New Orleans Skillet Pork Chops
A savory skillet pork chop dish featuring bold New Orleans flavors, with tomato sauce, rice, and aromatic fennel seed, perfect for hearty family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion and celery in butter and olive oil in a heavy, deep skillet for 2 minutes, or until slightly softened.
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper; brown on both sides.
- Remove pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- Add water, brown sugar, and 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce to the skillet.
- Bring to a boil; stir in rice and fennel seed.
- Return pork chops to the skillet.
- Spoon sauce and rice over the pork chops.
- Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Pour in the remaining tomato sauce.
- Cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the pork chops and rice are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking. If you don't have fennel seeds, you can substitute with anise seeds or omit them altogether. To save time, use pre-cooked rice or substitute with a quick-cooking variety. This dish also works well with chicken for a different twist on traditional pork recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the New Orleans Skillet Pork Chops over a bed of rice, allowing the sauce to soak in for extra flavor. A side of steamed green beans or a fresh salad pairs nicely. For a twist, consider serving with Islands Peas And Rice, which complements the dish well and adds a delightful contrast of textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork chops and rice in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Cover and heat until warmed through, ensuring the pork is heated to at least 165°F.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New Orleans Skillet Pork Chops contains roughly 1993 calories, with 28g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 200g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), and iron (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in pork chops can add more flavor and moisture to the dish. Just be aware that they may require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.
What can I substitute for tomato sauce?
If you don't have tomato sauce on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes instead. Just blend them until smooth if you prefer a sauce-like consistency. Adding a little sugar can help balance the acidity if desired.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos into the sauce. You could also serve it with your favorite hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a little extra kick.
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).