Garlic Butter Pork Chops (Low-Carb, Ready in 20 Minutes)
KEY INFO
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Difficulty: Easy
- Diet: Low-carb, Keto-friendly, Gluten-free
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large skillet (cast iron preferred)
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Cutting board
- Alternative: Air fryer or oven-safe dish
INGREDIENTS
For the Pork Chops:
- 4-6 thick-cut pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil (30ml)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (60g)
- 4-6 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat (375°F) until shimmering.
- Place pork chops in hot pan and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter and minced garlic.
- Baste pork chops with melted garlic butter for 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
CRUCIAL TIPS
- Never cook cold pork chops straight from fridge
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking
- Don’t move the chops during initial sear
- Let meat rest to retain juices
STORAGE & VARIATIONS
Storage:
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Freeze up to 2 months
Variations:
- Air Fryer: 375°F for 12-15 minutes
- Oven-Baked: 425°F for 15-20 minutes
- Substitute butter with ghee for dairy-free option
COMMON MISTAKES
- Overcrowding the pan
- Cooking cold meat
- Overcooking (leads to tough meat)
- Not letting meat rest
This recipe delivers restaurant-quality pork chops with minimal effort. The garlic butter creates a rich, flavorful crust while keeping the meat incredibly juicy. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a reliable low-carb dinner option.
