A Family Dinner Favorite: Pork Chops with Lemon Butter Sauce and Sautéed Spinach

Imagine this: a quiet weekday evening, the kitchen bathed in a warm glow, and the mouthwatering aroma of pork chops sizzling in the pan as laughter floats from the living room. This isn’t just any dinner; it's a comforting mid-week feast that promises to bring everyone to the table. Pork chops with lemon butter sauce and sautéed spinach—sounds gourmet, right? But don't worry, it's surprisingly simple, and I'm here to guide you through each step.

I've always believed that some of the best culinary aromas come from the simplest ingredients. And let me tell you, the combination of tender pork chops, zesty lemon, and butter make this dish a delightful treat. As a food writer who has tested and tasted countless pork recipes, this one holds a special place in my culinary heart for both its flavor and ease.

The Perfect Pork Chops: Buying and Prepping Tips

Before we jump into cooking, let’s talk about choosing the best pork chops. Your choice of meat affects not only the taste but also the tenderness of your dish. Here are a few tips to help you pick:

  • Thickness: Opt for pork chops that are at least 1-inch thick. Thicker chops retain moisture better during cooking, making them juicier and more forgiving with cooking times.
  • Bone-in or Boneless: Either works, but bone-in pork chops often provide more flavor and help the meat cook more evenly.
  • Color: Look for pork chops that are pinkish-red with some marbling. Avoid chops that look pale or have dark spots on the fat.

Once you have your pork chops, bring them to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This little trick helps in cooking them evenly.

How to Make Lemon Butter Sauce

This sauce is the star of the dish, infusing the pork chops with a rich, vivacious flavor that’s hard to resist. You’ll need:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it's fragrant—about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it burn. Pour in the lemon juice, stir, and let the mixture simmer for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors. Season with salt and pepper. That’s it—your lemon butter sauce is ready!

Cooking Your Pork Chops to Perfection

With your sauce prepped, it’s time to cook the chops:

  1. Season the pork chops generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. This ensures they are juicy and slightly pink in the center.
  3. Once done, remove the chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes while you sauté the spinach.

The resting period is key as it allows the juices to redistribute through the meat. This means no more dry pork chops!

Simple Sautéed Spinach

Last but not least, let’s get those greens ready. Here’s how:

  1. In the same skillet used for pork chops, add a bit more olive oil if necessary, and throw in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach. It might seem like a lot at first, but spinach wilts significantly.
  2. Sauté the spinach over medium heat until it’s wilted and tender, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

There you have it—a simple yet flavorful side that complements the main star beautifully.

Bringing It All Together

Now, to serve, plate the pork chops and spoon the lemon butter sauce generously over them. Add the sautéed spinach on the side, sprinkle some chopped parsley for a touch of freshness, and voilà! Dinner is served.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want to treat yourself to a scrumptious, easy-to-prepare meal during the week, this recipe for pork chops with lemon butter sauce and sautéed spinach ticks all the boxes. It's quick, packed with flavor, and sure to comfort both body and soul.

Enjoy this delightful culinary journey right from your kitchen—bon appétit!