Peppercorn Sauce Pork Chops
Why You’ll Love It
Pork chops coated in a rich, creamy peppercorn sauce make for a delicious and comforting meal. This recipe is quick enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. The sauce’s bold peppery flavor perfectly complements tender pork, and it comes together in under 30 minutes.
Whether you’re new to cooking pork chops or want a foolproof method for juicy meat and creamy sauce, this recipe delivers. Plus, it uses simple pantry staples and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick) – you can use boneless if preferred
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – substitute with avocado or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter – can use ghee for dairy-free option
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped – shallots add sweetness, or substitute with small onion
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth – vegetable broth works too
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – coconut cream for dairy-free
- 2 tablespoons crushed black peppercorns – freshly cracked is best
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – adds depth, optional if unavailable
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) – for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the pork chops evenly with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium, add butter and sauté the finely chopped shallot until translucent, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in heavy cream, crushed peppercorns, and Dijon mustard. Let the sauce cook and thicken for 3 minutes.
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and simmer for 3–5 minutes until chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Try pairing these chops with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For more easy pork recipes, check out our Easy Pork Dinners collection.
Learn more about cooking safe pork temperatures on FoodSafety.gov.
Expert Tips
To ensure juicy pork chops, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Let the meat rest for a few minutes before serving.
If your sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of broth or cream. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
This recipe scales well if you need to cook for more people—just adjust ingredient quantities accordingly.
Storage
Store leftover pork chops and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep the sauce creamy.
For longer storage, freeze the pork chops and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free broth and Dijon mustard.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with coconut cream.
- Vegan: Replace pork chops with large portobello mushrooms or tofu steaks; use vegetable broth and dairy-free cream alternatives for the sauce.
- Refined Sugar-Free: This recipe contains no added refined sugars.
FAQ
- What is the best cut of pork for Peppercorn Sauce Pork Chops?
- Bone-in pork chops about 1 inch thick work best for juicy results, but boneless chops can be used as well.
- Can I make Peppercorn Sauce Pork Chops ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the pork chops and sauce separately and reheat gently. The flavor holds well for up to 3 days refrigerated.
- How do I get the sauce thick and creamy?
- Be sure to simmer the sauce after adding cream and mustard until it reduces slightly. Crushed peppercorns also help give it texture.
- Can I use green peppercorns instead of black?
- Yes, green peppercorns offer a milder and slightly fruity flavor if you prefer less heat.
- What sides go well with Peppercorn Sauce Pork Chops?
- Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad complement this dish beautifully.
Call to Action
Give this Peppercorn Sauce Pork Chops recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Leave a comment below with your tips or questions, rate the recipe if you love it, and don’t forget to save it for easy dinner ideas.
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