PERFECT Cast Iron Boneless Pork Chops

Choosing the Right Pork Chops

You want to make sure you're cooking the right kind of meat. There are 4 types of pork chops you should be aware of.

1. Shoulder Chop. Pretty fatty and filled with connective tissue. You could use these, but they are better for a nice braise like in our Italian Short Ribs with Gnocchi.
2. Rib Chop. Typically, these are your bone-in pork chops. These are great for cast iron or quick cooking.
3. Loin chop. These have dark and light meat in them, so they can be kind of a pain to cook because something will almost always be overcooked.
4. Boneless Pork Chops. These are essentially the same as the rib chop without the bone.

For cast iron boneless pork chops, you obviously want to use the boneless pork chops, but you could also use a rib chop and get very similar results. For something bigger, go with a pork tenderloin and try an Italian Cast Iron Pork Tenderloin.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Pork Chops. You could substitute bone-in pork chops and this recipe would work about the same, you would just need to adjust the cooking time.
• Butter. I use unsalted butter because I like to control the salt content and I already seasoned the pork chops with salt.
• Rosemary & Thyme. You can use one or the other or both as I do. I would not substitute dry herbs. Only use fresh for basting.
• Olive Oil. Frying in olive oil is the perfect oil. I'd use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best results. As long as you don't overheat your cast iron pan, it shouldn't get smoky.

*Please see the recipe card below for more information on ingredients.

Variations

• Change up the seasoning! We use garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Switch it up with some of your favorite flavors or seasonings.
• Switch up the herbs. Maybe instead of rosemary and thyme, you could use sage!
• Add some fresh garlic. While basting, add a crushed garlic clove for extra flavor.
• Stuff the pork chops. You could butterfly the pork chops and stuff them with feta and spinach like our Grilled Stuffed Pork Chops.
• Add a sauce or topping. Finish them in a sauce like our Creamy Lemon Sauce or top them with Spiced Apple Chutney.

Preparing Pork Chops

Take your boneless pork chops from the refrigerator and dry well with a paper towel. The more water you remove from the pork chop, the crispier of a sear you will get on the cast iron pan.

Cover with plastic wrap and tenderize the meat. Tenderizing the meat will ensure a soft and buttery texture when eating the pork chop. Season with salt and pepper on both sides and leave out on the counter for 30 minutes. Dry one more time with a paper towel before seasoning.

Directions for Cast Iron Boneless Pork Chops

Step 1: Finish seasoning the boneless pork chops with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Step 2: Add olive oil to the cast iron pan over medium heat. Once hot, place the pork chops on the pan and sear for 3 minutes.

Step 3: Sear the pork chops for another 3 minutes. Use tongs to hold the pork chop and sear the fatty side for 1 minute.

Step 4: Once the temperature reaches 135℉, add the butter, rosemary, and thyme to the cast iron pan. Let the butter melt into the rosemary and thyme and use a spoon to baste the pork chops for 1 minute.

Remove the pork chops and let them rest for 8 minutes. Serve immediately. You may want to serve alongside Creamy Cherry Tomato Risotto and some delicious Italian Lacinato Kale Recipe (Tuscan)

What to Serve with Boneless Pork Chops

Cast Iron Boneless Pork chops are a delicious protein so here is what I would serve with them!

• You need to pair a vegetable with these boneless pork chops so serve something easy like Sauteed Rapini with Garlic or Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts.
• Add a starch on the side like Gorgonzola Risotto with Mushrooms, Rice Dressing with Sausage, or Lemon Spinach Orzo.
• A salad could be the perfect partner for these pork chops. Serve them alongside a Caesar salad with Traditional Caesar Dressing and Homemade Italian Parmesan Croutons or just a mixed salad with a favorite dressing like Lemon Basil Vinaigrette.

Recipe FAQs

More Cast Iron Recipes

Please leave a comment and star rating below in the recipe card! I love to hear what you think of our recipes. Feel free to tag us on Instagram @vindelgiudice.