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Instructions
1. Prepare the Pork Chops
Start by patting your pork chops dry with a paper towel. This helps ensure a good sear when cooking. Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Next, dredge each chop lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess.
2. Sear the Pork Chops
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil (or butter) over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops to the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this point, as they will finish cooking in the gravy. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Make the Gravy
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and cook them for about 3-4 minutes, until they become soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Now, it’s time to create the gravy! Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (these bits are packed with flavor!). Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes, allowing the gravy to thicken slightly.
4. Return Pork Chops to the Skillet
Once the gravy has thickened a bit, return the seared pork chops to the skillet. Spoon some of the gravy over the chops to coat them. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chops simmer in the gravy for about 20-30 minutes, or until the pork is tender and cooked through. The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C).
5. Final Touches
Once the pork chops are tender and cooked through, give the gravy a final taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a thicker gravy, you can let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce it.
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Smothered Pork Chops with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. Be sure to ladle plenty of that rich, flavorful gravy over the pork chops and the sides—there’s no such thing as too much gravy in this dish!
Tips for Success
- Bone-In vs. Boneless Pork Chops: Bone-in pork chops will add a bit more flavor to the dish, but boneless pork chops work just as well. The key is to cook them until they’re tender and juicy, so don’t rush the simmering process.
- Customize the Gravy: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the gravy to your taste. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat or some fresh rosemary for a fragrant touch.
- Make-Ahead: Smothered Pork Chops make a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare the dish up to the point of simmering, store it in the fridge, and then heat it through when you’re ready to serve.
- Slow Cooker Option: If you want to make this a set-it-and-forget-it meal, you can easily adapt the recipe for the slow cooker. After searing the pork chops and making the gravy, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours until the pork is tender and the gravy is flavorful.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of tender pork, savory gravy, and rich seasonings makes Smothered Pork Chops a standout dish. The onions and garlic create a deeply flavorful base for the gravy, while the Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce add a subtle umami that rounds out the taste. The heavy cream gives the gravy a luscious, velvety texture that’s perfect for smothering over the pork chops and sides.
This dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special meal for guests. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, with a richness that will leave you coming back for more.
Conclusion
If you’ve never tried Smothered Pork Chops, it’s time to add this recipe to your culinary repertoire. With its tender pork, savory gravy, and depth of flavor, this dish is a true winner. It’s easy to make, comforting to eat, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. So next time you’re in the mood for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal, reach for this recipe—you won’t regret it!
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