Southern Smothered Pork Chops – Experience the delightful flavors of the South with our recipe, for Southern Smothered Pork Chops. This timeless dish embodies the heartwarming essence of Southern cuisine. We take bone-in pork chops, season them to perfection, coat them in a velvety gravy, and serve it all up with a side of nostalgia. Prepare yourself to indulge in the flavors and hearty aromas that make this beloved comfort food so special.
I can still vividly recall the first time I prepared these Southern Smothered Pork Chops for my family. The air was filled with the aroma of sizzling spices and caramelizing onions. As I plated the dish my husband’s eyes sparkled with excitement while my child’s curiosity grew exponentially. With each mouthwatering bite, I witnessed delight reflected in their smiles. It was at that moment when I truly realized the enchantment of food – how it has this power to bring people together forging lasting memories long after the meal has ended.
What makes this Southern Smothered Pork Chops truly special?
What sets our Southern Smothered Pork Chops apart is their balance of flavors and textures. The pork chops themselves are seasoned with a blend of spices that create a symphony on your taste buds, with every single bite. What truly steals the show is our gravy; slow-cooked onions, fragrant garlic notes and just a hint of thyme all combine to infuse this dish with layers upon layers of incredible depth. The sauce, enriched with buttermilk or heavy cream lovingly envelops the pork chops transforming this dish into a memorable occasion.
What You Need To Make This Southern Smothered Pork Chops Recipe?
Pork Chops: For the best results, it is recommended to choose bone-in pork chops that are about 3/4 to 1 inch thick. The bone adds flavor. Helps keep the pork juicy while cooking. This recipe celebrates the charm of bone in chops. You can also use boneless ones if you prefer. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly since boneless chops may cook a bit faster on the stove.
Seasonings: To give the pork chops a flavor we’ll use a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, seasoning salt, and cracked black pepper. These spices add layers of depth that bring out a Southern taste. Savory with a gentle touch of spiciness.
Flour: Before cooking we’ll dredge the pork chops in flour. This not only gives them a crispy exterior but also helps thicken the gravy later in the recipe. The flour creates a velvety texture, for the sauce.
Olive oil and butter: Now it’s time to achieve that sear on your pork chops! Heat up some olive oil and butter in a skillet for a blend of flavors. To ensure that a beautiful golden brown crust forms on the chops. The rendered fat also adds richness, to our gravy.
Onions: Caramelized onions play a role, in making the gravy irresistible. By slicing them and slowly caramelizing them over medium heat they develop a natural sweetness and depth that enhances the dish. As they soften and melt into the gravy they create a flavorful foundation.
Thyme and garlic: Thyme and garlic are the stars that take the gravy to another level. Chopped thyme adds a touch that complements the pork chops perfectly while minced garlic infuses a rich and enticing aroma.
Buttermilk or Cream: Choosing between buttermilk or heavy cream allows you to customize the gravy character. Buttermilk brings a tanginess while heavy cream offers a creaminess. Both options result in a texture that envelops the pork chops with both comfort and flavor.
Parsley: For that freshness touch sprinkle some chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley on top of your dish. Not only does it add a burst of color. It also contributes a refreshing element to complete the meal. This garnish may seem small. But it adds vibrancy to your plate in a way.
Steps To Make Southern Smothered Pork Chops:
Step 1: Start by patting the pork chops with paper towels to remove any moisture. Season the chops, with garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, seasoning salt, black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.
Step 2: Coat each chop evenly in flour shaking off any extra. Remember to keep the remaining flour.
Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Once hot cook the pork chops on each side until they turn a brown color, which usually takes around 3 to 4 minutes per side. Once cooked through set them aside.
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Step 4: In the pan melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Sauté the onions until they become soft and caramelized for 10 minutes. If needed add a tablespoon of chicken broth if it becomes too dry.
Step 5: Stir in garlic and chopped thyme into the pan and cook for about half a minute until you can smell their aromas.
Step 6: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of reserved flour onto the onions in the pan. Mix well. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the flour to dissolve into the mixture.
Step 7: Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan by scraping up all those bits, from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens slightly.
