Description
This flavorful pork rub recipe combines smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and aromatic herbs to create a perfectly seasoned pork chop dish. Whether using thin or thick pork chops, this method ensures a beautiful sear with a tender, juicy interior, finished with a rich buttery sauce infused with the savory rub flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Spice Rub
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 1/4 tsp salt (cooking/kosher salt)
- 3/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3/4 tsp mustard powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp sage powder
Pork and Cooking Ingredients
- 4 pork chops (220g / 7oz each, 2 cm / 0.8″ thick recommended)
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil (per batch you cook)
- 50g / 4 tbsp unsalted butter (15g / 1 tbsp per chop, for flavored butter sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Rub: In a small bowl, mix all the spices together thoroughly. This rub can be stored for weeks to months depending on the freshness of your spices.
- Apply the Rub: Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the rub evenly over both sides and the edges. Use your fingers to lightly press and massage the seasoning into the meat. Shake off any excess seasoning.
- Cooking Thin Pork Chops (up to 1.75 cm / 0.7″ thick): Place a rack over a tray for resting. Heat olive oil in a heavy-based skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pork chops for 3 minutes on each side until they are deep golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent stewing and ensure a proper sear. Remove chops and rest them on the rack for 3 minutes. Melt butter in the skillet, stirring to dissolve any leftover rub from the pan into the melted butter. Pour this flavored butter over the rested pork chops and serve.
- Cooking Thick Pork Chops (2 cm / 0.8″ thick and above): Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F) or 180°C (fan). Place a rack over a tray for resting. Heat olive oil in a heavy-based skillet over medium-high heat. Using tongs, sear the edges of the pork chops around the fat strip by rotating them to get an even golden color—this takes about 3 minutes in total. Then sear each flat side of the chops for 2 minutes until golden brown. Transfer the skillet into the preheated oven and allow the chops to finish cooking for about 3 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 65°C (149°F). Remove the chops from the oven and rest for 3 minutes on the rack. Melt butter in the skillet, stirring to dissolve any rub left in the pan into the butter. Serve this flavored butter sauce over the pork chops.
Notes
- The rub keeps for weeks or even months depending on the shelf life of your spices.
- For best flavor and texture, pat pork chops completely dry before seasoning.
- Cooking times vary by thickness; do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing.
- Using a rack to rest the chops keeps them from sitting in their juices, preserving the sear’s crispiness.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pork rub, pork chops, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oven seared pork, stovetop pork chops, flavored butter sauce, easy pork recipe
