Cajun Pork Chops 🍽️
Description: This Cajun Pork Chops recipe is a beloved family favorite, packed with robust flavors yet remarkably lean, making it a guilt-free indulgence that you’ll want to savor time and time again. It’s a dish that strikes the perfect balance between spicy Cajun seasoning and tender pork chops, creating a delightful culinary experience that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
- Recipe Category: Pork
- Keywords: Meat, Cajun, Less than 60 Minutes, Stove Top
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 140.7 per serving
- Total Fat: 0.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 15.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 31.1g
- Fiber: 1.4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 2.9g
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 | Pork Chops |
| Onion | |
| Green Pepper | |
| Celery | |
| 1 | Garlic Clove |
| 1 | Cooked Rice |
| 2 | Brown Gravy Mix |
| 1 | Vegetable Oil |
| 3 | Cajun Seasoning |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Begin by generously sprinkling Cajun seasoning over each pork chop, ensuring they are evenly coated with the flavorful seasoning.
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Sear the Pork Chops:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Alternatively, you can use a vegetable oil spray to coat the pan.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned pork chops to the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Sear the pork chops on both sides until they develop a golden-brown crust, typically taking 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the seared chops to a plate and set them aside for later.
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Saute the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion, green pepper, celery, and minced garlic.
- Saute the vegetables over medium heat until they become tender and fragrant, releasing their natural flavors and aromas. This typically takes around 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
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Combine and Simmer:
- Once the vegetables are tender, return the seared pork chops back to the skillet, nestling them among the sauteed aromatics.
- Prepare the brown gravy mix according to package instructions, then pour it over the pork chops and vegetables in the skillet, ensuring everything is well-coated in the savory gravy.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and allow the pork chops to simmer gently in the flavorful gravy for approximately 45 minutes. This slow simmering process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while ensuring the pork chops become tender and succulent.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the pork chops are cooked through and tender, serve them hot over a bed of freshly cooked rice, allowing the savory gravy to mingle with the fluffy grains, creating a mouthwatering culinary delight that’s sure to please even the most discerning palate.
Cooking Tips:
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Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your personal preference for spiciness. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the amount of seasoning used, or if you’re a heat enthusiast, add extra Cajun seasoning for an extra kick.
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Use Homemade Brown Gravy: While store-bought brown gravy mix works perfectly fine for this recipe, you can elevate the dish by preparing homemade brown gravy from scratch, using pan drippings and broth for added depth of flavor.
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Serve with Accompaniments: For a complete meal, consider serving these Cajun Pork Chops alongside your favorite side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad, to create a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience for you and your loved ones.
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Make Ahead and Freeze: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and frozen for future meals. Simply allow the pork chops and gravy to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
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Experiment with Variations: Feel free to get creative with this recipe by incorporating additional ingredients such as sliced mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture. You can also customize the dish by substituting pork chops with chicken breasts or tofu for a delicious alternative that suits your dietary preferences.
By following this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll be able to recreate the magic of Cajun cuisine in the comfort of your own kitchen, delighting your family and friends with a mouthwatering meal that’s bursting with flavor and sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. So don your chef’s hat, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to experience the irresistible allure of Cajun Pork Chops!
