Pork loin chops in cast iron skillet

Sometimes the best food is the simplest. This is very true about pork chops. In our family we like to try different ways of preparing pork chops, like the Southern Fried Pork Chops, Broiled Pork Chops or Smothered Pork Chops, but simple salt and pepper pan-fried boneless pork chops are our favorite by far. This recipe is also one of the healthiest pork chop recipes. It’s low carb, or practically zero carb and fat is kept at a minimum.

They are super quick to prepare. Ten minutes or less, really. All you need to do is sprinkle the chops with some salt, pepper and maybe some other seasonings if you feel like it, then quickly fry them over fairly high heat. This is the best way to cook pork chops if you ask me.

Quick cooking works the best for all cuts of pork loin. Unless you are roasting the whole loin, cooking should be done in a matter of minutes. Pork chops are just like steaks – the quicker you brown them and get them off the heat, the better they will be.

Unlike fattier cuts of pork, pork loin doesn’t have fat pockets to keep it moist during cooking. For cuts like this higher heat cooking like roasting, grilling, frying, pan-frying and sauteing works the best. However, braising, stewing or slow cooking doesn’t work well at all.

If you give pork chops a good sear they will acquire a lot of color and flavor as a result of Maillard reaction. That’s why I like to add minimal seasonings to these pan-fried pork chops. Salt and pepper is all that’s required. But I like adding some granulated garlic and powdered onion as well as they add a lot of nice flavor. Sometimes I like to change things up and use other spices but always seem to come back to the basic mix of salt, pepper, garlic and onion. If you are curious, among my other favorites to use with pan-fried pork chops are coriander, marjoram, cumin, ginger, rosemary and caraway.

10-Minute Pan-Fried Boneless Pork Chops

4.88 from 32 votes

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: fried pork chops, pork chops

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 232kcal

Author: Victor

Ingredients

• 4 boneless pork chops cut 3/4" to 1" thick
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• A pinch of powdered/granulated garlic per side
• A pinch of powdered/granulated onion per side
• 2 Tbsp grapeseed oil (or other high smoke point oil)

Instructions

• Season the meat evenly with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion.

• To a large cast iron pan, add just enough oil to fully cover the bottom of the pan. Heat over medium-high heat until it's hot enough to sear meat, about 375F.

• Sear the pork chops on one side for about 3-4 minutes, until the side is deep golden brown. Flip and continue frying for another 3-4 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145F.

  The best and easiest way to make Pan Fried Boneless Pork Chops is with oil, butter, and a few key spices seared in a hot cast iron skillet. In less than 10 minutes your main dish for dinner will be done. Add a side salad and cubed potato for a full meal your family will love.

  

  Got a hungry crew and need to get dinner on the table fast? In just 10 minutes you can whip out beautifully pan seared boneless pork chops. Quickly and easily double or triple the recipe as needed. Read below on how to ensure juicy, tender pork chops every time.

  We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no extra cost to you. We also participate in similar programs with RStyle and other companies.

  Table of Contents

  • Knowing your pork chops
  • How long to pan fry boneless pork chops
  • How can I tell if the pork chops are done?
  • Tips for cooking pork chops in a cast iron skillet
  • More Pork Chop Recipes
  • Kitchen tools you'll need for seared pork chops:
  • Video for how to sear boneless pork chops
  • How cook boneless pork chops
  • What to serve with boneless pork chops
  • Pan Fried Boneless Pork Chops

  Knowing your pork chops

  Pork chops can come in a variety of forms. Knowing the cut you’re looking for, or identifying the cut you have is crucial to a perfectly seared pork chop (or any pork dish).

  • Thin-cut pork chops are those that are cut to 1/2 inch in thickness or less. These are the pork chops you want to sear for a quick meal.
  • Thick-cut pork chops are those that are cut to 1 inch or more in thickness. These pork chops are perfect for stuffing.
  • Loin chops can be cut thick or thin and are typically leaner than your standard center-cut pork chops.
  • Bone-in pork chops are generally thought to be juicier and more flavorful thanks to the bone. Bone-in pork chops are 1 inch or larger thanks to the size of the bone.
  

  How long to pan fry boneless pork chops

  One of the biggest complaints I see people making about pork chops is that they come out dry. This often happens due to cooking them for too long. A 1/2 inch pork chop really only needs to cook 2-3 minutes on each side in a 375F skillet. This is very similar to how you would sear steak. A high-heat skillet is required to get the beautiful brown sear on meat.

  

  How can I tell if the pork chops are done?

  The internal temperature of a pork chop should be 145F using an instant-read thermometer. It should feel similar to a steak done to medium-rare. When pressing with your finger, the pork chop should have a bit of a squishy bounce to it, similar to pressing your middle finger to the base of your thumb.