Step 8: Gradually add the buttermilk or heavy cream while whisking and let the gravy simmer, for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens to a sumptuous consistency.
Step 9: Carefully place the pork chops into the pan ensuring they are coated generously with the sauce. Let the chops simmer until they are fully cooked which should take around 5 minutes or until they reach your doneness. As you cook you’ll notice that the sauce naturally thickens. Envelops the pork.
Step 10: Before serving give the dish a taste and season, with salt and pepper as necessary. Sprinkle some chopped parsley on top of your Southern Smothered Pork Chops for an added burst of color and flavor.
Step 11: Make sure to serve this comforting meal while it’s still warm so that your loved ones can fully enjoy the essence of this Southern cuisine.
Tip:
To enhance the flavor of your Southern Smothered Pork Chops you might want to consider adding a hint of Worcestershire sauce, to the gravy. This secret ingredient brings out a delicious umami taste that perfectly complements the flavors of the dish. Simply mix in a teaspoon or two of Worcestershire sauce while simmering the gravy to take your recipe to heights. Remember, a bit goes a long way so start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference. This expert tip adds a touch of finesse impressing your guests and giving the dish an added layer of complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
Although bone in pork chops adds flavor and tenderness you can also use boneless chops. Just keep in mind that boneless chops might cook a bit faster so make sure to adjust the cooking time.
Can I substitute heavy cream for buttermilk?
Absolutely! Both buttermilk and heavy cream work well, in this recipe. Offer different flavors. Heavy cream will give you richer gravy while buttermilk will add a tangy touch.
How do I prevent the gravy from becoming too thick?
If your gravy thickens more than desired just add a splash of cream or chicken broth. Gently stir until it reaches your preferred consistency. Remember the gravy tends to thicken as it sits.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Southern Smothered Pork Chops
Ingredients
PORK CHOPS:
- 1 pound 500g bone-in pork chops, about 3/4-1 inch thick.
- 1/2 tbsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne
- 1 tsp seasoning salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 c all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
FOR GRAVY:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- Pinch of salt
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp fresh chopped thyme
- 1/2 c chicken broth divided
- 3/4 c buttermilk or heavy cream
- Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by patting the bone in pork chops with paper towels to remove any moisture. Combine 1/2 tablespoon of onion powder, 1/2 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne, and 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt. Rub the mixture onto the chops. Sprinkle them with 1/2 teaspoon of cracked pepper and drizzle them with 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
- Coat each chop in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour shaking off any extra. Keep the remaining flour aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Once it's hot cook the pork chops for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they turn brown. Set aside the cooked chops.
- In the skillet melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook them for around 10 minutes until they become soft and caramelized. If the pan looks dry add a splash from the 1/2 cup of chicken broth.
- Add minced garlic. Chopped thyme to the skillet cooking for about half a minute until they released their fragrance.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of reserved flour, onto the onions. Mix well. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the flour to dissolve.
- Add 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the pan making sure to scrape up all the bits stuck to the bottom. Let the liquid simmer. Thicken, for 2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in 3/4 cup of buttermilk or cream allowing the gravy to simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes until it reaches a creamy consistency.
- Carefully place the cooked pork chops back into the pan generously coating them with the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce until fully cooked, which should take around 5 minutes or until they're done according to your preference. The sauce will naturally thicken more as it combines with the pork.
- Give your dish a taste. Adjust the seasoning, with salt and pepper as necessary. Before serving garnish your Southern Smothered Pork Chops with some chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley. Sit back. Savor all those comforting flavors that these pork chops bring to your plate.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
2 Responses
Love this recipe. Soo yummy! Only problem is in the list of ingredients you wrote 1/2 tablespoon for spices and in description you wrote 1/2 teaspoon for the same spices.
Hi Carri! I’m so glad you loved the recipe! Thanks for catching that detail. 😊 The correct measurement is indeed 1/2 tablespoon for the onion powder and garlic powder, as listed in the ingredients. I’ll update the instructions to reflect that for clarity. Appreciate your attention to detail, and happy cooking!