• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Easy and Delish logo

  • About
    • Meet Denise!
    • COOKBOOK
    • Contact
    • Press
  • All Recipes
  • BRAZILIAN FOOD
  • Conversions
    • How Many Sticks of Butter in a Cup?
    • How Many Teaspoons in a Tablespoon?
    • Temperature Conversion (Chart & Calculator)
    • US Cups to Ounces to Grams for Common Ingredients (Charts)
    • Volume Conversions (Table for Dry & Liquid Ingredients)
    • Baking Substitutions (with Charts & Tables)
  • Shop
  • Videos
  • Português
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Página Inicial
  • About
  • Sobre Mim
  • All Recipes
  • Todas as Receitas
  • Shop
  • Conversions
  • Vídeos
  • Português
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home > Quick & Easy Recipes

    Published: Aug 31, 2020 by Denise Browning · "This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission." · 4 Comments

    Pan-Seared Pork Chops Recipe

    Gluten FreeDairy Free

    Jump to Recipe ↓

    Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Sweet Teriyaki Sauce make a perfect dinner recipe for any day of the week – just like our easy broiled pork chops and our pan-grilled pork chops! So tender, juicy, and flavorful, these incredibly easy-to-make pork chops will really jazz up your plate with a restaurant-quality meal. The recipe is from my book, The Complete 5-Ingredient Cookbook. 

    close up of one of the pan seared pork chops

    This is one of the most visually appetizing dishes you’ll ever lay eyes on, and although I like to gaze at it, I love eating it even more.

    The teriyaki—a sweet, sour, and salty Japanese sauce—gives the glaze a beautiful brown color, while imparting extra flavor and making the chops oh so succulent.

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    • 4 center-cut boneless pork chops, at room temperature – although I used boneless pork chops, you can replace them with bone-in pork chops which will take less time to cook. But whatever your choice is, make sure the chops are at room temp so they will cook evenly.
    • Salt (basic ingredient)
    • Freshly ground black pepper (basic ingredient)
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided (basic ingredient) – you may use any other oil or ghee if you’d like to.
    • 6 cloves garlic, minced (basic ingredient) – if you prefer, substitute chopped onion for garlic.
    • ¼ cup honey – real maple syrup makes a great swap.
    • ¼ cup teriyaki sauce – if you don’t have it in your pantry, use soy sauce. They are not the same, but it will do! To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free sauce.
    • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (basic ingredient) – you may use lime juice or even red wine vinegar instead.

    A basic ingredient can be defined as one that is essential for any type of cooking – or those which are ingredients that most recipes rely on. That is why ingredients such as salt and pepper (seasonings), garlic (basic flavoring), oil (fat), and lemon juice (acid) don't enter in the count of the 5 ingredients.

    Moreover, most people have them at home – or at least a suitable substitute.

    How to Make Pan-Seared Pork Chops 

    four photo collage showing how to make pan seared pork chops step-by-step

    Before even start cooking these pan-seared pork chops, make sure:

    • They are at room temp (leave them out of the fridge for at least 30 minutes to up to 60 minutes before cooking)

    • To pat them dry before seasoning.

    STEP 1: Preheat the broiler. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.

    STEP 2: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, about 5 minutes. SEE PIC. 1 Pour in 2 tablespoons of oil, then sear the pork chops for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. SEE PIC. 2 Transfer to a plate.

    STEP 3: Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. SEE PIC. 3 Add the honey, teriyaki sauce, and lemon juice.

    STEP 4: Increase the heat to medium-high. Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. SEE PIC. 4 Add the pork chops back into the pan and baste them with the sauce.

    STEP 5: Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil until the edges of the pork are slightly charred, 1 to 2 minutes.

    Top Tips for Making the Best Pork Chops

    boneless pork chops with teriyaki sauce in a cast iron pan

    TIP 1: Bring your pork chops to room temperature by allowing them to sit on your counter for 30-60 minutes before searing. This will ensure they cook evenly on the inside and the center reaches the right temperature.

    TIP 2: For the best flavor, generously season your pork chops with salt and pepper before searing.

    TIP 3: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pork needs to be cooked to 145 degrees F before eating. It will keep cooking after you remove it from the heat.

    TIP 4: Be aware that the cooking time can vary based on the thickness of the pork chops.

    TIP 5: Let chops rest for at least 4-5 minutes before cutting. This will seal the juices in and keep them tender.

    Why Broil Pork Chops?

    The broiling step may seem odd since the pork chops are already cooked through during the searing step. But the broiling is important for this recipe because it helps to meld the flavors of the sweet teriyaki sauce to the tender seared pork chops. You’ll also see the edges of the pork darken, which really intensifies the flavor. Moreover, the honey will help caramelize the chops under the broiler.

    Best Pork Chop Cuts for Pan-Searing

    • Boneless pork chops – We love thick, boneless center-cut pork chops for searing because they can turn out very tender.
    • Bone-In pork chops– Center-cut bone-in pork chops are a delicious option for searing, and they cook faster.
    • Pork Rib Chops – These contain less meat and are less expensive than the previous two. But they come from the rib instead of the loin, unlike the boneless and the bone-in center cut pork chops. Yet they are great for high temp cooking methods such as pan-searing.

