This 4 ingredient pork chops with garlic and rosemary is a culinary gem that is perfect for weeknight dinners. With just four ingredients, this dish showcases that sometimes, less truly is more. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight meal or when you’re aiming to impress with minimalist finesse.
Today, we’re off on a culinary journey to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with our faithful companions: pork chops.
You heard it right! Often overlooked and underestimated, but we’re about to change that perception about pork chops!
You see, pork chops can sometimes be a bit… well, let’s just say “underwhelming.” Notoriously easy to turn into a dry, bland affair. But, oh my, wait until you’ve tried them cooked this way!
We will level them up with a few secret weapons: butter, garlic, and rosemary.
Butter, which will give a nice golden crust to the pork chops and will help the meat to remain juicy, and for a more unique aroma, we will ask for help with a perfect combo: fresh rosemary and a few garlic cloves.
The heady aroma of garlic cloves sizzling in the pan, mingling with the earthy fragrance of fresh rosemary, is enough to transport you right into a rustic kitchen by the Mediterranean Sea.
These pork chops are perfect for a quick dinner, just pair them with a crunchy salad or your favorite side dish, and voila – an unforgettable dining experience awaits!
Let’s get started, and remember, the journey is as beautiful as the destination!
🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?
- Easy Preparation: This recipe doesn’t require professional chef skills or hard-to-find ingredients. Simple steps, readily available items, and you’re on your way to a mouthwatering meal.
- Quick to Make: For those with little time but big appetites, this dish is a winner. From start to finish, you’ll have a deliciously fragrant meal ready in no time, perfect for busy weekdays.
- Versatility: The flavors of garlic and rosemary pair well with many side dishes. Whether served with a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or steamed veggies, this dish can easily fit into any menu.
- Nutritious: Pork chops are a great source of protein, and when cooked with rosemary and garlic, provide beneficial antioxidants. Enjoy a meal that’s not just tasty but also wholesome.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich flavors and aromatic appeal, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Perfect for family dinners, intimate get-togethers, or even when you’re dining solo!
- A Flavorful Adventure: This recipe isn’t just about eating, it’s about experiencing the unique tastes and aromas of the Mediterranean. Cooking and enjoying this dish is like a mini vacation right in your kitchen!
🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes
- Pork chops: They are the primary protein source in the recipe, lending a rich, savory flavor and satisfying texture. You can try this recipe with other types of meat like chicken breasts, turkey cutlets, or even firm tofu could work well for those who prefer a leaner or vegetarian option. Just don’t forget to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Fresh Garlic: This provides an aromatic base to the dish, contributing a distinctive, pungent flavor that becomes sweet and mild when cooked. If you’re out of garlic, you might consider using shallots, onions, garlic powder, or asafoetida (particularly for those with garlic allergies) as alternatives.
- Fresh Rosemary: This herb brings a robust, woody aroma and a pine-like flavor that complements pork very well. If rosemary isn’t available, thyme, sage, or a bit of dried lavender could be viable replacements, but keep in mind that these herbs will slightly alter the flavor profile.
- Spices: I used a simple basic mix of salt and black pepper. But, if you want to go further, you may also season the pork chops with paprika, cumin, or even a pre-made spice blend like Cajun or Italian seasoning.
🍴 Tools Needed:
- Frying Pan
- Chef Knife
- Cutting Board
👩🍳 Step-by-step Directions
Season the meat with salt and pepper on both sides and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to marinate and warm slightly. This will help it cook more evenly and keep it juicy.
Take a heavy-bottomed skillet and add the butter, garlic, and rosemary, cooking over medium heat until the butter melts.
Turn the heat up and add the pork chops to the skillet.
Brown the meat on both sides until they are slightly golden, this should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
Quick Note: Avoid overcooking the meat, as it’s a lean cut and can become dry if cooked too much.
Serve the pork chops while it’s still hot, along with a salad or your preferred side dish.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
One option is a vibrant Mixed Greens Salad with thinly sliced red onions, cherry tomatoes, and a zingy vinaigrette. It’s the cool, refreshing counterpoint to our warm, aromatic pork chops. The crispy crunch of the salad beautifully contrasts the succulent texture of the pork, creating a delightful blend of textures in every bite.
Next up, what about a simple, rustic, yet soul-satisfying Roasted Potatoes? Tossed in olive oil, rosemary, and a pinch of sea salt, then roasted until golden brown, these potatoes are a nod to our Mediterranean theme.
The crispy outside and fluffy inside of the potatoes provides a satisfying heartiness that goes hand-in-hand with the pork chops.
