Get ready to fall in love with these Smothered Pork Chops! This recipe puts an amazing twist on the classic dish, all cooked in one pan to keep cleanup easy with maximum flavors.
Originally, I set out to bake smothered pork chops, but let me tell you, it was more trouble than it was worth. I ended up with a sink full of dishes and pork chops swimming in a thin, watery sauce—definitely not the delicious plate of yumminess I had in mind. That's when the lightbulb went off: transform the entire recipe into a one-pan wonder with a thick, rich sauce bursting with flavor. What's more, it cooks faster than its baked version and pairs well with various accompaniments.
Let's read on to learn how to make smothered pork chops the easy way!
Table of Contents
5 Reasons to Love This Recipe
This easy smothered pork chops recipe is a family favorite for all the right reasons:
- It's a one-pan wonder.
- Rich and packed with flavors.
- Creates tender chops every time you cook.
- Low-carb and keto-friendly.
- Easier and quicker than baked smothered pork chops.
Are Smothered Pork Chops Low Carb?
Yes, smothered pork chops can be made low carb. This recipe is perfect if you're watching your carbs—it's low carb and keto-friendly, with just 7g net carbs per serving. I've used ingredients that are both nutritious and low in carbs.
If you want to know "Are Pork Chops Low Carb Or Keto?" read the article my nutritionist curated. It has extensive details about the carbs in pork chops, nutritional information, and whether you should eat pork chops on a low-carb diet or not!
Pork is a carb-free meat option, and mushrooms are also low in carbs. To cut down on carbs even more, you can use half an onion instead of a whole one without sacrificing flavor. It's all about how you customize the recipe according to your dietary preference and this recipe is a great option to begin with!
Smothered Pork Chops Ingredient List
You'll need the following ingredients to make low carb smothered pork chops:
For the Pork Chops
- 4 boneless, thick-cut pork chops
- 3 tablespoons clarified butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mushroom Topping
- 10 button mushrooms, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly crushed black pepper, to taste
- Lemon zest, for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
Try these substitutes if you want to swap any of the ingredients mentioned above:
- Clarified butter: Use ghee, rendered bacon fat, duck fat or 2 tablespoons of regular butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Button mushrooms: Try cremini, shiitake, or chopped portobello for unique rich flavors. Remember, not all mushrooms cook the same, so if you choose alternate varieties, cook appropriately.
- Fresh parsley: This dish likes freshness and a herby flavor, like the kind fresh thyme and rosemary give. If you don't have fresh herbs, the rule of thumb is a 3:1 ratio of fresh to dried herbs. You would need about ½ teaspoons of dried herbs for this recipe.
Ingredient Additions
To enhance the flavor profile of these pork chops with mushroom gravy, try these optional ingredients:
- Thickener: If you prefer a thicker mushroom gravy, add a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum. Whisk a small amount (about ¼ teaspoon) into the cream before adding it to the pan. It will thicken the sauce without adding significant carbs. PLEASE NOTE: The sauce gets thick without the xanthan gum when the mushroom topping cools.
- Dijon mustard: A teaspoon of Dijon mustard whisked into the savory gravy will add a depth of flavor to this recipe.
- Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or Gruyere cheese into the sauce before serving for richer flavor and a bit of cheesy goodness.
- Garnish: Besides parsley, garnish with a little lemon zest and a citrusy note for more freshness.
Note: These ingredient additions are optional and not part of the original recipe.
Cooking Tools
This keto pork chops recipe requires just a few basic tools:
- Heavy-bottom pan
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Tablespoon
- Measuring cup
How to Make Smothered Pork Chops: A Complete Guide
Cooking Method
- Searing
Preparation Steps
For the Pork
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear.
- Season liberally with kosher salt and pepper.
- Wash the mushrooms.
- Finely dice onions.
- Mince garlic and fresh parsley.
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a heavy-bottom pan over medium-high heat and add the clarified butter.
- Wait for the butter to shimmer, and then add the pork chops.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or up to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add mushrooms with a pinch of salt; cook for 1 minute.
- Add onions and another pinch of salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add garlic (add a little olive oil if more fat is needed) and cook for 2 minutes, stirring.
- Add the cream and stir to deglaze the pan; cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Once the cream begins to thicken, turn off the heat. Stir in the unsalted butter and parsley.
- Top the pork chops with the mushroom mixture and serve hot.
Step 1: Add the chops in the pan only once the cooking fat is hot!
Step 2: After several minutes flip the chops. They will be golden.
Step 3: Add the mushrooms, onions and a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Add garlic and stir well to prevent thee garlic from burning.
