Lazy Man’s Pork Chops Will Change Your Dinner Life

To be honest, some evenings I simply lack the umph to make dinner. Dinner must be quick, good, and some nights I need a recipe that involve little effort. This Lazy Man's Pork Chop Recipe is a lifesaver exactly for this reason. It's incredibly flavorful, really juicy, and—best of all—requires little preparation.

The secret is a basic but very tasty marinade that handles all the heavy work. The olive oil binds in moisture; the lemon juice tenderizes; the garlic, Dijon mustard, and coconut aminos bring all the taste to life. All you have to do is let the pork chops absorb the goodness; then, fry them in a skillet and drop them in the oven.

This dish is so simple that even on my most tired evenings I can pull it together—and it tastes like I put in far more work than I actually did.

Why I Love This Recipe:

Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: The marinade handles all the preparation! Juicy and tender perfection!

Dinner is done in a few minutes. A quick prep, a fast sear, and a brief bake.

Perfect Cooking Method: Just follow the cooking times; use a meat thermometer and you will consistently get properly cooked pork chops.

ProTips:

Don't skip the marinade; it keeps the pork juicy and adds so much taste.

Before cooking, pat the pork chops dry. This helps guarantee a perfect golden-brown crust, .

Use a cast iron skillet; it ensures consistent oven pork cooking and offers the greatest sear.

Never overcook! Pork dries rapidly. Look for internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) with a meat thermometer.

Let it rest; cutting too soon will drain all those delicious juices. Give it a few minutes before cutting.

Make It Your Own!

Mix up your marinade. For a richer, more deeply flavored taste, substitute balsamic vinegar for lemon juice.

You can substitute coconut aminos for soy sauce.

Add fresh herbs— chopped parsley, rosemary, or thyme—before serving.

Try a different protein; chicken, steak, or even salmon taste great with this simple marinade!

Serve with sides of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

For the Pork Chops:

4 (8-ounce) pork chops (bone-in or boneless)

Paper towels (to pat dry the pork)

For the Marinade:

1/3 cup olive oil

1/4 cup coconut aminos

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

4 cloves garlic, pressed

3/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

Step 1: Marinate the Pork Chops

Pat the pork chops dry using paper towels. This guarantees a great sear and helps the marinade stick.

Whisk all the marinade ingredients in a small bowl till thoroughly combined.

Arrange the pork chops in a shallow dish or zip-top bag then cover with marinade.

Marinate for at least one hour; for best taste, overnight—up to 24 hours. Just avoid going past twenty-four hours; the texture may begin to break down.

Step 2: Prep for Cooking

Take the pork chops out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking so they can come to room temperature—this helps them cook evenly.

Warm your oven to 400°F (200°C). At the same time, preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Sear the Pork Chops

Once the skillet is hot, add a little butter or olive oil and swirl it around to coat the pan. Add the pork chops in a single layer and let them sear, without moving them, for 2-3 minutes until browned. Flip and repeat on the other side.

Step 4: Finish in the Oven

1. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfectly juicy pork chops.

- 1" thick boneless pork chops: 6-8 minutes

- 1/2" thick boneless pork chops: 3-4 minutes

- 1" thick bone-in pork chops: 8-10 minutes

- 1/2" thick bone-in pork chops: 5-6 minutes

Step 5: Rest & Serve

1. Remove the pork chops from the skillet and place on a plate to rest.

2. Tent loosely with foil and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping them nice and tender.

This Lazy Man's Pork Chop Recipe is evidence that a great, home-cooked dinner can be made without a lot of fuss. The marinade does all the hard work for you; the rest is handled by a brief sear and bake. This is a flawless, stress-free meal.

Enjoy friends! ❤️