
Chop to It!
Herb-Crusted Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Minted Tamarind Glaze and Seasonal Vegetables
40 minutes
Serves 4
DinnerFrenchNut-freeShellfish-freeSoy-free
Herb's take
This French-inspired pork chop is all about contrast: a crackly herb crust, juicy center, and a tangy, aromatic glaze that will have your taste buds asking for a thesis on flavor. Tonight, you'll master pan-searing and the art of reducing a sweet-sour sauce without a degree in chemistry, though it will feel that way.
Ingredients
Yield
4
Instructions
- 01Pat the pork chops dry and season both sides evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
- 02In a small bowl, mix the thyme, rosemary, parsley, and Dijon mustard. Rub this herb-mustard mixture over both sides of the pork chops to coat.
- 03Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- 04Add the pork chops and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply golden and fragrant. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, flipping once, until an instant-read thermometer reads 140°F in the thickest part, about 4 to 6 more minutes.
- 05Transfer the chops to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Reserve any browned bits in the pan.
- 06To the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté the shallot and garlic over medium heat for 1 minute, scraping up any fond.
- 07Stir in the tamarind concentrate and honey, whisking to dissolve. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced by about half and is syrupy, 4 to 6 minutes.
- 08Reduce the heat to low. Whisk in the unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon at a time, until glossy and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the mint, lemon zest, and half the lemon juice.
- 09Meanwhile, steam or blanch the carrots, asparagus, and snap peas until just tender but still vibrant, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and toss with the remaining lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
- 10Serve pork chops over the bed of seasonal vegetables, drizzling generously with the minted tamarind glaze. Garnish with extra mint or herbs if you wish.
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