Blackened Pork Chops with Spring Gremolata Recipe

Juicy Blackened Pork Chops topped with a fresh spring Gremolata—bold flavors perfect for a vibrant, seasonal meal.

If you’re looking for a delicious meal that’s made in minutes — these Blackened Pork Chops with Spring Gremolata are just for you.  A simple dry rub made with pantry spices creates a brilliant addition to a pork chop.

After a quick rub, toss the chop into an iron skillet glistening with a touch of oil, and sear on both sides until a darkened crust.  Place the Blackened Pork Chops in the oven and continue to cook for 4-5 minutes, depending upon the thickness.

The easy gremolata can be made while the pork chops finish in the oven.  A good kitchen knife is all  you need to mince up some spring onions and fresh parsley.  Add a teaspoon of capers, zest and juice of a lemon, and stir.  It’s the tastiest citrus topping for a rich and tender pork chop.

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Ingredients

• 2 pork chops about 1-inch thick, 1 pound total
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon fennel pollen, optional (so worth it)
• 2 spring onions, minced
• 1/3 cup minced fresh parsley
• 1 heaping teaspoon capers
• zest and juice of 1 lemon
• oil for cooking

Tips

• always use fresh parsley in recipes
• only store ground spices for 1 year
• if capers come salted, rinse before adding to gremolata
• fennel pollen can be found at finer grocery or online

(Serves 2-4)

To Prepare:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Remove pork chops from any packaging and set aside for 20 minutes before cooking.
3. In a small bowl, add salt, paprika, onion powder, cumin, black and cayenne pepper, and fennel pollen, stir.
4. Rub dry mixture on both sides of chops.
5. In an iron skillet, add 1 tablespoon oil and place over high heat.  After 3 minutes, add chop and cook for 2 1/2 minutes on first side.
6. Flip and continue to cook for 2 1/2 minutes on other side.  Place skillet in oven to finish cooking for 4-5 minutes, depending upon thickness.
7. While chop is cooking, add spring onions, parsley, capers, lemon zest and juice to a bowl and stir.
8. Remove chop and let rest for 7 minutes before topping with gremolata and slicing.  Enjoy!

You can serve these Blackened Pork Chops with Spring Gremolata during the week for a quick and easy meal or on the weekends with friends.  You can also prepare them on the grill — just adjust time and temperature according to doneness.