Delicious tips and tricks for cooking thin pork chops on the stove, complete with a mouthwatering honey mustard pan sauce.
Thin pork chops, also known as pork cutlets, are a true delight when cooked to perfection. These thinly sliced pieces of meat, typically originating from the center loin, offer a world of culinary possibilities. Today, we’ll explore one of our favorite methods of cooking thin-cut chops – a quick sear on the stove, followed by a delightful pan sauce simmer. The result? Tender, juicy pork chops that are guaranteed to impress.
Key Takeaways
Mastering the Art of Thin Pork Chops
Ingredients for Thin Pork Chops:
- Pork loin thin-cut chops, preferably center cut boneless pork chops
- Flour, salt, and pepper (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free alternative)
- Butter and olive oil
- Heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and honey
- Thyme or dill for garnish
Thin pork chops, being lean cuts of meat, require careful handling to avoid dryness. To ensure tender and juicy results, consider the following options:
- Brine the chops briefly in a basic brine if time allows.
- Tenderize them with a meat mallet, just like preparing a schnitzel.
- Coat them in flour, sear them quickly, and finish cooking them in moist heat.
The Honey Mustard Thin Pork Chops Process
- Optional Prep: Tenderize the pork cutlets with a meat tenderizer and trim any excess fat. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
- Coat: Dredge the cutlets in a seasoned flour mixture and shake off any excess. Set them aside.
- Sear: Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter. Sear the cutlets on each side until they just begin to turn golden. Remove them from the pan.
- Make the Pan Sauce & Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium. Add cream, mustard, and honey to the pan, whisking to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Slide back the thin pork chops into the sauce, along with any juices released onto the plate. Partially cover with a lid and simmer for a few minutes to cook the meat through.
Serving Tips for Thin Pork Chops
Serve these tender pork chops immediately to enjoy their juicy, flavorful goodness. The creamy honey mustard sauce infuses them with an irresistible taste. For a family-style meal, place the skillet in the middle of the table, allowing everyone to smother their serving with the delectable sauce. Consider serving with mashed potatoes, potato salad, steamed white rice, boiled potatoes with butter, or a variety of vegetables like peas, green beans, or asparagus. The options are endless!
Note: This dish is best enjoyed fresh and reheating is not recommended. If necessary, gently reheat over medium-low heat on the stove in a non-stick pan.
Expand Your Culinary Repertoire
If you’ve fallen in love with thin pork chops, you’ll likely enjoy these similar pork cutlet recipes:
- Pork Schnitzel (Breaded Pan Fried Thin Pork Chops)
- Chicken Cutlets in Creamy Shallots & Pilsner Sauce (can be made with thin-cut pork chops)
- Chicken Beersala (can be made with pork cutlets)
- Porter Onion Gravy (a fantastic alternative pan sauce)
Enjoy exploring the diverse flavors and textures that thin pork chops can bring to your table. For more BBQ inspiration, check out Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ. Happy cooking!
