Sizzling Recipe: Champagne Pork Chops for Special Occasions
Greetings, foodies! Today, I bring you a recipe that is simply divine. This champagne pork chops with lemon and parsley recipe is the perfect addition to your dinner party. The combination of flavors in this dish will take your taste buds on an adventure they’ll never forget. Trust me when I say that your guests will be begging for seconds.
As a chef, I have always been passionate about experimenting with new recipes and flavors, and this recipe is the epitome of my culinary creativity. Combining champagne and pork chops may sound unusual, but I assure you, the blend of these ingredients works excellent together.
Featuring buttery center-cut pork chops smothered in creamy champagne sauce rustic with garlic and fresh herbs, this dish is nothing short of heavenly. These thick-cut pork chops are pan-fried to perfection, then cooked in a delectable creamy champagne sauce that makes them fork-tender.
This recipe may seem intimidating at first, but trust me when I say that it’s beginner-friendly. Even if you’re new to cooking or hosting dinner parties, you can still impress your guests with this delectable champagne pork chops recipe.
Stay tuned for the following section on why you’ll love this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of making the same old boring pork chops for dinner? Look no further because this Champagne Pork Chops with Lemon and Parsley recipe will be your new go-to!
This recipe has several elements that will make your taste buds dance with delight. First of all, the champagne sauce is luxurious and will add depth to the dish. The coarse salt and lemon zest perfectly complement the flavors of the pork chops, while also giving a burst of freshness. The garlic cloves give the recipe an extra kick, adding another layer of flavor to your pork chops. Finally, the parsley adds a finishing herbal touch, making this dish something truly special. All of these elements together create a symphony in your mouth that you won’t soon forget.
Another reason why you’ll love this dish is because it’s so easy to make! With only a few ingredients and steps, it’s perfect for even beginner cooks. You can have this dinner on the table in less than half an hour. The recipe also allows for substitutions and variations if you prefer different flavors or ingredients.
Not only is this dish easy to make and delicious, but it is also versatile in terms of what you can pair it with. Serve it with mashed potatoes or quinoa for a comforting meal, or pair it with a crisp salad dressed with champagne vinegar for something lighter. This recipe is sure to impress your guests at your next dinner party or to elevate a weeknight dinner at home.
All in all, this Champagne Pork Chops with Lemon and Parsley recipe checks all the right boxes: it’s easy to make, delicious, versatile, and impressive. So what are you waiting for? Try this recipe out now and see for yourself why you’ll love it!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients that you will need to make this scrumptious Champagne Pork Chops with Lemon and Parsley Recipe:
- 4 pork chops, 1-2 inch thick cut
- Coarse salt and ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 cups champagne
- 1 tablespoon of champagne vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of garlic salt
- ½ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
Make sure to grab the best center-cut pork chops for this recipe. The thickness also matters as it helps to retain moisture while adding flavor. Apart from that, all the other ingredients can be easily found in your kitchen pantry or any nearby grocery store. Don’t forget to chop-up some fresh parsley as it creates a refreshing contrast to the richness of the creamy Champagne sauce.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the recipe itself. It might look complicated, but trust me, it’s super easy and it’ll leave your taste buds singing.
Ingredients:
- 4 center cut pork chops: Make sure they’re thick cut, bone-in if possible, for maximum flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking the chops.
- Coarse salt and ground black pepper: To season the chops.
- 4 garlic cloves: Crush them to add flavor to the sauce.
- 1 lemon zest: For some extra citrusy flavor.
- 4 cup champagne (or other sparkling wine): Use a good quality brut champagne for this recipe.
- 1/2 cup champagne vinegar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: To make the creamy champagne sauce.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon mustard: Dijon works great in this recipe.
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley: Use some for garnish and some for adding freshness to the dish.
Instructions:
- Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the pork chops liberally with coarse salt and ground black pepper on all sides.
- In an oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook for 3 minutes per side until they’re browned and caramelized.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the pork chops onto a plate. Cover with foil to keep warm while you make the sauce.
- Using the same skillet, add crushed garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant over medium heat. Add lemon zest and let it cook for another minute or so.
- Pour 4 cups of champagne into the skillet and scrape off any browned bits from the bottom. Increase heat to high and let the champagne reduce by half.
- Add 1/2 cup of champagne vinegar and let it cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, unsalted butter, and mustard. Reduce heat to low and stir the sauce until it becomes creamy and thick.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Once done, turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped parsley over the top.
- Spoon the champagne sauce over each pork chop, garnish with extra parsley, and serve.
Expert tip:
If you prefer your pork chops boneless or want to make this recipe in a slow cooker instead, you can use boneless pork loin chops instead of center cut chops.
And there you have it, Champagne Pork Chops With Lemon and Parsley Recipe that I’m sure will impress anyone who tastes them!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re not a fan of pork chops, you can still enjoy the flavors of this recipe by substituting the pork with boneless chicken breasts, turkey breasts or even fish fillets. When using fish fillets, adjust the cooking time accordingly as fish cooks much quicker than pork.
