Smothered Pork Chops

Indulge in Culinary Delight with our Savory Buttermilk Pork Chops!

Welcome to a world of irresistible flavors and culinary mastery! Today, we invite you to embark on a gastronomic journey with our mouthwatering recipe for Savory Buttermilk Pork Chops. Brace yourself for a symphony of tastes as we explore the dual nature of coriander and the magic of buttermilk in creating a dish that's not just a meal but a culinary celebration. Get ready to elevate your dining experience to new heights—let's dive into the deliciousness!

Coriander's Dual Identity: The recipe highlights the intriguing nature of coriander, originating from the Coriandrum sativum plant. In its fresh form, it's known as cilantro, contributing a citrusy punch to culinary creations. As it matures and transforms into seeds, ground coriander becomes a spice powerhouse, adding warm, nutty flavors to dishes, as featured in this recipe.

Buttermilk Infusion: The buttermilk in this recipe serves as a key ingredient, imparting richness and tenderness to the pork chops. Its interaction with the seasoned flour and chicken stock creates a flavorful and creamy gravy, elevating the overall dining experience.

FAQs

1. What makes buttermilk pork chops so tender?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the pork chops by breaking down the proteins and adding moisture, resulting in a juicy, flavorful dish.

2. How do I make buttermilk at home?

To make homemade buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup of whole milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.

3. Can I use a different oil for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute avocado oil with vegetable oil, canola oil, or olive oil for searing the pork chops.

4. How long should I cook pork chops to reach 145°F?

Cook pork chops for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown, then simmer for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

5. Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?

Yes, boneless pork chops will work, but adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach the appropriate internal temperature of 145°F.

6. What sides go well with buttermilk pork chops?

Buttermilk pork chops pair well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.

7. Can I make the gravy ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it before serving.

8. Can I use chicken breast instead of pork chops?

While this recipe is specifically for pork chops, you can substitute chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time as chicken breasts cook faster than pork chops.

9. How do I make the pork chops extra crispy?

For extra crispy pork chops, make sure to coat them evenly with the flour mixture and fry them in hot oil, ensuring both sides get a nice golden crust.

10. What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftover pork chops and gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

11. Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze cooked pork chops with the gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

12. How do I know when my pork chops are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 145°F for safe consumption.

13. What can I use if I don’t have chicken stock?

If you don't have chicken stock, you can substitute with vegetable stock, or simply use water with a bouillon cube for added flavor.

14. How do I make sure my pork chops don’t dry out?

Don’t overcook the pork chops. Simmer them in the gravy for just 5 minutes, and let them rest after cooking to keep them juicy.

15. What is the nutritional value of this recipe?

Each serving of Savory Buttermilk Pork Chops contains approximately 450 calories, 28g of protein, 27g of fat, 18g of carbohydrates, and 1g of fiber.

Make it

Savory Buttermilk Pork Chops Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 pork chops
1/4 cup avocado oil
1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup whole milk + 1/2 tablespoon vinegar, if making buttermilk)
1 cup chicken stock
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare the Seasoned Flour: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, ground coriander, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Coat the Pork Chops: Pat dry the pork chops with paper towels. Coat them evenly in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess.
Sear the Pork Chops: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the pork chops in batches for about 3 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust.
Make the Gravy: Remove the pork chops and set them aside. In the same skillet, sprinkle a small amount of the seasoned flour into the pork fat and cook for about 1 minute. This will create the base for your gravy.
Prepare the Gravy: Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the buttermilk (or the milk-vinegar mixture) and chicken stock. Simmer for about 5–7 minutes, allowing the mixture to reduce by half, forming a creamy gravy.
Finish Cooking the Pork Chops: Return the pork chops to the skillet, ensuring they are coated in the flavorful gravy. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F.
Serve: Garnish the pork chops with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside your favorite sides for a satisfying meal.

Cooking Time:

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Calories: 450
Protein: 28g
Fat: 27g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 875mg

Enjoy this savory, succulent dish that blends the richness of buttermilk with the spice and herbs of the seasoned coating. The perfect balance of crispy pork chops and smooth gravy will make this meal a standout at your table. Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley for that extra pop of flavor and color!