Crispy Pork Chops with Charred Lemon & Sage Brown Butter
Ingredients
- 4pork chops (1 1/4 inches thick, bone-in)
- 1 teaspoonkosher salt
- ½ teaspoonblack pepper
- 2 tablespoonolive oil
- 3 tablespoonunsalted butter
- 8fresh sage leaves
- 1lemon
Method
- 01
Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- 02
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- 03
Add pork chops and sear undisturbed for 5 minutes until golden brown.
- 04
Flip and sear the other side for 5 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer registers 140°F at the thickest part. Transfer to a plate.
- 05
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and fresh sage leaves. Cook, swirling occasionally, for 2 minutes until the butter is foamy and nutty-brown.
- 06
Cut lemon in half and place cut-side down in the pan. Cook for 2 minutes until charred. Transfer lemon to a cutting board and squeeze the juice over the pork.
- 07
Pour sage brown butter over the pork chops and serve immediately with charred lemon halves on the side.
Spice Tips
For a subtle kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the brown butter. A whisper of garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon) in the initial seasoning deepens the savory profile. Fresh thyme or rosemary work beautifully in place of sage for a different herbaceous note.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside buttered egg noodles or simple greens sautéed in the pan drippings after removing the pork. Pork chops cook quickly; don't walk away during searing.