    Tips for the Best Sear

    several chops in a pan garnished with lemon slices

    Here are a few useful tips on how to make tender cast-iron skillet boneless pork chops:

    TIP 1: Pat the pork chops dry and season them very well with salt and pepper-- about 1 teaspoon of salt per pound.

    TIP 2: Use a cast-iron skillet for a nice, even sear. It’s also oven-safe, so you can use the same pan for the whole recipe, including the final step of broiling the pork chops.

    TIP 3: Be sure the skillet and oil are hot before adding the pork chops.

    TIP 4: Flip the pork chops only once while searing. They must cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown.

    How to Know When the Pork Chops are Done

    You should feel resistance when you press on the pork chops with your finger, but they should not feel hard. The very best way to know pork is ready is to test the internal temperature to be sure it is at least 145 degrees F, however, the chops will continue to cook even after removing them from the pan. Because of this, you may want to consider them done at 135-140 degrees F as they will keep cooking during the final broiling step and even as they rest before serving.

    What to Serve with Pan-Seared Pork Chops

    Here are some delicious side dish ideas for the pan-seared pork chops:

    • Rice
    • Soba noodles
    • Tossed green salad
    • Steamed or oven-roasted vegetables such as roasted delicata squash 
    • Baked potato
    • Broccoli gratin 
    • No yeast bread 

    How to Store Leftovers

    Fridge: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    Freezer: Leftover pork chops can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the pork chops in airtight containers or zip-top freezer bags. This is one of those easy freezer meals, as one of those easy 5-ingredient or less recipes. 

    Reheating Pork Chops

    The very best way to reheat pork chops is in the oven in a covered pan with extra moisture to prevent them from drying out. Here are the steps:

    1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.

    2. Add 2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth to an oven-safe baking dish or pan.

    3. Place the pork chops in the baking dish and cover with foil.

    4. Reheat the pork chops in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

    For more easy and delish 5-ingredient recipes, GET THE COMPLETE 5-INGREDIENT COOKBOOK HERE. 

    Cover of The Complete 5-Ingredient Cookbook by Denise Browning

     

    For more easy and delish recipes that the entire family will love, FOLLOW US ON PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM, AND FACEBOOK. Also, SUBSCRIBE to receive free recipes in your email inbox. 

     

    PIN & ENJOY!

    close up image of pan-seared pork chops about to be drizzled with sauce

    close up of one of the pan seared pork chops
    Print SAVE Saved Recipe! Pin
    5 from 2 votes

    Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Sweet Teriyaki Sauce

    Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Sweet Teriyaki Sauce are a perfect dinner recipe for any day of the week. So tender, juicy, and flavorful, these quick and easy pork chops will really jazz up your plate with a restaurant-quality meal. Recipe from The Complete 5-Ingredient Cookbook, page 173.
    Course:Main Course
    Cuisine:American
    Keywords:boneless pork chops, dinner recipes, pan seared pork chops, pan seared pork chops recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 25 minutes
    Total Time 30 minutes
    Servings 4
    Calories389 kcal
    Author Denise Browning
    Cost $ 2.50 per person

    Equipment

    • cast iron skillet
    • oven
    • broiler

    Ingredients

    • 4 boneless pork chops, center-cut at room temperature
    • salt
    • freshly ground black pepper
    • 3 tablespoon olive oil
    • 6 cloves of garlic minced
    • ¼ cup honey
    • ¼ cup teriyaki sauce
    • 2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

    Instructions

    • Before you even start cooking these pan-seared pork chops, make sure chops are at room temp (leave them out of the fridge for at least 30 minutes to up to 60 minutes before cooking) and also to pat them dry before seasoning.
    • "Preheat the broiler. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot, about 5 minutes. Pour in 2 tablespoons of oil, then sear the pork chops for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Transfer to a plate.
    • Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the honey, teriyaki sauce, and lemon juice.
    • Increase the heat to medium-high. Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Add the pork chops back into the pan and baste them with the sauce. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil until the edges of the pork are slightly charred, 1 to 2 minutes."

