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How to Reverse Sear for the Best Pork Chops of Your Life


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4 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Carolyn Cope
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Diet: Omnivore

Description

Dry-brined pork chops get a perfect sear after a low-and-slow oven bake. The result? Juicy, flavorful chops with a crispy crust.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 1/2 inches thick
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as canola or grapeseed)

Instructions

  1. Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and lay pork chops on top. Combine salt and sugar and rub evenly over chops. Place, uncovered, in the refrigerator overnight.
  2. Remove pork chops from the refrigerator one hour before cooking.
  3. Preheat oven to 250°F (121°C) with a rack in the center.
  4. Place the baking sheet with pork chops in the oven and bake until an instant meat thermometer reads 110°F (43°C), about 30 minutes (start checking after 25 minutes).
  5. Heat two tablespoons of oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over high heat.
  6. Add two pork chops to the hot skillet and sear for about one minute per side, until deep golden brown.
  7. Stack the chops and sear the fatty side against the bottom of the pan.
  8. Remove chops to a plate and cook remaining chops in the same way.

For the sauce

Notes

  • For even cooking, ensure pork chops are of uniform thickness. Trim excess fat if necessary.
  • Substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar in the dry brine for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
  • Rest the seared pork chops for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender chop.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pork chop
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2
  • Sodium: 400
  • Fat: 25
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 5
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 35
  • Cholesterol: 100