Make the ultimate Blackened Pork Chops packed with cajun flavor and seared to perfection!
Everyone needs a few basic recipes in their repertoire that are easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for company. These Perfect Blackened Pork Chops are exactly that. Just a few simple ingredients come together to make a flavorful cajun rub that is great on everything, but especially good on pork chops! For another easy pork recipe, try this Air Fryer Pork Tenderloin!
What ingredients do you need to make Blackened Pork Chops?
This recipe is great when you are short on time because it requires no marinating and very little prep. The star of this recipe is the Cajun Blackening Rub. This rub has pantry staples you probably already have on hand like paprika, Italian seasoning, red pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
While this is a Blackening rub, it is not overly spicy. The main flavors in this rub are the smokey paprika and herb like flavors from the Italian seasoning, onion powder and garlic. There is a little heat from the red pepper, which you can reduce if you wish, but this is not what I would call a spicy rub.
As written below this recipe coats one pound of meat very well and provides a crispy, flavorful crust. However, if you choose to lightly season the meat this will cover 2-3 pounds. It is also especially delicious lightly sprinkled over grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers and onions.
How do you make Perfect Blackened Pork Chops?
After combining the rub ingredients and mixing well place your pork chops on a cutting board and sprinkle on each side. Use your hands to work the rub evenly onto the meat so it is completely coated.
After generously seasoning your meat heat a 12 inch cast iron skillet to medium heat. Add butter to the skillet and tilt it back and forth so the skillet is completely coated with the melted butter.
Sear the pork 3-4 minutes on each side over medium heat, flip when a nice crust has formed. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees using a meat thermometer.
What should I serve with Blackened Pork Chops?
I love to serve traditional dishes like this with classic side dishes. Some of my favorites include mashed potatoes, this loaded cauliflower casserole and of course cheesy cornbread. If you’d like to switch things up and try something new these Crispy Zucchini Fries are an excellent low carb option. Here are some of my other favorite side dishes:
- Lemon and Broccoli Penne
- Keto Asparagus and Avocado Salad
- Rosemary Garlic Sweet Potato Wedges
- Fried Green Tomatoes
Perfect Blackened Pork Chops
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless pork chops
- 1 tablespoon butter
Blackening Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Garlic Butter
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
Instructions
- Heat a 12 inch skillet, preferably cast iron to medium heat. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the skillet and tilt back and forth so it is completely coated.
- In a small bowl combine all the spice ingredients and mix well. Sprinkle 1/2 of the seasoning mix on each side of the pork chops, make sure to completely cover.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees. Note: The cooking time will vary greatly on the thickness.
OPTIONAL: When pork has reached the proper internal temp brush with garlic butter and serve.