    Recipe Notes

    To make this meal LOW CARB, use sugar-free honey. To make it GLUTEN-FREE, use a GF teriyaki sauce. 
    GET THE COMPLETE 5-INGREDIENT COOKBOOK HERE. 
    Ingredients and Substitutions
    • Boneless pork chops, at room temperature – although I used boneless pork chops, you can replace them with bone-in pork chops which will take less time to cook. But whatever your choice is, make sure the chops ate at room temp so they will cook evenly.
    • Salt (basic ingredient)
    • Freshly ground black pepper (basic ingredient)
    • Olive oil (basic ingredient) – you may use any other oil or ghee if you’d like to.
    • Garlic (basic ingredient) – if you prefer, substitute chopped onion for garlic.
    • Honey–real maple syrup makes a great swap.
    • Teriyaki sauce– if you don’t have in your pantry, use soy sauce. They are not the same, but it will do! To make this dish gluten-free,use a gluten-free sauce.
    • Lemon juice (basic ingredient) –you may use lime juice or even red wine vinegar instead.
    A basic ingredient can be defined as essential for any cooking – or are ingredients most recipes rely on. This is why it doesn’t enter in the count of the 5 ingredients such as salt and pepper (seasonings), garlic (basic flavoring), oil (fat), and lemon juice (acid).
    Moreover, most people have them at home – or at least a suitable substitute.
    How to Know When the Pork Chops are Done
    You should feel resistance when you press on the pork chops with your finger, but they should not feel hard. The very best way to know pork is ready is to test the internal temperature to be sure it is at least 145 degrees F, however, the chops will continue to cook even after removing them from the pan. Because of this, you may want to consider them done at 135-140 degrees F as they will keep cooking during the final broiling step and even as they rest before serving.
    How to Store Leftovers
    Fridge: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
    Freezer: Leftover pork chops can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze the pork chops in airtight containers or zip top freezer bags. It’s one of those easy freezer meals as one of those easy 5-ingredient or less recipes. 
    Reheating Pork Chops
    The very best way to reheat pork chops is in the oven in a covered pan with extra moisture to prevent them from drying out. Here are the steps:
    1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. Add 2 tablespoons of water or chicken broth to an oven-safe baking dish or pan.
    3. Place the pork chops in the baking dish and cover with foil.
    4. Reheat the pork chops in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 389kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 90mg | Sodium: 756mg | Potassium: 569mg | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

    ** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.

    Please note that health-focused and diet information provided on easyanddelish.com is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult with your doctor or other qualified health professional prior to initiating any significant change in your diet or exercise regimen, or for any other issue necessitating medical advice.

    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Comment and rate the recipe. Also follow us on Pinterest at @easyanddelish for more delish recipes.

     

    « Brigadeiro Cake Recipe: Moist & Fudgy
    Avocado Mousse Recipe (Eggless/No Cook) »

    Filed Under: 5 Ingredients or Less, American Recipes, Easy Dairy-Free Recipes, Easy Dinner Recipes, Easy Gluten-Free Recipes, Quick & Easy Recipes

    Subscribe

    for your weekly recipe fix.

    Please read our privacy policies before subscribing

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Raymund says

      September 01, 2020 at 2:52 pm

      5 stars
      Now this is what a comfort meal looks like

      Reply
    2. John / Kitchen Riffs says

      September 02, 2020 at 9:06 am

      Pork chops are wonderful, aren't they? And yours look particularly good. Terrific flavors -- such a neat recipe. Thanks!

      Reply
    3. JB says

      September 20, 2020 at 10:31 am

      5 stars
      Pork chops are pretty much my favorite cut of meat. This was mouthwatering, and the teriyaki sauce was perfect for this

      Reply
      • Denise Browning says

        September 21, 2020 at 8:17 pm

        So glad you enjoyed our pan-seared pork chops recipe. They are quick and easy to prepare and make a hearty dinner meal.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




     

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Denise Browning!

    photo of Denise Browning smiling
    I'm a professional Chef with an expertise in Brazilian food. I am also a busy mom of two girls, living in Texas. Here you will find budget-friendly, healthy Brazilian and Global Recipes made Easy and Delish! I'd love to help you feed your family healthy dinners (many low carb) with a few splurges because life is all about balance! Join our community and happy cooking!

    About Me

    ORDER NOW!

    Cover of The Complete 5-Ingredient Cookbook by Denise Browning

    GET YOUR COPY NOW!

    The easy keto dessert ebook cover
    Subscribe for FREE Email Updates
    Receive EASY & DELISH recipes for free every week! Please check our PRIVACY POLICY!

     

    Marketing by
    Click here & join us on PINTEREST
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • PortuguêsPortuguês
    Portrait of Denise Browning, author of Easy and Delish

    Hi, I'm Denise Browing a professional chef and cookbook author. My mission is to help you cook budget-friendly, healthy global meals for your family with some occasional splurges. They are sure to bring a lot of excitement to your table

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Easy & Juicy Beef Brisket Recipe
    • The BEST Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe and 7-Day Diet Soup Chart (Printable)
    • One Pot Shrimp in Coconut Sauce
    • Honey Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet Recipe (5-Ingredient)

    Order Now!

    Cover of The Complete 5-Ingredient Cookbook by Denise Browning

    Get Your Copy Now!

    The easy keto dessert ebook cover
    Click Here & Join Us on Pinterest

    Seasonal

    • Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Soup
    • Keto Taco Shells (One Ingredient)
    • Cheesecake Factory Stuffed Mushrooms
    • Brie en Croute

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Recipes | Brazilian Recipes | Contact | Privacy Policy

    [widget id="simple-social-icons-2"]

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2020 Brunch Pro on the Brunch Pro Theme