories 238 Calories from Fat 108

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 12g 18%

Saturated Fat 3g 15%

Cholesterol 89mg 30%

Sodium 64mg 3%

Potassium 499mg 14%

Protein 28g 56%

Calcium 0.9%

Iron 3.7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.