I love to cook, but nobody that I know likes to cook complicated meals every night of the week (unless maybe it is your full time job to do so). Some of my favorite meals to cook when I don’t feel like cooking a “major meal” involve olive oil, protein, and a skillet. Depending on a side dish this meal can be on the table 20 minutes.
Ingredients for Southwestern-Style Pork Loin Chops
2 to 3 thick cut pork loin chops
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
pinch cayenne (this will determine the kick)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1) Measure all the spices in a small ramekin and mix well. I make this in big batches! See the big batch recipe here.
2) Heat the skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Pat the loin chops dry.
3) Sprinkle one side of pork chops with half of the spice and place spice side down in the pan and sear for 5 minutes. While first side is cooking sprinkle remaining half of spice mixture on the other side.
4. After 5 minutes flip loin chops. Add 1/8 cup of water to the pan. Be careful it will sizzle and steam. Be prepared to cover the pan and cook for 5 minutes more (or until internal temperature is 160, or your desired degree of “doneness”). Remove from heat and and cover with tinfoil to rest.
Southwestern-Style Pork Loin Chops
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 thick cut pork loin chops
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- pinch cayenne (this will determine the kick)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Directions
- Step 1 1) Measure all the spices in a small ramekin and mix well.
- Step 2 2) Heat skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Sprinkle 1 side of pork chops with half of the spice and place spice side down in heated skillet. While first side is cooking sprinkle remaining half of spice mixture on the pork loin chops. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Step 3 3) Flip loin chops, add 1/8 cup of water to the pan (be careful – it will sizzle and steam), cover the pan, and cook for 5 minutes more (or until internal temperature is 160, or your desired degree of “doneness”)
- Step 4 4) Remove from heat and let meat rest up to 5 minutes until ready to serve.
