Last Updated on September 17, 2023
ButcherBox’s Pork Chops get seared until golden brown and then braised on the stovetop in a savory gravy that acts as a sauce, but also the cooking medium—efficient and genius, really. It’s a method called smothering and rooted in the American South’s cajun and creole cuisines. This technique works very well with many different cuts of meat, but lends itself to pork chops with their short cooking time and sweet meat that pairs superbly with a savory gravy.
This recipe focuses on using as many pantry ingredients as possible while also calling for a few fresh herbs to brighten things up. If you’re looking to add more vegetables (because there aren’t any really), try mushrooms, spinach or roasted Brussels sprouts on the side.\
Ingredients
- 4 ButcherBox Boneless Pork Chops, defrosted, rinsed and patted very dry
- Salt
- 1 tsp black pepper, freshly ground, plus more for seasoning
- 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp canola or other high heat oil
- 2 tbsp shallots, finely chopped
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves and tender stems, chopped
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cayenne
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- On a plate, season the chops with salt and pepper and set aside. On another plate put 3 tablespoons of the flour and then dredge the seasoned pork chops in it so they are fully coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter and oil in a large skillet (12-inch diameter) over high and once hot, sear the floured pork chops, undisturbed, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Turn over and sear the other side just until the pink meat has browned slightly, about 2 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium-low and transfer the chops back to the plate.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the pan and once melted, scrape up all the brown bits. Add the shallots and cook, stirring frequently, until very soft and golden brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons flour and cook, stirring often, until saturated in the shallot butter and cooked, about 3 minutes. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking vigorously to incorporate it. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the thyme, 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, nutmeg and cayenne then season with salt.
- Place the pork chops in the gravy and simmer until cooked through to your liking or chops registers 135º F with an instant-read thermometer stuck into the thickest part, about 7 minutes. Turn off the heat. Let the chops rest in the gravy and come up to temperature (150º F for medium). Serve on a platter with the chopped parsley and more black pepper on top, if desired.
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