If you’re looking for PERFECTLY COOKED pan seared pork chops, then this cast iron skillet recipe is for you. Bone-in chops are pan seared until caramelized on the outside and juicy in the center. A five minute pan sauce takes them over the top. This is a recipe that anybody can master.
Cast iron skillet pork chops
I’m a minimalist when it comes to kitchen equipment, but I couldn’t live without my cast iron pan. I use it for everything from warm dips, to chili bakes, to cornbread, to fruit cobblers. But I especially love it for cooking meat. The consistent, hot heat of cast iron perfectly caramelizes pork chops, creating incredible depth of flavor. (But don’t worry, if you don’t have a cast iron skillet you can use any heavy duty pan—see the Tips below!)
What kind of pork chops are best?
Shop for bone-in rib chops that are 1-to 1 ½-inches thick. Cooking a thicker cut on the bone ensures that the pork chops stays moist during cooking (thin cuts tend to dry out easily). You can make this recipe using boneless pork chops if you prefer, but they will cook faster, so adjust the timing as needed.
It’s worth seeking out pasture-raised pork chops if they're available, as they have an incomparable flavor compared to supermarket chops and also have more marbling, making them more tender.
How to cook cast iron pork chops:
- Season two bone-in pork chops with salt, pepper and fresh thyme. Let them come to room temperature. Heat ghee or vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat (I love the flavor of ghee, but you can use oil if you don't have it).
- Arrange two seasoned bone-in pork chops in the pan. Cook the chops until they are browned on both sides, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reads 145˚F (63˚C), about 5 minutes per side. Transfer the chops to a plate and tent them lightly with foil. Let them rest while you make a quick and easy pan sauce.
Caper shallot pan sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté minced shallots and garlic until fragrant.
- Add capers and white wine. Simmer until the wine is reduced by half. Swirl in a tablespoon of butter, along with fresh parsley. Spoon the sauce over the pork chops, and serve!
FAQ
The best way to ensure your pork chops are perfectly cooked and juicy is to cook them to the right temperature. Take their internal temperature with an instant-read meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat—it should read 140-145˚F (60-63˚C). You can also cut into the meat to make sure it’s cooked through—it should look sightly rosy but not red in the center.
It will take about 10-12 minutes (give or take) to cook 1 inch pork chops in a cast iron skillet on the stove.
These pork chops are delicious with creamy potato puree, polenta and/or herbed oven fries. A simple green salad rounds out the meal.
The best way to tell if pan fried pork chops are done is to take their internal temperature with an instant read thermometer. However, if you don't have one you can cut a small slit in the thickest part of the meat - it should be slightly rosy in the middle but not bloody.
Searing pork chops creates a caramelized crust on the outside, giving the chops a richer, deeper flavor. For extra thick chops, transfer the pan to the oven after searing to finish cooking through.
Tips for cooking pan seared pork chops:
- You’ll need a 10- to 12-inch cast iron skillet for this recipe. If you don’t have one, you can use a stainless steel skillet (it’s best to use a heavy pan that will maintain even heat--avoid aluminum pans or lightweight non-stick pans).
- An instant read meat thermometer is one of my must-have kitchen tools and will ensure that your chops are perfectly cooked. This Thermapen is my favorite—it takes the temperature instantly and is incredibly accurate.
- You can make this recipe using boneless pork chops if you prefer, but they will cook faster, so adjust the timing as needed (check them early!).
- To clean your cast iron skillet, wash it (never soak it), then dry it immediately. It’s okay to use a bit of soap. Rub the surface of the skillet with neutral vegetable oil, then place the pan over medium heat and let it warm up (this will allow the oil to absorb into the pan, creating a non-stick surface). Remove the pan from the heat, wipe out any excess oil, then let it cool before storing.
- Looking to grill your pork chops? Don’t miss this recipe for Perfect Grilled Pork Chops!
*This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links to products I use and love (from which I earn income, at no cost to you). Thank you or supporting From Scratch Fast!
Side dishes to pair with the pork chops:
- Creamy potato puree
- Homemade Grits/Polenta
- Herbed Oven Fries
- Sweet Potato Souffle
- Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes
- Simple One Bowl Green Salad
- Roasted Squash Salad
Other cast iron skillet recipes to try:
Get the recipe!
Pan Seared Cast Iron Pork Chops with Shallot Caper Sauce
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet
Ingredients
Pork chops
- 2 (1- to 1 ½” thick) bone-in pork chops
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons ghee or olive oil
Shallot caper pan sauce
- ⅓ cup minced shallots (about 1 large shallot)
- 4 large cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup drained capers
- ¼ cup white wine
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Pan sear the pork chops
- Pat the pork chops dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with thyme on both sides. Let sit at room temperature for least 15 minutes or for up to an hour.
- Heat the ghee or olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, arrange the pork chops in a single layer. Sear the pork chops until they’re golden brown on the bottom, about 5-7 minutes. Turn and cook on the other side until golden brown, about 5 minutes longer. Keep cooking, flipping and turning the chops as needed, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 140˚F (60˚C)—the cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chops. Transfer the chops to a plate and tent lightly with foil to keep warm (the temperature will climb to 145˚F as it rests).
Make the shallot caper pan sauce
- Pour off most of the fat in the skillet. Put the skillet over medium heat and add the shallots and garlic. Cook, stirring, until fragrant and softened, 2-3 minutes. Stir in the capers and cook 30 seconds. Pour in the white wine and simmer until reduced by half (there won’t be much liquid left). Remove the pan from heat and stir in the butter and parsley. If any juices have accumulated under the pork, pour them into the sauce as well. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. Spoon the sauce over the pork chops and serve.
Notes
- You’ll need a 10- to 12-inch cast iron skillet for this recipe. If you don’t have one, you can use a stainless steel skillet (it’s best to use a heavy pan that will maintain even heat--avoid aluminum pans or lightweight non-stick pans).
- An instant read meat thermometer is one of my must-have kitchen tools and will ensure that your chops are perfectly cooked. This Thermapen is my favorite—it takes the temperature instantly and is incredibly accurate.
- You can make this recipe using boneless pork chops if you prefer, but they will cook faster, so adjust the timing as needed (check them early!).
- To clean your cast iron skillet, wash it (never soak it), then dry it immediately. It’s okay to use a bit of soap. Rub the surface of the skillet with neutral vegetable oil, then place the pan over medium heat and let it warm up (this will allow the oil to absorb into the pan, creating a non-stick surface). Remove the pan from the heat, wipe out any excess oil, then let it cool before storing.
- Looking to grill your pork chops? Don’t miss this recipe for Perfect Grilled Pork Chops!
I'd love to answer any of your questions and see what you're cooking!! Don't forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & Pinterest, and be sure to tag @fromscratchfast so that I can share your creations!
Ann M Burns says
This recipe has aged well...I made it twice in one week because it was such a hit with my teenagers. Perfect comfort food for 2020.
Nicki Sizemore says
I'm so happy to hear this! I was just thinking that I needed to update this post... you've inspired me! 🙂
katie says
I made this for company tonight; it was a huge hit! We particularly loved the sauce.
nickisizemore says
Yay!