5.0 from 12 votes
Thin Pork Chops Recipe
Learn How to Cook Thin Pork Chops Without Drying them! This easy recipe delivers juicy pork chops every single time—the best way to cook thin pork chops for any occasion.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Calories: 463 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 6 thin-cut pork chops
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- lemon juice and zest from 1 lemon
- 2 fresh garlic cloves chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
- 1 tablespoon butter for frying
- salt and black pepper to taste
- fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of your favorite seasoning blend
Instructions
- Dry and Season: Pat dry with a paper towel and season pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Make Marinade: In a bowl, combine the lemon juice and zest, chopped garlic, and olive oil (any seasoning blend if using). Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the marinade for extra flavor. Mix well.
- Marinating the Pork Chops: Place the thin pork chops in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the lemon-garlic marinade over the pork chops, ensuring they are well coated. Marinate the pork chops in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours*. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet, cast-iron skillet, or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter and swirl it around to coat the pan.
- Cooking: Remove the pork chops from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Place the pork chops in the hot pan. Cooking at high heat to get a good sear is key. Do not overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown sear.
- Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. They should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. If unsure, it's better to undercook them and let them rest slightly; they will continue cooking slightly from residual heat (carryover cooking).
- Resting: Once the pork chops are cooked, transfer them to a clean plate and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Allow them to rest for a few minutes. This step is essential for juicy and tender pork chops.
- Serve: Before serving, you can sprinkle some fresh herbs on top, like chopped parsley or thyme, for an added burst of freshness. Enjoy your delicious pork chops!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- *marinating can help enhance the flavor and juiciness of your pork chops, but don't let them marinate for too long, as the acidity in the lemon juice can start to "cook" the meat over time. Aim for a marinating time of 30 minutes to a few hours for best results.
Nutrition Information
Calories
463kcal
(23%)
Carbohydrates
1g
(0%)
Protein
43g
(86%)
Fat
31g
(48%)
Saturated Fat
9g
(45%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
Monounsaturated Fat
17g
Trans Fat
0.2g
Cholesterol
142mg
(47%)
Sodium
120mg
(5%)
Potassium
757mg
(22%)
Fiber
0.03g
(0%)
Sugar
0.02g
(0%)
Vitamin A
96IU
(2%)
Vitamin C
0.5mg
(1%)
Calcium
18mg
(2%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4-6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 463
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 463kcal | 23% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 43g | 86% |
| Fat | 31g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 142mg | 47% |
| Sodium | 120mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 757mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 0.03g | 0% |
| Sugar | 0.02g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 96IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 0.5mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 18mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.