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Flavorful Garlic Butter Pork Chops Recipe with Tender Spring Vegetables Made Easy

garlic butter pork chops - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring juicy garlic butter pork chops paired with tender spring vegetables like asparagus and peas, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 1 cup baby carrots, halved lengthwise
  • Optional: 1 cup sugar snap peas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or thyme
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Trim asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces. Halve baby carrots lengthwise. Rinse and trim sugar snap peas if using. Set vegetables aside.
  3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and warm until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  4. Place pork chops in the pan and cook without moving for about 4 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes.
  5. Lower heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter and minced garlic to the pan. Baste pork chops frequently with the melted garlic butter for 2-3 minutes, ensuring garlic does not burn.
  6. Push pork chops to one side of the pan. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter and prepared vegetables. Toss to coat veggies in butter and garlic. Cover loosely and steam for 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
  7. Remove lid. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over pork chops and vegetables. Sprinkle chopped parsley or thyme on top. Toss or spoon sauce over pork chops.
  8. Transfer pork chops and vegetables to plates. Let chops rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Serve immediately with pan juices spooned over the top.

Notes

Pat pork chops dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear. Watch garlic carefully to avoid burning; if burnt, discard and add fresh garlic and butter. Use an instant-read thermometer to check pork internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). If veggies are too crisp, cover and cook an additional minute. For thicker chops, add 1-2 minutes cooking time or finish in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter pork chops, spring vegetables, easy pork chops, quick dinner, healthy pork recipe, asparagus, peas, weeknight meal