For a healthier option, you can use pork loin chops instead of center cut pork chops. Pork loin is leaner and has less fat than other cuts of pork. You can also use olive oil spray instead of olive oil to reduce the calorie content of this dish.
If you want to make this dish a bit more flavorful, consider adding some different herbs or spices. Ground cumin or coriander will add an earthy flavor, while smoked paprika will add a smoky sweetness. Oregano and basil are great options if you prefer a more Mediterranean flavor profile.
Looking for a vegetarian option? Try replacing the meat with roasted vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini or Portobello mushroom caps. You can also use tofu or tempeh as a protein replacement.
To add an extra dimension to the champagne sauce, try substituting the parsley with other fresh herbs such as thyme, sage or rosemary. You can also add some lemon zest to the champagne sauce for an extra burst of citrus.
Whether it’s chicken or veggies you’re using, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted in many different ways to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Serving and Pairing
These Champagne Pork Chops with Lemon and Parsley are an indulgent treat that pair well with a variety of sides. I recommend serving them with mashed potatoes, quinoa, or even a light salad dressed with champagne vinegar. The porkchops’ creamy champagne sauce pairs perfectly with the freshness of a crisp salad, while the lemon and parsley add bright flavors to balance out the richness of the pork.
If you’re looking to indulge in a more decadent meal, consider pairing these pork chops with a lemon butter sauce or a creamy mustard-parsley sauce. The buttery richness of these sauces will intensify the flavor of the pork and add an additional depth to the dish.
For a special occasion, serve these pork chops alongside a slow-cooker pork piccata or a boneless pork loin roast. These dishes complement each other well, and their robust flavors will make for an unforgettable dining experience.
No matter which side dish you choose, be sure to add some lemon zest and ground pepper to tie all the flavors together beautifully. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
This Champagne Pork Chops with Lemon and Parsley recipe is ideal for preparing in advance, making it the perfect dish to serve guests. The pork chops can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them. Raw pork chops will keep for up to three days in the fridge before cooking.
If you want to make this recipe a day ahead, cook the pork chops and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, gently warm them up in a skillet on low heat until heated through.
Another option is to freeze cooked pork chops or uncooked cut pork chops; both will stay fresh for several months if stored properly. Simply wrap the uncooked pork chops tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing, adding extra protection against freezer burn.
To reheat frozen precooked pork chops, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator first. Then, either reheat them in a skillet with olive oil or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
For a variation on chop recipe, try making this recipe with boneless pork loin chops instead. Follow the same preparation and cooking instructions as cut pork chops.
No matter how you choose to store or reheat your Champagne Pork Chops with Lemon and Parsley, they are sure to maintain their delicious flavors and textures.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve a perfect and delightful Champagne Pork Chops with Lemon and Parsley, I recommend the following tips:
1. Allow the pork chops to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking them. This helps to ensure even cooking.
2. Use thick-cut center pork loin chops for the best results. They will cook more evenly and retain their moisture.
3. Season the pork chops with coarse salt, ground pepper, garlic salt, and lemon zest to add an extra layer of flavor to your dish.
4. When cooking the chops, use a combination of butter and olive oil for the right balance of flavor and texture. The butter adds richness while the olive oil has a higher smoking point, allowing you to sear the meat without burning it.
5. Ensure that the pan is hot enough before adding the pork chops. This allows you to get a nice sear on both sides without overcooking the inside.
6. After removing the pork chops from the pan, let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to redistribute the juices properly among all parts of the meat producing juicy tender cuts.
7. While making champagne sauce make sure that you simmer your sauce until it is reduced by half before adding half-and-half cream, mustard with parsley, garlic salt or champagne vinegar.
8. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and parsley for a dash of vibrancy in color and aroma.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Champagne Pork Chops with Lemon and Parsley turns out exceptionally wonderful and leaves everyone impressed at your mastery in creating this exceptional recipe!
Bottom Line
Now that you have all the information on this delicious champagne pork chops with lemon and parsley recipe, it’s up to you to give it a go! I can guarantee that once you take your first bite, you’ll fall in love with those flavors and keep the recipe handy for future use.
This recipe provides many alternatives and variations, so feel free to adjust it according to your taste preferences. If you’re looking for a fancy dinner or if you just want to treat yourself, this meal is foolproof and satisfying.
In conclusion, these pork chops are an excellent option for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. The blend of flavors between the champagne sauce, lemon juice, and parsley creates a perfect pairing with mashed potatoes, quinoa or salad. This dish is well-deserving of its place on any food lover’s table. Don’t hesitate to give it a shot!
Champagne Pork Chops With Lemon and Parsley Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops, thick cut
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
- 1 lemon, zest only
- 12 teaspoons coarse salt
- 1/4 cup champagne
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, lemon flavored
Instructions
- Salt and pepper chops and let sit 30 minutes.
- Place skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Brown chops on both sides.
- When browned, deglaze the pan with the champagne, reduce heat, add chops and simmer until almost done.
- While the chops are cooking, mince the garlic, salt, parsley and lemon zest together. Smash mixture into the chops, simmer a minute or two, turn and smash remaining mixture onto the other side. Simmer a couple of more minutes.
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