Pork Chops with Bay Leaf and Lemon Slices

By Suzanne Anderson March 30, 2023 28 mins read 77 Views

Pan-fried pork chops in a cast iron skillet. Garnished with fresh lemon and bay leaf. In 20 minutes, they are ready!

Credits to Andrea Gralow

It doesn't take much to make great food. This easy pan-seared pork chop recipe is made with quality ingredients and simple cooking techniques.

First, I heat the olive oil with garlic and bay leaves, then I sear the pork in this flavorful oil. After the sear is complete, I cook the bone-in chops in a splash wine or stock. This results in a tender, succulent pork chop with a caramelized crust and bright aromatic flavors.

Cooking pan-seared pork chops takes only 20 minutes. You can either prepare your sides in advance or choose side dishes that are as simple to make. For a heartier side, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes is a good choice. Or Lemon Garlic Asparagus is a lighter option. This is a great way to serve comfort food, such as Creamy Polenta on top.

Table of Contents

What's in the Recipe?
How to make juicy pork chops
Pork chops are worth the indulgence
Swaps and Substitutions
How to Cook Pork Chops
What to serve with Pan-Seared Pork Chops
More Amazing Mains
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Pork Chops With Bay Leaf and Lemon Slices Recipe

What's inside this Recipe

This pan-seared pork chop recipe is quick and easy to prepare. They are delicious and succulent when cooked in a cast iron skillet.

Bone in pork chops: Pork chops with bone-in tend to be more flavorful than those without bones. Also, they are less likely to dry out or turn tough. This is why I use them in this recipe. You should only use high-quality pork from a reliable source.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use just 2 tablespoons to brown the chops, and to saute the aromatics.
Garlic: Slice 3 cloves into thin strips to melt in the oil.
Fresh bay leaf: Bay Leaf is an herb I love but is often overlooked. It gives the chops a rich, deep flavor and perfume.
Fresh lemon: Slice the lemon and then brown them in a pan. This caramelizes the lemon and gives it a bright, fresh flavor.
Freshly ground pepper and fine salt complete this dish.
Dry white wines: Just 1/4 cup of dry white wine adds flavor and helps you finish your chops.

How To Make Juicy Pork Chops

You're not the only one who has ever experienced dry, tough pork chops. Pork chops can be overcooked.

You can avoid this problem by using high-quality meat and a good skillet. Cast-iron skillets are best but heavy-bottomed, stainless-steel skillets also work well.

An instant-read thermometer is the best for measuring meat temp. This will allow you to determine when your pork chops have been cooked perfectly and give you the results that you want. I prefer tender chops but don't like pink pork so I cook them at 145°F. This gives me juicy, well-done meat that isn't undercooked. As pork can quickly go from tender to hard, I try to keep it below 145°F.

The USDA updated its safety guidelines for cooking pork to 160°F in 2020. Current USDA recommendations for cooking pork are 145 degrees F.

Begin with the aromatics. In a skillet, heat the olive oil, garlic and bay leaves to soften the garlic. Transfer them to a plate.

Make lemon slices caramel: Heat the oil in a skillet. Let the lemon slices brown on both sides. Place them on a plate along with the bay leaves and garlic.

Cut the pork chops. Pork chops can curl when they cook. To avoid this, make a series small vertical cuts (top to bottom), in the fat around the edges of the chops. This allows for more even cooking.

Season the pork chops and sear them. Season the chops with salt and pepper. To get a nice sear, transfer the chops to a hot skillet. Be careful not to crowd the skillet. If necessary, brown the chops in batches.

Let the pan cool. Add the wine or chicken stock if you are using alcohol. Allow it to bubble for around 30 seconds.

Cook the pork chops. Reduce the heat and add the bay leaves and garlic to the pan. Depending on the thickness of your chops, cook them for 3 to 5 more minutes. To coat the chops with the pan juices, you can turn them once or twice. To ensure that your meat is properly cooked, use an instant-read thermometer.

Pork Chops are Worth the Extravagance

Pork chops with thick, bone-in meat are something I love to indulge in every now and again. I only buy the highest quality meat when I do.

I avoid mass-produced pork that is bred to lose weight. Instead, I prefer pork from small farms and heritage producers. It's easy to find small farmers near me at the farmer's market. Here are some heritage breeds that you can ask your butcher or farmer about:

Berkshire
Red Wattle
Duroc
Tamworth

Substitutions and Swaps

You can swap out center-cut, boneless pork chops for thinner chops. These will cook in less time, so make sure to use an instant-read thermometer to prevent overcooked pork chops.

You can also use bay leaves if you don't have rosemary. This is a great partner for pork. You don't need wine. To deglaze the pan, use chicken broth

Tips for Cooking Pork Chops

To get tender and juicy pork chops, it is a sure-fire way to make them tender. These are some additional tips and tricks that will help you make the best pork chops.

You should look for pork chops about 1 inch thick. You should watch the chops closely if you choose a thinner cut. They will cook quicker.
The marbling white lines running through the meat will help keep it juicy. You want meat that has a good amount of marbling to keep the chops juicy while they cook.
If time permits, allow the pork chops to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before you begin cooking . This will ensure that the meat is cooked evenly and maintains the same temperature throughout.
Salt should be generously used. Pork chops can take a lot of salt so season the meat all over.
Heat the oil and skillet until very hot before you add the pork. This will result in a golden brown sear. Cook the pork chops in a small skillet so they stay hot.
After cooking, let the pork chops cool for 5 minutes . The juices from the meat will be distributed throughout the pork and the pork chops will remain juicier.

What to serve with Pan-Seared Pork Chops

You'll want to serve the pork chops with a side dish, since they can be cooked by themselves.

