Sage Brown Butter Pork Chops

Pan-seared to a golden finish, these succulent pork chops are elevated by a rich, nutty brown butter sauce infused with fragrant fresh sage. A simple yet elegant dish that brings comforting flavors to your dinner table.

Sage Brown Butter Pork Chops
  • Prep time: 13 minutes
  • Cook time: 32 minutes
  • Total time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 12-15 fresh sage leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 145°F). Remove chops from skillet and set aside on a plate, tented with foil.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter melts, foams, and develops a nutty brown color and aroma, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add fresh sage leaves to the brown butter and cook for 1 minute until fragrant and slightly crispy. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  5. Carefully pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  6. Return pork chops to the skillet, spooning the brown butter sage sauce over them. Serve immediately.

Tips

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork chops are cooked to 145°F for optimal juiciness and safety; do not overcook.
  • Browning butter can happen quickly, so watch it closely and remove from heat as soon as it reaches a nutty brown color.
  • Fresh sage is crucial for this recipe; dried sage will not yield the same aromatic results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in pork chops?

Yes, bone-in pork chops can be used, but they may require a few extra minutes of cooking time per side. Adjust accordingly.

What can I serve with these pork chops?

These chops pair wonderfully with roasted asparagus, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

How do I prevent the butter from burning?

Keep the heat at medium and swirl the pan constantly. As soon as you see amber specks and smell a nutty aroma, remove it from the heat immediately.