  

  Tips for cooking pork chops in a cast iron skillet

  1. Use a high-fat oil such as bacon grease, canola oil, or olive oil in the skillet along with two Tablespoons of butter. This will help to sear the pork chop while keeping it moist.
  2. Sear a room temperature pork chop. Remove pork chops from the refrigerator at least 20 minutes prior to cooking or grilling.
  3. Season well. Use a dry rub like the one in this recipe or a marinade to add flavor to this lean meat.
  4. Remove from the skillet immediately. Once your pork chops are within a few degrees of 145F, remove them from the skillet and allow them to rest on a cutting board or large platter. Tent with tinfoil and allow to rest for 5 minutes or so. This prevents overcooking while resting and allows the juices to redistribute before cutting.
  

  More Pork Chop Recipes

  SMOTHERED PORK CHOPS: A classic dish born in the South, that brings a perfect cast iron sear and savory gravy to dinnertime. This comfort food is absolutely delicious and easy to make.
  ASIAN-INSPIRED HOISIN GLAZED PORK CHOPS: Loaded with sweet, tangy flavor it’s the perfect stovetop dinner recipe served simply alongside rice that both kids and adults will love.

  Kitchen tools you’ll need for seared pork chops:

  We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites at no extra cost to you.

  Video for how to sear boneless pork chops

  How cook boneless pork chops

  Step 1: Remove pork chops from their packaging and allow to come to room temperature on a plate for at least 20 minutes. Dab with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

  

  Step 2: Season generously with your blend of spices. Rub all over the sides and ends of your pork chops.

  

  Step 3: Preheat your skillet to 400F. Add oil and butter to the skillet as it heats. Your oil and butter will bubble and look as though it’s dancing when it’s ready.

  Step 4: Using tongs, add your pork chops to the skillet. Press the top lightly with your tongs to ensure the entire face of the pork chop is touching the skillet. Allow to sear without moving the pork chop for 2-3 minutes. Your skillet will drop in temperature a bit as the pork chop cooks.

  

  Step 5: After 3 minutes, flip the pork chops in the order you laid them in the skillet. Press slightly and again allow to cook for 2-3 minutes.

  Step 6: Remove immediately from the skillet when done. Check with an instant-read thermometer into the center, thickest portion of the pork chop. The temperature should be between at least 140F. Cover with tinfoil and the chops will continue to cook slightly as well as redistribute the juices inside as it rests. Let rest for 5-10 minutes.

  
  

  What to serve with boneless pork chops

  • Potato Salad
  • Caesar Salad
  • Cornbread
  • Peach Ice Tea

  Pan Fried Boneless Pork Chops

  Quick and easy, always juicy, boneless pork chops ready in just 10 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight meal and easy to double or triple for company.

  Print Recipe
  

  Prep Time:20 mins

  Cook Time:6 mins

  Resting Time:5 mins

  Total Time:31 mins

  Equipment

  • 12-inch skillet

  • small whisk

  • small mixing bowl

  • measuring spoons

  • tongs

  • instant-read thermometer

  • Plates

  Ingredients

  • 4 boneless pork chops 1.25 pounds total
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  US Customary – Metric

  Instructions

  • Remove pork chops from their packaging and allow to come to room temperature on a plate for at least 20 minutes. Dab with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.

    

  • Add the spices to a small bowl and whisk to combine. Season generously with your blend of spices. Rub all over the sides and ends of your pork chops.

    

  • Preheat your skillet to 350-400F. Add oil and butter to the skillet as it heats. Your oil and butter will bubble and look as though it’s dancing when it’s ready.

  • Using tongs, add your pork chops to the skillet. Press the top lightly with your tongs to ensure the entire face of the pork chop is touching the skillet. Allow searing without moving the pork chop for 2-3 minutes.

    

  • After 3 minutes, flip the pork chops in the order you laid them in the skillet. Press slightly and again allow to cook for 2-3 minutes.

    

  • Remove immediately from the skillet when done. Check with an instant-read thermometer into the center, thickest portion of the pork chop. The temperature should be between at least 140F. Cover with tinfoil and the chops will continue to cook slightly as well as redistribute the juices inside as it rests. Let rest for 5-10 minutes.

    

  Video

  Notes

  Prep time is simply letting the pork chops come to room temperature. The actual cooking of pork chops takes mear minutes. 

  How long does it take to fry pork chops in a cast iron skillet?

  Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot and just beginning to smoke. Add the pork chops and cook for 1 minute on each side — they should begin to brown and release some fat into the pan. Continuing flipping and cooking for 8 to 10 minutes.

  How long does pork loin chops take to cook?

  Season the chops on both sides with a good sprinkling of salt and pepper. Grill under a moderate heat for 12-16 minutes, turning once, until just cooked (or 16-18 mins if not adding a topping). Add the topping if using.

  How do you grill pork chops on a cast iron pan?

  Lightly brush the ridges of the cast iron grill pan with olive or vegetable oil. Place the pan over medium heat and add the pork chops. Cook until grill marks appear on each side and the pork chop is just cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Serve alongside fresh barbecue sauce.

  Which cooking method is best for loin chops?

  Direct heat, where food is placed directly over the heat source, is ideal for small cuts like kabobs, tenderloin, burgers and chops. Indirect heat, where food is placed on the grill rack away from the coals or gas burners, is good for large cuts like loin roasts, ribs, shoulder and fresh ham.