And if you’re yearning for a bit of comfort, why not serve the chops alongside some creamy polenta? This creamy, dreamy bed of polenta is a delicious hug in a dish, its delicate corn flavor, and smooth texture pairing beautifully with the bold, garlicky pork chops.
Finally, for a lighter touch, consider a platter of Steamed Seasonal Vegetables, lightly tossed in olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The bright, natural flavors of the veggies offer a refreshing and healthy complement to the richly flavored pork chops.
All these sides are not just about filling up your plate, they’re about painting a harmonious picture with our main dish. Each one adds its own brushstroke, enhancing and balancing the flavors.
So, get creative, choose your favorite, or mix and match, and build your own Mediterranean feast!
😻 Other Recipes You May Enjoy
- 4 Ingredient Pork Ribs With Sweet And Spicy Sauce
- 4 Ingredient Oven Baked Pork Chops
- Salt And Pepper Belly Pork
- Crispy Stuffed Pork Chops In Air Fryer
- Easy And Juicy Air Fryer Pork Loin
🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?
- Choosing the Pork Chops: Look for chops that are about 1-inch thick. Thicker chops tend to remain juicy and flavorful during cooking, while thinner ones might dry out. Don’t shy away from the ones with a bit of fat along the edge – that’s where a lot of the flavor lives!
- The Butter and Heat: Our key to succulent pork chops is butter, but remember, butter can burn at high heat. So, aim for medium-high heat where the butter sizzles but doesn’t smoke. The perfect sear without the bitter burn!
- Garlic and Rosemary Timing: Garlic and rosemary are aromatic superstars but can turn bitter if overcooked. If you think they’re getting too browned, move them to the end, as they might impart a bitter taste.
- Resting the Pork Chops: Just like us after a busy day, our pork chops need a little rest too! After cooking, let them sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moister, more flavorful chop.
- Experiment and Have Fun: The beauty of cooking lies in personalization. Feel free to experiment with other herbs or spices, or adjust the quantities to match your palate. Cooking is not just a science, it’s an art, a way to express yourself. So, have fun in the process!
🤔 Answering Your Questions:
What’s the Best Way to Ensure the Pork Chops Don’t Dry Out?
The key is not to overcook them. Pork chops are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (around 63°C), as per USDA guidelines. To ensure accuracy, use a meat thermometer. Also, letting the pork chops rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moister chop.
Which Spices Should I Use for This Recipe?
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. While black pepper and salt are classic choices, feel free to experiment with others like smoked paprika, cumin, or even a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
How Do I Know When the Pork Chops Are Cooked?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Pork is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cook until the juices run clear when you cut into the meat.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, use a covered skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, or a preheated oven at 325°F (around 165°C), to keep them juicy.
Can I Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can. Olive oil will lend a different, but equally delicious flavor. However, keep in mind that butter contributes to the rich flavor and helps to keep the pork chops juicy, so the result will be slightly different.
📋 Recipe Card:
4 Ingredient Pork Chops With Garlic and Rosemary
Equipment
Ingredients
- 21 oz Pork Chops
- 2 Brunches Rosemary Fresh
- 2 cloves Garlic Large
- 1 oz Butter
- Salt To taste
- Black Pepper To taste
Instructions
- Season the meat on both sides with salt and pepper and let it marinate for about 30 minutes.21 oz Pork Chops, Salt, Black Pepper
- Take a heavy-bottomed skillet and add butter, rosemary, and garlic. Cook over medium heat until the butter melts.2 Brunches Rosemary, 2 cloves Garlic, 1 oz Butter
- Increase the heat slightly and add the pork chops to the frying pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until it browns nicely.
- Serve with your favorite side dish.
Quick Note
I highly recommend reading the entire recipe to find more tips and notes about this recipe. Read Full Recipe ⇑
Notes
- If you’re a fan of a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pan along with the garlic and rosemary. It will give the dish a subtle kick.
- If fresh rosemary isn’t available, you can substitute it with dried rosemary. Use 1/3 of the amount called for in the recipe since dried herbs are more potent.
- If garlic isn’t your thing, try shallots or onions as a milder alternative.
- To further enhance the flavor of the dish, consider marinating the pork chops for a few hours, or even overnight, in a mixture of olive oil, crushed garlic, rosemary, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Cooking times can vary based on the thickness of your chops and the heat of your pan. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- After cooking, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before cutting into them. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier bite.
Barbara
Made the recipe tonight! It was delicious!