Description
Sear up one delicious skillet dish with Smothered Mediterranean Pork Chops! This one-skillet recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight--all you need is one pan to whip up this savory and mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
4 6-oz. boneless pork chops
½ t. garlic powder
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ c. extra virgin olive oil, divided
2 T. fresh lemon juice
1-2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 t. dried oregano
½ t. dried thyme
¼ c. Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1 c. cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
3 oz. Feta cheese, crumbled
½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
1 T. fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Season the Pork Chops
Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Mediterranean Topping
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, and thyme. Add the Kalamata olives, tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to combine and set aside.
3. Sauté the Red Onion
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion and sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.
4. Sear the Pork Chops
Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Place the seasoned pork chops in the pan and sear for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
5. Add the Mediterranean Topping
Spoon the tomato, olive, and feta mixture around and over the pork chops. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for approximately 2 minutes, or until the tomatoes and olives are heated through and the feta begins to soften.
Check the thickest part of each pork chop with an instant-read thermometer. Continue cooking as needed until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm with your favorite Mediterranean-inspired side dishes.
Notes
The actual cook time for the pork chops will vary based on several factors, including the thickness of the chops and the internal starting temperature. (The chops pictured here are between 5 to 6-oz. each). For best results, allow the chops to come to room temperature prior to cooking and use an instant read thermometer to determine when they are ready.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean