Seared Pork Chops

This easy recipe for seared pork chops uses loin chops. The loin area is the leanest and most tender of pork cuts. This cut of meat is distinguished by a T-shaped bone. Leaner and tender = expensive, but well worth the treat.

This simple recipe uses garlic, pepper, paprika, chile powder and onion powder. The combination of seasonings are terrific. The key to success using a thick cut pork chop; quickly seared and finished in a hot oven.

The mushrooms sauteed with the pan juices, the red wine and cream complement this fabulous dish!

Seared Pork Loin Chops
with Sauteed Mushrooms

4 - 1 1/2 inch thick cut pork loin chops
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp chile powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
vegetable oil
8 oz pkg baby bella mushrooms
1 glove garlic minced
1 tbs butter
1 cup red wine
1/4 cup half & half or heavy cream
Salt & Pepper

Pat dry chops, mix seasonings & sprinkle both
sides of chops, cover with plastic wrap, set out
for 30 minutes. After 20 minutes turn oven
to 425 degrees.

Slice mushrooms, dice/mince garlic, set aside.

When oven reaches 425 degrees, Place large
oven safe skillet on stove top, turn to high heat.
Add vegetable oil. When oil begins to ripple,
place pork chops in skillet, use tongs.

Sear 2 minutes, turn & cook 2 minutes. The
seared pork chops are ready for the oven. Put
skillet in oven, cook for approximately 5-7 minutes.
Check internal temperature, at 155 degrees,
remove from oven. Place chops on serving platter,
tent with foil. Temperature will rise to 160 degrees.

Place skillet back on stove, turn to medium heat,
drizzle with a little vegetable oil, add butter. When
it melts, add garlic, saute 2 minutes, add mushrooms,
season with salt & pepper, saute 4 minutes.

Holding pan away from heat, add red wine & turn
heat to low, cook wine down to about half, pour in
half & half stirring constantly to blend ingredients.
Cook 2 minutes. Turn heat off.

Place pork chops on plates, top with mushrooms & sauce.

What an easy recipe! A fantastic meal every time.

Variations:

White or shiitake varieties are fantastic sauteed mushrooms both work well with seared pork chops.

If you don't like the spicy paprika & chile seasonings,
replace one or both and use 1/2 tsp garlic powder.

Cooks' Note: If pork loin chops are not available use pork rib chops. These are similar to a loin chop. When searing and moving product to oven, use thicker cut of meat. Thin cuts of meat will be dry and overcooked.

Seared Pork Chops with sauteed green beans.

Serve with Baked Mashed Potatoes