Pork Chops with Bay Leaf and Lemon Slices
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
20 mins
-
Total Time
30 mins
-
Servings
4
-
Calories
2934 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Italian
Pork Chops with Bay Leaf and Lemon Slices
Description
Pork Chops with Bay Leaf and Lemon Slices begins by gently cooking sliced garlic and bay leaves in olive oil to infuse the oil with their aromas. The garlic is cooked until lightly golden to avoid bitterness. Lemon slices are then browned carefully in the same oil, imparting a bright, citrus note and slight caramelization.
Seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper, the pork chops are pan-seared in the aromatic oil, developing a browned exterior while staying juicy inside. The use of bone-in center-cut chops provides flavorful meat that benefits from moderate heat to reach an internal temperature of about 145°F, ensuring tenderness.
This dish pairs well as a simple main course alongside vegetables or grains. The garlic, bay leaf, and lemon flavors provide a pleasing balance without overpowering the natural pork taste.
Attentive stirring and temperature control when browning the garlic are key to prevent burning. Monitoring the pork’s internal temperature helps achieve moist, tender results without overcooking.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic thinly sliced, cloves
- 4 bay leaves fresh or dried
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
- 4 pork chops 6 to 8 ounces each, bone-in, center-cut
- 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons salt fine
- black pepper freshly ground, to taste
- 1/4 cup white wine dry
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Aromatics: In a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed stainless-steel skillet set over medium-low heat, place 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, sliced garlic, and bay leaves. Cook, stirring, until the garlic is lightly golden, and the oil is infused with the aroma of garlic and bay leaf, about 5 minutes. Transfer the garlic and bay leaves to a plate and set aside. Leave the oil in the pan.
- Cook the sliced lemon: Add the lemon slices to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes to brown the bottom. The juice from the lemon slices can cause the fat in the pan to spatter, so watch out and turn down the heat if necessary. Once the slices are browned on the bottom, turn them with tongs or a fork and brown the other side. Transfer the browned lemon slices to the plate with the garlic and bay leaves.
- Season and pan-sear the pork chops: Season the pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper. Arrange them in the pan, taking care not to crowd them or they won’t brown properly. Brown them two at a time if necessary. Raise the heat to medium-high and sear the chops until nicely browned on the bottom, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn the chops and cook until browned on the other side, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the wine: Pour in the wine and let it bubble for about 30 seconds. Then lower then heat to medium-low and return the garlic, bay leaves, and lemon slices to the pan. Cook the pork chops for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted in the center of the chop registers 145°F.
- Serve: Transfer the pork chops to a serving platter and spoon the pan juices, along with the lemon slices, over the top. Let sit for just a minute or two to rest before serving.
Notes
- Stir garlic constantly over medium-low heat to prevent burning; reduce heat as needed.
- Cook pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F for optimal tenderness and juiciness.
- Use fresh or dried bay leaves based on availability; both impart aromatic flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 2934 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 293.4kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 3.7g | 1% |
| Protein | 29.3g | 59% |
| Fat | 16.4g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 4.3g | 22% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.9g | 11% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9.1g | 46% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 89.8mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 938.2mg | 39% |
| Potassium | 557.5mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 0.8g | 3% |
| Sugar | 0.8g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 17.7IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 15.1mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 23.3mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
