Black Pepper Pork Chops with Molasses Butter

Elevate your weeknight dinner with these irresistible Black Pepper Pork Chops with Molasses Butter—a dish that combines bold, zesty flavors with a touch of sweetness for the ultimate savory experience. Thick, bone-in pork chops are seared to perfection in a cast-iron skillet, creating a beautifully caramelized crust seasoned with freshly cracked black pepper and kosher salt. The star of the show is the luxurious molasses butter, a rich blend of creamy unsalted butter, sticky molasses, and fragrant minced garlic that melts over the hot pork chops, adding a glossy sweetness and depth of flavor. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights, yet elegant enough for entertaining. Serve with roasted vegetables or fluffy mashed potatoes and a garnish of fresh parsley for a wholesome, restaurant-quality meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces bone-in pork chops
• 2 tablespoons black pepper, freshly cracked
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1.5 tablespoons molasses
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.

Step 2

In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 3

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, then generously season both sides with the salt and black pepper mixture.

Step 4

Prepare the molasses butter by combining the unsalted butter, molasses, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth, then set aside.

Step 5

Heat vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.

Step 6

Carefully place the pork chops into the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 4-5 minutes on the first side until a deep golden-brown crust forms.

Step 7

Flip the pork chops and cook the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) using a meat thermometer.

Step 8

Remove the pork chops from the skillet and transfer them to a plate. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes to retain their juices.

Step 9

While the pork chops are resting, spoon a dollop of the prepared molasses butter over each chop. The heat will melt the butter, creating a rich and glossy coating.

Step 10

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Pair with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(942.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2615.5

Total Fat 186.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 71.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 668mg	0%
Sodium 2265.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 32.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.5g	0%
Total Sugars 22.6g
Protein 194.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 253.3mg	0%
Iron 10.6mg	0%
Potassium 3217.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.9%

Protein: 30.0%

Carbs: 5.1%