Combining pork and fennel is my favorite combination. I like to serve these chops topped with Roasted Fennel with Parmigiano cheese. To cut down on the meat's richness, you can also try a refreshing Radicchio Salad. Rice is always a good side dish to pork.

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Pork Chops With Bay Leaf and Lemon Slices

This pork chop recipe is easy to make! Pan-seared pork chops until golden brown, then seasoned with aromatic wine broth and roasted until tender.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Prep time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 Minutes

Total time HTML5_ HTML6_ HTML7_ HTML8_ HTML9_ HTML5_ HTML6_ HTML8_ HTML5_ HTML6_ HTML7_ HTML8_ HTML5_ HTML5_ HTML6_ HTML8_ HTML5_ HTML5_

Servings HTML4

Calories 294 kcal

Author Domenica Maretti

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
4 fresh and dried bay leaves
1 lemon, thinly sliced
4 bone-in center-cut pork chops, 6 to 8 ounces each
1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons fine salt
Freshly ground black Pepper to taste
1/4 cup dry white wine

Instructions

Heat the Oil and Aromatics. In a large cast iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillet, heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Add the sliced garlic and bay leaves. Stirring occasionally, cook the garlic until it is lightly golden and the oil has absorbed the bay leaf and garlic aromas, approximately 5 minutes. Place the bay leaves and garlic on a plate. Keep the oil in the saucepan.
To cook the sliced lemon, add the slices to a pan. Cook for approximately 2 minutes to brown bottom. You should be careful not to let the juice of the lemon slices cause the pan's fat to scorch. After the bottom is browned, flip the slices with a fork or tongs and brown the opposite side. Place the browned lemon slices on a plate along with the bay leaves and garlic.
Season and pan-sear pork chops. Season pork chops both sides with salt. Place them in a pan. Don't crowd them, or they won’t brown properly. If necessary, brown them 2 at a time. Turn the heat up to medium high and cook the chops for 2 to 3 minutes. Cook the chops until golden brown on the other side.
Add the wine. Let it bubble for 30 seconds. Reduce heat to medium-low, then add the garlic, bay leaves and lemon slices. Continue to cook the pork chops for 3 to 5 more minutes or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the middle of the chop registers temperature at 145degF.
Serve: Place the pork chops on a platter. Pour the pan juices and the lemon slices over the pork chops. Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Garlic can easily burn so be careful when you're browning it. Turn down heat if necessary and stir constantly.
You only need to heat the chops to 145°F. You will get tender, juicy pork chops if you keep the temperature at 145°F.
To browse high-quality Mediterranean ingredients such as olive oils, honey and jams, visit the shop

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 3.7g

The first appearance of Pork Chops With Bay Leaf and Lemon Slices was on The Mediterranean Dish.

By: Domenica Marchetti
Title: Pork Chops with Bay Leaf and Lemon Slices
Sourced From: www.themediterraneandish.com/pork-chops/
Published Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2023 15:29:26 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Mediterranean Food Diet be gluten free?

Yes, the Mediterranean diet can be modified to be gluten-free. Instead of using whole-grain carbohydrate sources like wheat and barley, you can incorporate gluten-free grains, such as millet (or quinoa), into your meals. You should also include fresh fruits, such as melon and pear, legumes, nuts and seeds, in your diet. People who are gluten-intolerant or have difficulty digesting dairy products may be able to benefit from lactose free options. Some other ideas that may help could include having porridge instead of oats for breakfast, opting for baked salmon with potatoes or a bean soup for lunch rather than sandwiches on wheat bread, or roasting vegetables with herbs for dinner!

What are the main foods in a Mediterranean diet?

Mediterranean cuisine includes fruits, vegetables (at least twice per week), whole grains, legumes. Nuts are an option. When possible, it is best to eat fresh ingredients rather than pre-packaged processed food. It is better to use herbs than salt to spice up meals. You should incorporate physical activity into your daily schedule to reap the full benefits. This diet can be made more enjoyable by sharing mindful eating techniques with friends and family when sharing meals.

Can I drink alcohol on a Mediterranean diet?

It is possible to have moderate amounts of alcohol as part the Mediterranean diet. This drinking style should be limited to 1 glass daily for women and 2 for men. Drinks that are suitable include beer, dry wines, and spirits made from natural ingredients, such as vodka, whiskey, brandy, and gin. Because of their high sugar content, avoid heavy spirits like cocktails. A daily intake of water or herbal drinks can keep your body hydrated and reduce sugar cravings.

Statistics

The research suggested that the diet reduced the risk of cardiovascular issues, including stroke, heart attack, and death, by about 30 percent compared with the control group. (medicalnewstoday.com)
In one study, the healthiest eaters at age 50 had a nearly 90% lower risk of dementia than those with the least healthy diets. (heart.org)
One small study suggested that swapping one-half of your serving of a high-glycemic starch (like rice) with lentils helps lower the glycemic response by 20 percent. (everydayhealth.com)
Aim to get 20 to 35 percent of your total daily caloric intake from fat, and for saturated fats to represent less than 10 percent of your total caloric intake, advises the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (everydayhealth.com)

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How the Mediterranean Food Diet Can Help You Lose Weight & Feel Great

The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes whole grains, healthy fats, legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables. It has been shown to have many health benefits including improved blood cholesterol, glucose control, reduced chance of developing certain cancers, better heart health, cognitive function, and weight management. A few tips can help make the transition to a Mediterranean lifestyle easier. Start by switching high-calorie snack foods like chips to nutrient-dense veggies. Secondly, learn how to increase variety in your diet by adding spices or different sources derived from nuts, fruits, and vegetables. For a better satiety, add legumes and grains to your diet. These steps will help you enjoy your food, while also helping to improve your health.