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Remember that time I tried to impress my in-laws with a fancy dinner? Total disaster! I spent hours on some complicated dish, and it turned out… well, let’s just say it wasn't edible. That's when I learned that simple is often better. This pork chop recipe is proof of that. It's quick, easy, and tastes incredible. I think you're going to love it!
The magic of this dish lies in the tomato-basil relish. The freshness of the tomatoes, combined with the aromatic basil and a touch of garlic, complements the savory pork chops perfectly. It's like a burst of sunshine on your plate! One of my friend's kids—who's a notoriously picky eater—actually devoured this meal! It’s a game changer.
Don't be intimidated if you're not a confident cook. This recipe is incredibly forgiving. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking and add other veggies to the relish. Maybe some finely diced red onion, for example. Get creative! I'm so confident you can nail it, you'll be making this dish for years to come.
Required Equipments
Medium Bowl
Large Skillet
Meat Thermometer
Measuring Spoons
Measuring Cups
Knife
Pork Chops with Tomato Basil Relish: Frequently Asked Questions
Pork Chops with Tomato Basil Relish
These juicy pork chops, crowned with a vibrant tomato-basil relish, bring summer flavors to your dinner table any time of year. It's a simple yet elegant dish that's sure to impress, I promise! The fresh herbs and tomatoes elevate simple pork chops into something really special.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
First, prepare the tomato-basil relish. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of diced ripe tomatoes (Roma or garden tomatoes work best), 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Gently toss everything together. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Maybe add a pinch more salt or a dash of balsamic if you like a bit more tang.
Cover the bowl and let the relish sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you're making this ahead of time, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before serving.
While the relish is resting, prepare the pork chops. Pat 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick) dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Don't be shy with the seasoning! It really makes a difference.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the pork chops. You want to hear that sizzle!
Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If your skillet isn't big enough, cook the chops in batches. Overcrowding can lower the temperature and result in steamed instead of seared chops.
Sear the pork chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they're cooked properly. Nobody wants dry or undercooked pork!
Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chop.
To serve, place each pork chop on a plate and top with a generous spoonful of the tomato-basil relish. Garnish with a few extra basil leaves, if desired. Trust me, this extra step makes the dish look even more appetizing.
Serve immediately with your favorite sides. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad would all be excellent choices. I personally love pairing this with some garlicky green beans.
📝 Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the pork chops for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the relish for a little heat.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).