I am truly a pork lover. I even tried to make sure my daughter was born in the Chinese Year of the Golden Pig, but she missed it by a few days. But since I am not Chinese I say she is! For a baby shower gift my friends Mindy and Eric gave me a painting by Eric titled “The Improved Middle White Pig” which now hangs in her room. And the way my toddler eats pork it obviously rubbed off on her.
As a chef I am often asked what my specialty is, and I always answer that I do not have one. I love to cook almost everything, but I do have an affinity for making spice and herb rubs. They can range from a few ingredients to a complex mix of 10-15 spices and herbs. This is one of my favorite rubs for pork, but could also be used on poultry.
Herb Rubbed Pork Chops
2 1/2 tsp Kosher salt or 2 tsp table salt
2 tsp dried thyme
1 1/2 tsp dried oregano, preferably Mexican
1 1/2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
3 TB + 1 TB extra virgin olive oil, divided
4 boneless pork loin chops, about 1 inch thick
In a small bowl mix together salt, thyme, oregano, basil, rosemary, fennel seeds, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and 3 TB olive oil. Place the pork chops on a large plate and pour the rub over the chops. Make sure the entire surface of the chops is evenly covered with the rub. Cover the chops with plastic wrap, and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. They can be left to marinate overnight if you choose. They longer you marinate lets the flavors really penetrate the meat.
When ready to cook your chops preheat your oven to 400 degrees. In a large ovenproof skillet heat remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Brown the pork chops on one side, turn over and place skillet in the oven. Roast the chops 12-15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
When the pork chops are done, let them rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
These pork chops can also be broiled or grilled. You can also use most cuts of pork for this, such as country style ribs, pork loin roast, pork shoulder or even spare ribs. Just adjust the cooking style to one best suited for that cut of meat.
I found it delicious, but next time I am going to reduce the salt, oregano and red pepper flakes as I could barely taste the fennel. I also over cooked by about 2 minutes so they were just hair dry. My Husband said he like them, and agreed with my assessment on the herbs (he’s a chef….LOL), and I didn’t have 2 hours for marinade so they only got about 30 minutes, but I used a tenderizer to beat it in! My daughter absolutely did not like the red pepper and made me (she’s just 8) rinse off the herbs (whimp! LOL). After that she was so so on like level. However, my hubby and I really liked it. Will definitely make again, with longer marinade time, and reduced salt, oregano and pepper flakes. Thank you for the recipe!
Mel
I too am a great fan of pork. I tried this recipe the same day I stumbled upon your blog. I didnt have time to marinate as pork chops were defrosted and on the menu for that night. How delicious! I can only imagine if I had marinated them! Moist and tasty. Thanks so much for the recipe. Ill definitely be making this again and again.
This was really good, I omitted the fennel ’cause I don’t like the taste very much and used a bit of cayenne instead as I didn’t have the pepper flakes, but I kept everything else. First time making pork chops too. Unfortunately I overcooked it by a couple of minutes, but it was still so tasty and mostly moist. I served it with my failed (as in soggy) oven baked yam fries.
This recipe was sooo good! “It was the best pork chops i’ve had” said the hubs. I hardly get accolades by the way. MMMmm can’t wait to use this as a base for other recipes. Love that it’s all natural dried herbs.
I neglected to comment on this recipe.. so here I am a bit late.. but YUM!!! I am not a guru of the pork chop and even I managed to get these to turn out soooo tasty and moist. My only thing might be to reduce the salt a wee bit.. I am not a big salt fan, so I definitely tasted it throughout. Not bad, just a bit salty for me.
These pork chops are amazing. The herbed rub is spicy (but not too) savory (ymmmm) and a new family favorite.
These pork chops used most of our senses.
They were elegant to look at, smelled and tasted even better.
My grand baby, who uses fingers as well as utensils, demonstrated that these pork chops were finger licking good.
It will be nice when you package and sell your special rub.
Vera Lee
That looks truly delicious. I definitely have to head down to the market soon and get some cuts for this weekend now.