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The Americas United States

Perfect Thick Cut Pork Chops

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

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Difficulty
Easy
Servings
4
Prep Time
10 minutes
Make Time
25 minutes
Calories
450 / serving
Diet
Non-Veg

The essentials, at a glance

The Americas Main Course Dairy-FreeGluten-FreeLow-Carb

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.

ProteinProtein 38.0g
FatFat 32.0g
CarbsCarbs 2.0g

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

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.
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Instructions

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

Andrew T.
Andrew T.
Perfect Thick Cut Pork Chops · Andrew T.

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.

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The Land, the People, the Food

Yumpedia: United States 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.

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