Pork chops can be transformed with a handful of simple seasonings, but one extra ingredient added at the end could make them even tastier. Recipe expert Nagi Maehashi, behind RecipeTin Eats, recommends adding a knob of butter to the pan after cooking the pork to create an easy sauce packed with flavour.
Everyday Seasoning Mix
Her pork rub uses everyday cupboard ingredients and can be prepared in minutes, with smoked paprika providing an extra depth of flavour. To make the seasoning, combine one tablespoon of smoked paprika with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, mustard powder, cumin and sage, along with salt and black pepper.
The mixture can then be rubbed over pork chops before they are cooked, giving the meat a deep golden colour and savoury flavour. Nagi recommends patting the pork dry first before sprinkling the seasoning over both sides and gently rubbing it into the meat. Any excess seasoning should be shaken off before the chops go into the pan.
Finishing Touch with Butter
However, it is the butter added afterwards that provides the finishing touch. Once the pork has finished cooking, it should be left to rest for around three minutes. While it rests, butter can be added directly to the still-hot frying pan.
Nagi explained: "While the pork is resting, throw the butter into the still-hot skillet and let it melt until bubbly." Scraping the bottom of the pan allows the butter to pick up the leftover seasoning and flavour from the pork, creating a rich sauce that can then be poured over the chops.
Simple Preparation
The recipe calls for around 50g of unsalted butter when preparing four pork chops, or roughly one tablespoon for each chop. Thin pork chops can be cooked entirely on the hob, while thicker cuts are best seared first before being finished in the oven.
The result is golden, seasoned pork with a simple buttery sauce, requiring no complicated ingredients or lengthy preparation.
