Well, let me tell ya, when it comes to cooking pork chops, adding a bit of fresh basil really makes a difference! Now, I ain’t no fancy cook, but I can tell when food tastes better, and pork chops with basil – they got somethin’ special. Basil has this real nice smell, kinda sweet but herby, and when it hits them pork chops, ooh-wee, it’s good eatin’!
Now, first thing’s first, you’re gonna want to pick up some nice pork chops. Thick ones are best, not too lean or they get tough, you see? And then you need some fresh basil leaves – fresh, not dried, makes it taste so much better. I’d say, grab a handful of them, and you’re good to go.
Here’s what ya need to do:
- Pork chops (2 or 4, dependin’ how many folks you got)
- Fresh basil (a handful, chopped up good)
- Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced fine)
- Salt and pepper, to your likin’
- Olive oil or butter (just a couple spoonfuls)
Step 1: Rub them chops down with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – pork needs a bit of flavorin’. Sprinkle it on both sides and rub it in good with your hands.
Step 2: Heat up a skillet nice and hot, then add a splash of olive oil or a small spoon of butter. Get that oil good and sizzly – that’s how you know it’s ready for them pork chops.
Step 3: Lay them pork chops down in the skillet and let ‘em cook on one side without fussin’ too much. You’ll want about 3-4 minutes each side, till they get that nice brown color. While they’re cookin’, you can chop up your fresh basil and garlic real fine.
Step 4: Flip them pork chops and add in the garlic right to the pan. Garlic’s gotta cook quick so it don’t burn, just a minute or so, stirrin’ it around in the oil with a spoon so it don’t stick.
Step 5: Once your garlic is fragrant, toss that fresh basil right on top of the pork chops. Now, basil don’t need long to cook – just about a minute so it stays nice and bright green. You’ll smell it right away, mixin’ with the garlic and oil, and let me tell ya, it’s downright heavenly.
Step 6: Take them chops out of the skillet and let ‘em rest a few minutes. This part’s important! Restin’ lets the juices stay in the meat, keepin’ ‘em juicy and tender. Don’t skip it, or you’ll have yourself a dry chop!
Serve these chops up with some mashed potatoes or maybe a little rice, and you got yourself a meal that’ll make anyone happy. That basil and garlic just bring out the best in the pork – it’s like they were made for each other! If you wanna try somethin’ new with pork chops, give this a go. It’s simple but full of flavor, just the way good home cookin’ should be.
Other herbs you could try:
- Rosemary – a bit stronger, real earthy taste, good if you like bold flavors.
- Thyme – milder than rosemary, nice with pork.
- Sage – goes well with pork, but use sparingly, it’s got a strong flavor.
- Parsley – not too strong, gives a nice fresh taste.
So next time you’re wonderin’ what to make with them pork chops, remember to grab some basil. It’s easy, tastes great, and ain’t nothin’ fancy – just good eatin’. That’s what it’s all about!
Tags:pork chops, basil, easy pork chop recipe, garlic pork chops, home cooking tips