Here’s a quick and simple 30-minute recipe for **grilled pork chops** using the stovetop or oven:
**Pan-Seared and Oven-Finished Pork Chops**
**Ingredients:**
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon (optional for serving)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the oven** to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare the pork chops:**
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Set aside.
3. **Sear the pork chops:**
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet (such as cast iron) over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork chops and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
4. **Add garlic and herbs:**
- Reduce the heat to medium, add the minced garlic and chopped herbs to the pan, and cook for 1 minute, stirring the garlic around the pork chops. Optionally, add 1 tablespoon of butter for extra flavor and baste the chops with it.
5. **Finish in the oven:**
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 6–10 minutes (depending on thickness) or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for well-done.
6. **Rest the pork chops:**
- Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes to retain the juices.
7. **Serve:**
- Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chops for extra brightness.
### **Alternative Method (Stovetop Only):**
- **Cook entirely on the stovetop:** After searing the pork chops for 3–4 minutes on each side, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 5–8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches your desired level.
### **Sides Suggestions:**
- Roasted or sautéed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts)
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- A fresh green salad
This method ensures juicy, flavorful pork chops using the stovetop or oven in just 30 minutes!