Braised Pork Loin Chops with Thyme-Lemon Sauce is a delectable dish that combines succulent boneless pork chops with the vibrant flavors of thyme and lemon, all cooked to perfection on the stove top. This recipe, sourced from epicurious.com, promises not only deliciousness but also health benefits, as it’s both low in fat and low in calories, making it an ideal choice for those looking to indulge in a satisfying meal without compromising on their dietary goals.
With a prep time of just 45 minutes and a total cooking time of 1 hour and 5 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome yet quick to prepare. Featuring ingredients like boneless pork chops, lemon juice, fresh thyme, dried thyme, lemon zest, garlic, all-purpose flour, olive oil, and low-fat milk, this dish is not only rich in flavor but also packs a punch in terms of nutrition, boasting high protein content and very low carbs, making it suitable for various dietary preferences and needs.
To embark on the culinary journey of creating this mouthwatering dish, start by placing the pork chops in a large glass baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, thyme, lemon zest, and garlic, creating a flavorful rub for the chops. Ensure both sides of the pork chops are generously coated with this aromatic mixture before covering the dish and allowing it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 1 day, to let the flavors meld and infuse into the meat.
Once the marinating process is complete, it’s time to bring out the flavors on the stove top. Begin by placing the pork chops on a baking sheet, lightly sprinkling each with flour, salt, and pepper. In a large nonstick skillet, heat olive oil over high heat, ready to sear the pork chops to perfection. Working in batches to ensure even cooking, add the pork chops to the skillet and cook until they are lightly browned, approximately 1 minute per side. Once all the pork chops are seared, return them to the skillet, creating a sizzling symphony of flavors.
Next, add low-fat milk to the skillet, allowing it to come to a gentle boil. As the pork cooks through, the sauce will thicken slightly, creating a luscious and velvety texture that coats each chop beautifully. If desired, you can adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more flour, ensuring it reaches your desired consistency.
Once the pork is cooked through and the sauce has reached the perfect thickness, it’s time to plate up this culinary masterpiece. Transfer the chops to a serving platter, ready to be adorned with the final flourish of flavor. Whisk in the remaining tablespoon of lemon juice into the sauce in the skillet, stirring to blend for approximately 30 seconds. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors are perfectly balanced, before generously pouring it over the pork chops, allowing every bite to be infused with the delightful thyme-lemon sauce.
With each tender bite of Braised Pork Loin Chops with Thyme-Lemon Sauce, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate, leaving you craving more. Whether enjoyed as a cozy weeknight dinner or served up to impress guests at your next gathering, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire, delivering both taste and nutrition in every mouthwatering bite.
