Seared juicy caprese pork chops marinated in a garlicky balsamic glaze and topped with sweet tomatoes, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil!
Servings : 4serves
Prep Time 10 minutesmins
Cook Time 20 minutesmins
Marinating Time 15 minutesmins
Total Time 40 minutesmins
Ingredients
½cupbalsamic vinegar
3tablespoonsolive oil,divided
3clovesgarlic,minced
½teaspoon dried basil
salt and fresh ground black pepper,to taste
4bone-in center cut pork chops,you can also use boneless pork chops
4slicesfresh mozzarella
1 to 2large tomatoes,sliced
¼cupfreshly chopped basil leaves
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375˚F.
In a large bowl or a ziploc bag, combine balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, dried basil, salt and pepper. Add pork chops and toss until coated.
If time permits, let marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes, and up to 4 hours.
Heat the remaining olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat.
Add the pork chops to the skillet and sear for 4 minutes or until golden; flip and continue to cook for 4 more minutes.
Remove from heat and top each pork chop with sliced mozzarella.
Place skillet in the oven and cook for 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and pork is cooked through.
Remove from oven and top with tomato slices and basil.
Transfer to a serving plate and drizzle with some of the balsamic glaze left in the skillet.
Serve.
Notes
Marinating: Although 15 minutes is sufficient, marinate pork chops for up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor.
Perfect sear: Sear in a hot, uncrowded skillet to achieve a perfect sear on pork chops.
Cooking times: Cooking times may vary; adjust cooking time based on pork chop thickness, aiming for an internal temp of 145°F.
Resting the meat: Allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, leading to juicier chops.
Refrigerate leftover pork chops in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
To Grill the Pork Chops: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the pork chops from the marinade and transfer them to the preheated grill. Cook them for 4 minutes; flip and cook for 3 more minutes. Place mozzarella cheese on top, close the grill, and cook until cheese is melted and meat is cooked through. Pork is done when its internal temperature reaches 145˚F.
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: caprese recipes, easy pork chop recipe, grilled pork chop recipe