Caprese Pork Chops
Seared juicy caprese pork chops marinated in a garlicky balsamic glaze and topped with sweet tomatoes, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil!
Servings: 4 serves
Ingredients
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 bone-in center cut pork chops, you can also use boneless pork chops
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella
- 1 to 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- ¼ cup freshly 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.
Nutrition
Calories: 496kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 56g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 178mg | Sodium: 316mg | Potassium: 884mg | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 270IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 199mg | Iron: 1.9mg
