Skip to main content

Date Night Pork Chop

4.9

(14)

Easy pork recipes One large pork chop cut into thick horizontal slices and laid along the bone next to a salad of green...
Photo by Alex Lau, Food Styling by Pearl Jones

Rubbing a little honey across the surface of the pork before searing guarantees a shiny, caramelized crust. Pair that with a lemony endive and apple salad, and you've got the ultimate dinner for two.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    2 servings

Ingredients

1 (1-lb.) bone-in pork loin chop (1"–1 1/2" thick)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 tsp. honey, divided
5 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
3 Tbsp. skin-on hazelnuts, crushed
1 medium shallot, finely chopped
1 lemon, halved
1 small Pink Lady apple
1 large or 2 small endive, leaves separated
1 oz. Parmesan, shaved, broken into small pieces

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Pat pork chop dry with paper towels; season generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature 1 hour.

    Step 2

    Heat a medium skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium. Drizzle 1/2 tsp. honey over 1 side of pork chop, then drizzle with 1 Tbsp. oil. Rub all over; repeat on the other side. Cook until deeply browned, about 3 minutes per side. Turn upright onto fat cap and hold with tongs; cook until browned, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low; cook 1 more minute on each side (an instant-read thermometer inserted about ½" from bone should register 130°F; cook another minute if needed). Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 10 minutes.

    Step 3

    Add hazelnuts and 2 Tbsp. oil to same skillet; cook over medium-low heat, tossing, until nuts are golden, about 3 minutes. Add shallot; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until shallot is softened and browned, about 2 minutes. Add remaining 2 tsp. honey and squeeze in juice from a lemon half; toss well. Remove from heat.

    Step 4

    Cut around apple core to remove flesh in 3 lobes. Thinly slice 2 lobes (do as you will with remaining apple). Toss apple slices, endive, and Parmesan in a medium bowl; season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with remaining 1 Tbsp. oil, squeeze in juice from remaining lemon half, and toss again.

    Step 5

    Cut bone away from pork chop and slice meat 1/2" thick. Arrange on a plate and drizzle juices over. Mound salad alongside and spoon hazelnut mixture over.

Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
This chicken salad nails it—creamy, herby, and endlessly riffable.
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
A game-day hero featuring focaccia slathered with Calabrian chili aioli, piled high with cooked steak, melted cheese, peppers, and onions.
With a crisp crust, garlicky mayo, and a juicy slice of tomato.
Extra vino? Simmer it into a spiced syrup and pour over ice cream for an elegant dessert.
Learn how to make salmon en papillote (parchment paper salmon) with spring vegetables and a bright lemon-dill vinaigrette for an elegant, fuss-free meal.