Dijon Cream Pork Chops Recipe
What is your favorite recipe for Dijon Cream Pork Chops? Is it the easiest thing to throw in the world? I always think of it like the grown-up cousin of chicken nuggets and mac ‘n’ cheese – all the flavors. What is comfort, but with a sophisticated twist? What makes pork chops so tender? Is it a fancy restaurant? My family begs for this at least once a week, and honestly, I don’t blame them. The star of the show, the Dijon mustard, really elevates the dish. What’s like a warm hug on the plate, and perfect for those nights when you want something delicious. How can I work without spending hours in the kitchen?
What is Dijon Cream Pork Chops Recipe?
What is the best way to serve a pan-fried pork chop? It’s essentially pork chops simmered in a creamy sauce flavored with Dijon mustard, garlic, and pepper. The Dijon mustard adds a delightful tanginess that cuts through the richness of the cream, creating sour cream. What is the perfect balance of flavors? Is this dish elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough to eat on weeknights? What does the name tell you? What is the best way to celebrate Dijon mustard and the creamy sauce it helps create?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Dijon Cream Pork Chops Recipe, but let me narrow it down for you. First, the flavor is out of this world. The Dijon mustard adds a wonderful zing that complements the richness of the cream, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. I’m telling you, it’s so good, that you’ll be licking the plate clean! What I love most about this is how incredibly easy it is to make. It’s a one-pan wonder that requires minimal effort and time. Even on the busiest of weeknights, you can whip this up in under 30 minutes. Plus, it’s budget-friendly. Pork chops are generally affordable, and the other ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. This is one of those dinners that tastes like a million bucks but costs next to nothing. And finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve these Dijon Cream Pork Chops with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or even a simple salad. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity!
How do I make Dijon Cream Pork Chops?
Quick Overview
How do I make Dijon Cream Pork Chops? First, you’ll sear the pork chops to golden perfection. How do you make Dijon sauce in the same pan? How do you cook pork chops in the sauce? Is it a simple process that yields amazing results? Don’t be intimidated by the creamy sauce – it comes together in minutes, and it’s what makes this recipe so delicious. What makes a dish so special? Is it true that you’ve got this?
Ingredients Notes:
For Pork Chops:
I prefer boneless pork, but bone-in works too. About 1-inch thick is ideal.
Olive Oil: For searing the pork chops to golden brown perfection.
Salt and Pepper: To season the pork chops and enhance their natural flavor.
What is the Dijon Cream Sauce?
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
Shallots: Milder than onions, but you can sub if needed, minced finely.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for that pungent aroma.
Dry White Wine: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce. Chicken broth works in a pinch.
Dijon Mustard: The star of the show! Use a good quality dijon for the best flavor.
Heavy Cream: For that luxurious creaminess that makes this sauce so irresistible.
Fresh Thyme: Adds an earthy, herbaceous note to the sauce. Dried thymes can be substituted.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color to the finished dish.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear. Season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Now, grab a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal) and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over it. Medium-high heat.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops
Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the pork chops in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcook. Is it possible to overcrow I like to sear my potatoes for about 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t move them around too much while they’re searing – let them develop that beautiful color. Then, remove the seared pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Now, it’s time to build the flavor. Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt over medium heat. Add the minced shallots and cook until they’re softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. What should I do with the minced garlic?
Step 4: Deglaze with Wine
How do I remove browned bits from the bottom of a skillet? These browned bits are called fond and they’re packed with flavor! Let the wine simmer for a minute or two, until it’s reduced slightly.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Dijon Sauce
Stir in the Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and fresh thyme. Mix well. Bring the sauce to a simmer, and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until it’s slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking – taste as you go!
Step 6: Return Pork Chops to Skillet
Carefully place the seared pork chops back into the skillet, nestling them in the creamy Dijon mustard. Make sure the pork chops are mostly submerged in the sauce.
Step 7: Bake in the Oven
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the pork chops are tender. are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked to perfection.
Step 8: Rest & Garnish
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. Why do chops need to be redistributed? I love a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley on top of everything I eat. I can’t wait to serve it.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Dijon Cream Pork Chops immediately. I like to spoon the creamy sauce over the pork chops and serve them with my favorite side. What are some good options for a pasta dish?
What is the best way to serve it?
This Dijon Cream Pork Chops Recipe is incredibly versatile, and it pairs well with a variety of other dishes. What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
What is a classic dinner?Creamy mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus. What is my go-to combination for a comforting and satisfying meal?
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For a Lighter Option: For the lighter optionQuinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette and steamed green beans. What is a healthy meal?
For a Fancy Feast:Risotto with parmesan cheese and sautéed mushrooms. What is a great dinner party idea?
What is a quick weeknight meal? Pasta with a simple tomato sauce and a side salad. This is a budget-friendly and easy option for busy weeknights. My family loves it when I serve it with some crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce – it’s heavenly!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Dijon Cream Pork Chops Recipe
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Dijon Cream Pork Chops Recipe even better. Here are my top tips:
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the pork chops, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If the pan is too crowded, the pork chops will steam instead of sear, resulting in a less flavorful and less appealing crust. Sear the pork chops in batches if necessary.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the pork chops are cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the pork chop, making sure not to touch any bones. The pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Don’t Overcook the Pork Chops: Pork chops can dry out easily if overcooked. Be sure to monitor them closely while they’re baking, and remove them from the oven as soon as they reach the desired internal temperature. They will continue to cook slightly as they rest.
Adjust the Seasoning to Your Liking: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Taste the sauce as it’s simmering, and add more salt, pepper, or Dijon mustard as needed. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little bit of heat.
Add a Splash of Lemon Juice: For a brighter and more vibrant flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce at the end of cooking. This will help to balance the richness of the cream and Dijon mustard.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add a wonderful aroma and flavor to this dish. If you don’t have fresh thyme or parsley on hand, you can substitute dried herbs, but be sure to use half the amount, as dried herbs are more potent than fresh herbs.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Dijon Cream Pork Chops, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce might thicken in the fridge, but that’s perfectly normal.
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving the pork chops out at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the pork chops in a shallow, airtight container. This helps them cool down quickly and evenly. They’ll stay good for about 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the pork chops. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: The glaze actually holds up pretty well, so you don’t have to worry about adding it fresh when reheating. However, if you’re planning to freeze the pork chops, I would recommend freezing them without the glaze and adding it after reheating for the best results.
To reheat the pork chops, you can either microwave them, bake them in the oven, or heat them in a skillet on the stovetop. If microwaving, heat them in 30-second intervals, until they’re heated through. If baking in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake them for about 10-15 minutes, or until they’re heated through. If heating in a skillet, heat them over medium heat, adding a little bit of water or broth to prevent them from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Okay, friends, I truly hope you give this Dijon Cream Pork Chops Recipe a try. It’s one of those recipes that I keep coming back to time and time again, and I know you’ll love it just as much as I do. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and comforting, and it’s so easy to make! If you’re looking for other easy and delicious dinner recipes, be sure to check out my other posts. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments below if you tried it and what you think! And don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family – they’ll thank you for it! Enjoy!
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Dijon Cream Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces pork chops bone-in, about 1-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove pork chops from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes or until cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
