When it comes to succulent and perfectly cooked pork chops, the reverse sear method is a game-changer. By starting with a low and slow cooking process, followed by a high-temperature sear, you can achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful pork chops that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
In this article, we will guide you through a mouthwatering reverse sear pork chop recipe that will elevate your culinary skills and impress your family and friends. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure!
Reverse Sear Pork Chop Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 ½ inch thick)
- Kosher salt (recommendation)
- Freshly ground black pepper (recommendation)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (recommendation)
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary (recommendation)
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
Instructions
1. Preparing the Pork Chops:
- Start by preheating your oven to 250°F (120°C).
- Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to come to room temperature, ensuring more even cooking.
2. Low and Slow Cooking:
- Place the seasoned pork chops on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet to allow airflow around the chops. This will promote even cooking.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of one of the pork chops, avoiding the bone.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and let the pork chops cook until the internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C). This slow cooking process will render the fat and gently cook the meat for maximum tenderness. It usually takes about 60-70 minutes, but the timing may vary depending on the thickness of your pork chops.
3. Preparing the Sear:
- While the pork chops are cooking, prepare the searing stage. Heat a cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the olive oil to the hot skillet and let it heat for a minute or two.
- Once the pork chops reach the desired internal temperature of 120°F (49°C), carefully remove them from the oven.
4. Searing the Pork Chops:
- Place the pork chops in the hot skillet, along with minced garlic and fresh rosemary sprigs. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until a golden-brown crust forms. Tilt the pan occasionally to baste the chops with the aromatic garlic and rosemary-infused oil.
- During the searing process, add the butter to the pan, and once melted, spoon it over the pork chops to enhance the flavor and moisture.
5. Resting and Serving:
- Remove the seared pork chops from the skillet and transfer them to a clean plate.
- Let the pork chops rest for about 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the temperature to rise slightly.
- Serve the succulent reverse sear pork chops as the centerpiece of your meal, alongside your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Versatile Cooking Skillet: The Lodge Cast Iron Skillet is a multipurpose, everyday cooking pan that excels at searing, sautéing, baking, frying, and campfire meals
- Pre-Seasoned & PFAS-Free: This pre-seasoned skillet is made with 100% natural vegetable oil for a naturally nonstick finish and is a non-toxic cookware option, completely PFAS-free
- Superior Heat Distribution: The heavy-duty cast iron frying pan cooks evenly, making it ideal for precision recipes and consistent results
- Safe & Comfortable Handling: The skillet includes a silicone heat-resistant handle holder for transport after cooking, plus a teardrop handle for easy lifting and control
The reverse sear method is a fantastic technique to ensure perfectly cooked and irresistibly delicious pork chops every time. By taking the time to slowly cook the meat at a low temperature and finishing with a high-temperature sear, you’ll achieve a tender and juicy interior with a mouthwatering caramelized crust.
With this simple yet impressive Reverse Sear Pork Chop recipe, you can elevate your culinary prowess and create a memorable dining experience for yourself and your loved ones. The combination of the slow-cooked, tender pork and the flavorful sear will have everyone coming back for seconds.
