The Secret to Perfectly Cooked Pork Chop

TLDRLearn the key steps to achieve perfectly cooked pork chop: bring it to room temperature before cooking, season it twice, sear it in a hot pan, and baste it with butter. Serve with a delicious mustard sauce and caramelized apples.

Key insights

🔑Bringing the pork chop to room temperature before cooking prevents it from being dry.

🔑Seasoning the pork chop twice, before and during cooking, enhances its flavor.

🔑Searing the pork chop in a hot pan caramelizes the fat and keeps it moist.

🔑Basting the pork chop with butter adds flavor and prevents it from drying out.

🔑Making a mustard sauce and caramelizing apples elevates the dish and adds complementary flavors.

Q&A

Why should I bring the pork chop to room temperature before cooking?

Bringing the pork chop to room temperature allows it to cook more evenly and prevents it from being dry.

Why do I need to season the pork chop twice?

Seasoning the pork chop before and during cooking ensures that it is well-flavored throughout.

How do I know when the pork chop is cooked?

An 8-ounce pork chop usually takes between 7 and 8 minutes to cook. You can also use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

What does basting with butter do?

Basting the pork chop with melted butter adds richness and flavor while keeping it moist.

Can I use different types of apples for caramelized apples?

Yes, you can use different types of apples for caramelized apples. Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firmness.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Bringing the pork chop to room temperature before cooking prevents it from being dry.

00:09Season the pork chop with salt and pepper on both sides.

01:01Sear the pork chop in a hot pan for 90 seconds on each side to caramelize the fat.

01:13Baste the pork chop with butter for added flavor and moisture.

02:32Make a mustard sauce with cream, Dijon mustard, and grain mustard.

03:46Caramelize Granny Smith apples with brown sugar, star anise, cloves, and butter.

03:56Plate the dish with braised cabbage, cream potatoes, and caramelized apples.