THE YUM PANDEMIC
Summer Launch Special: 20% off for your first 12 months. Or join for free!

Perfect Thick Cut Pork Chops

Thick Cut Pork Steaks, Oven-Finished Pork Chops, Center Cut Pork Chops

United States

Login to rate this recipe
Recipe Snapshot

The essentials, at a glance

These succulent thick-cut pork chops are seared for a golden crust and finished in the oven. The method ensures a juicy interior while maintaining a savory, seasoned exterior. It is a classic American comfort dish that focuses on high-quality meat and simple seasoning.

The Americas Main Course
Dairy-FreeGluten-FreeLow-Carb
Difficulty

Easy

Servings

4

Prep Time

10 minutes

Make Time

25 minutes

Calories

450 / serving

Diet

Non-Veg

Protein 38.0g
Fat 32.0g
Carbs 2.0g

Above values do not change with any serving size changes you make below

May not be suitable if you suffer with:
High Blood Pressure
Cook Along

Kitchen Game Plan

Follow each phase with a cleaner flow from ingredient prep to final plating.

Track cooking progress forPerfect Thick Cut Pork Chops

1
2
3
4
5
6
STEP 1

Rub the pork chops with olive oil.

Ingredients

Servings: 4
4 thick-cut (1 1/2 to 2 inches thick)
4 tbsp
2 tsp
1 tsp
Ingredients at a glance
Adjust quantities to your preferred serving size.
We only show images for ingredients already in our database.
All drinks depicted are for visual purposes only and should be assumed non-alcoholic unless explicitly labelled otherwise.

Instructions

Main
Step 1 instruction thumbnail 1

Rub the pork chops with olive oil.

Step 2 instruction thumbnail 2

Season all sides generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 3 instruction thumbnail 3

Heat an oven-safe heavy skillet over high heat and preheat the oven to 400F (205C).

Step 4 instruction thumbnail 4

Sear the pork chops in the skillet for 2 minutes on each side.

Step 5 instruction thumbnail 5

Transfer the skillet immediately to the oven and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145F (63C), approximately 15 minutes.

Step 6 instruction thumbnail 6

Let the meat rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Other considerations for this recipe

Seasoning
Pork needs a heavy amount of salt to bring out the flavor; salt with a heavy hand when preparing thick cuts.

Nutritional Benefits

Provides a high source of complete protein for muscle maintenance.

Contains essential B vitamins for energy metabolism.

Provides zinc and phosphorus for immune support.

Uses olive oil which contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Nutritional information is provided as a general guide only. Values may vary and should not replace professional medical or dietary advice.

Mastering the Thick-Cut Pork Chop

Yum User
Yum User

Searing meat in a heavy skillet before transferring it to the oven is a brilliant way to lock in juices while achieving a proper golden crust. As someone who loves the process of cooking even if I am not a pro, I find this method foolproof for getting that perfect contrast between a salty, crisp exterior and a tender centre.

The secret here is the generous application of salt. Because these chops are so thick, you need a heavy hand with the seasoning to ensure the flavour penetrates all the way through. The olive oil helps conduct the heat, creating a savoury sear that smells incredible the moment it hits the pan.

A Hearty Classic

This dish brings a taste of North American farmhouse tradition to the table. It is a straightforward, satisfying main course that proves you do not need complex ingredients to create a meal that truly tantalises the taste buds.

Yum Feedback 1 comment
Yumpedia: United States

From the Land to the Table: A History

Perfect Thick Cut Pork Chops history

The tradition of the thick-cut pork chop is deeply rooted in North American farmhouse cooking, where hearty portions were essential for sustaining labor-intensive lifestyles. Historically, the center-cut loin was prized for its tenderness, though early methods often involved boiling or slow-stewing the meat to ensure it was cooked through.

As cast-iron cookware became a staple in American kitchens, the sear-and-bake technique evolved. This method allows the cook to achieve the Maillard reaction on the surface of the meat, creating a complex flavor profile that simple boiling could not provide. The transition from the stovetop to the oven reflects a refinement in home cooking, balancing high-heat searing with gentle, ambient heat to prevent the meat from drying out.

Continue reading in Yumpedia

More History From The Americas

+33 more histories
More Like This

Similar Recipes You Might Like

Breakfast
South American Breakfast Scramble. Simple. Fast. Delicious.
Yum User

South American Breakfast Scramble. Simple. Fast. Delicious.

Perico, Huevos a la Mexicana, Huevos Rancheros

PROTEIN 22.0g FAT 28.0g CARBS 8.0g
2
Non-Veg
Easy
380
Appetizer Snack
Spicy Papaya Lime Shrimp Skewers
Yum User

Spicy Papaya Lime Shrimp Skewers

Camarones con Papaya y Lima, Grilled Shrimp and Papaya Kabobs, Spicy Tropical Shrimp Skewers

PROTEIN 22.0g FAT 8.0g CARBS 14.0g
4
Non-Veg
Easy
210
Snack
Chicken Liver Pâté
Yum User

Chicken Liver Pâté

Chicken Liver Parfait, Foie Gras Alternative, Liver Paste

PROTEIN 12.0g FAT 42.0g CARBS 4.0g
4
Non-Veg
Easy
450
Side Dish Snack
Sweet Potato and Green Bean Lemak
Yum User

Sweet Potato and Green Bean Lemak

Sayur Lemak, Vegetable Lemak, Sayur Masak Lemak, Malaysian Coconut Curry Vegetables, Sweet Potato Lemak

PROTEIN 9.0g FAT 13.0g CARBS 28.0g
4
Non-Veg
Easy
250
Main Course Side Dish
Sauerkraut Soup with Smoked Sausage
Yum User

Sauerkraut Soup with Smoked Sausage

Kapuśniak, Zelňačka, Káposztaleves, German Sauerkraut Soup, Polish Sauerkraut Soup

PROTEIN 18.0g FAT 38.0g CARBS 24.0g
4
Non-Veg
Easy
580
Dinner Lunch Main Course
Chinese Chicken
Yum User

Chinese Chicken

Soy Glazed Chicken, Chinese-Style Fried Chicken, Brown Sugar Soy Chicken

PROTEIN 35.0g FAT 18.0g CARBS 42.0g
4
Non-Veg
Easy
480
Main Course Snack
Gà Kho Gừng (Ginger Chicken)
Yum User

Gà Kho Gừng (Ginger Chicken)

Vietnamese Ginger Chicken, Vietnamese Braised Chicken with Ginger, Ga Kho Gung, Caramelised Ginger Chicken, Kho Ga Gung

PROTEIN 40.0g FAT 34.0g CARBS 7.0g
4
Non-Veg
Easy
560
Appetizer Lunch Snack
Traditional Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)
Yum User

Traditional Finnish Salmon Soup (Lohikeitto)

Lohikeitto, Finnish Fish Soup, Creamy Salmon Soup, Nordic Salmon Chowder

PROTEIN 25.0g FAT 35.0g CARBS 30.0g
4
Non-Veg
Easy
600