Step 5: Turn off the heat and add in the butter. Incorporate it slowly.
Step 6: Once the sauce has thickened, add in the parsley. Top the chops and enjoy!
💡 My Pro Tip
The thickening cream is the cornerstone of this recipe. Therefore, it's important to achieve the right consistency. The cream should have a rich, luxurious texture that beautifully clings to the pork chops and mushrooms.
A gentle simmer over medium to medium-low heat will give you the proper consistency as the cream will reduce and thicken without boiling over or curdling. Stir occasionally to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the cream from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Also, use heavy cream with a high milk-fat content for best results. Avoid using milk or half-and-half as they won't thicken the sauce properly.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Chop your vegetables in advance and store them in separate containers in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Use a garlic press to easily mince garlic. Invest in a solid garlic press for quick prep and easy cleanup. Alternatively, use pre-minced garlic if you don't have a press.
What to Serve with Smothered Pork Chops?
Looking for low-carb or keto-friendly pairings to serve with these keto smothered pork chops? Here are some delicious options:
- Spicy Roasted Broccolini: Pairing spicy roasted broccolini with savory pork chops adds a delicious flavor to the meal, balancing the richness of the dish.
- Zucchini Noodles: Zucchini noodles (zoodles) offer a low-carb alternative to pasta, serving as a light and flavorful base for the earthy flavors of smothered pork chops and mushroom sauce. It's a balanced meal for everyone!
- Sautéed Spinach: Sautéed spinach with garlic adds depth and earthiness to this perfect dish, enhancing the savory flavor of the smothered pork chops.
- Roasted Cauliflower: Pairing roasted cauliflower with smothered pork chops adds a crispy touch and makes an irresistible comfort food combination.
- Tomato Feta Salad: Serving smothered pork chops with a refreshing tomato feta salad brings a burst of Mediterranean flavors to the table, creating perfect comfort food.
Storage, Freezing and Reheating
Storage Tips
- Smothered pork chops keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Put your leftover pork chops and the delicious sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce must be in the same container as the pork chops to prevent them from drying.
Freezing
- You can freeze leftovers for 2 to 3 months. Put them in a freezer-safe container or wrap them securely in freezer wrap. The only downside is that the texture of the cream sauce changes slightly when thawed.
Reheating
- Reheat the juicy pork chops gently over low heat on the stovetop to preserve the pork's texture and the sauce's creaminess. Thaw frozen pork chops in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best results.
Recipe Conclusion
From the perfectly seared boneless pork chops to the creamy gravy, every bite of this Smothered Pork Chops recipe is packed with flavor and comfort. Pair these chops with your favorite low-carb sides like roasted cauliflower or sautéed spinach for a complete meal.
Now, it's time to grab your skillet and get cooking! Treat yourself and your loved ones to this flavorful dish that's delicious and fits into a healthy lifestyle. Don't hesitate to try different side pairings and make this recipe your own. Also, let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. I'll respond to your comments immediately!
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with alternatives like coconut cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
The secret to tender pork chops is not to overcook them. Cook them over medium heat to an internal temperature of 145°F and let them rest before serving.
Pork chops can become tough if they are overcooked. Cooking them for too long or at too high a temperature can cause them to lose moisture, preventing them from achieving that desirable golden brown color and resulting in toughness and dryness.
Smothered Pork Chops🥩
Ingredients
Smothered Pork Chops Ingredients List
For the Pork Chops
- 4 boneless thick-cut pork chops
- 3 tablespoons clarified butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mushroom Topping
- 10 button mushrooms finely diced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced
- Sea salt to taste
- Freshly crushed black pepper to taste
- Lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation Steps
For the Pork
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear.
- Season liberally with kosher salt and pepper.
- Wash the mushrooms.
- Finely dice onions.
- Mince garlic and fresh parsley.
Cooking Instructions
- Heat a heavy-bottom pan over medium-high heat and add the clarified butter.
- Wait for the butter to shimmer, and then add the pork chops.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side or up to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium. Add mushrooms with a pinch of salt; cook for 1 minute.
- Add onions and another pinch of salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add garlic (add a little olive oil if more fat is needed) and cook for 2 minutes, stirring.
- Add the cream and stir to deglaze the pan; cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Once the cream begins to thicken, turn off the heat. Stir in the unsalted butter and parsley.
- Top the pork chops with the mushroom mixture and serve hot.
Notes
If you enjoy this recipe, please let me know! If you have suggestions for making it even lower in carbs, I’d appreciate your comments below! Hope you have a fantastic time cooking!
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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