Lone Star Pork Chop Skillet
A flavorful skillet dish featuring tender pork chops cooked with spicy tomato sauce, aromatic cumin, and fresh cilantro, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sprinkle both sides of the pork chops with cumin and salt.
- Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the chops on both sides for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat and add garlic and onion to the skillet; cook until fragrant.
- Add the chops back to the skillet and simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, turning after 5 minutes.
- Remove the chops to a serving plate and keep warm.
- Add stewed tomatoes and picante sauce to the skillet to make the sauce.
- Cook the sauce over high heat until thickened, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Arrange the pork chops over cooked rice.
- Spoon the sauce over the rice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
- Serve with additional picante sauce if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the pork chops in a mix of cumin, salt, and olive oil for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have picante sauce, salsa or even a dash of hot sauce can work as a substitute. To enhance the dish, consider adding bell peppers or jalapeños to the skillet along with the onion and garlic.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pork chop skillet over hot cooked rice for a filling meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad pairs well to balance the richness. For a complete experience, consider serving with additional picante sauce on the side. This dish also pairs beautifully with American recipes like cornbread or biscuits.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pork chops and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring to ensure even heating. This will help maintain the chops' tenderness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lone Star Pork Chop Skillet contains roughly 714 calories, with 37g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (78% of the Daily Value), and protein (74% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 871mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in pork chops instead of boneless?
Yes, you can use bone-in pork chops, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chops typically take a bit longer to cook through, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. This will guarantee they are safe to eat while remaining juicy.
What can I use instead of stewed tomatoes?
If you don't have stewed tomatoes, diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes can be good alternatives. You can also add a bit of tomato paste for extra richness. If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the tomatoes before adding them to the skillet.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Certainly! You can replace the pork chops with thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option. Season them similarly and cook until tender. The sauce made from tomatoes and picante sauce will complement these vegetables beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).