Garlic Butter Pan-Seared beef Chops are a quick, flavorful dinner option that combines a crispy, golden crust with a juicy, tender interior. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for various occasions, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. The richness of garlic butter enhances the natural flavor of the beef, making it an unforgettable meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, you can enjoy this delicious dish in no time.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates a savory experience that elevates beef chops to a new level.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adjust seasonings or add your favorite herbs for a personalized touch.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one pan, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Impressive Presentation: Serve these beef chops garnished with fresh herbs for an elegant touch that will impress your guests.
Tools and Preparation
To make Garlic Butter Pan-Seared beef Chops, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will ensure a smooth cooking process and great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan: Provides even heat distribution, ensuring perfectly seared beef chops with a golden crust.
- Tongs: Allows you to flip the beef chops easily without piercing them, preserving their juices for a tender bite.
- Knife: Essential for mincing garlic and trimming any excess fat from the beef chops.
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface for preparing your ingredients safely and efficiently.
Ingredients
For the Beef Chops
- 2 beef chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced or finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp Smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme, for garnish – optional)
How to Make Garlic Butter Pan Seared beef Chops
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Mince the garlic and set it aside. Season both sides of the beef chops with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
In your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Step 3: Sear the Beef Chops
Carefully place the seasoned beef chops into the hot skillet. Sear each side for about 4–5 minutes until they develop a rich golden-brown crust.
Step 4: Add Garlic Butter
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Use tongs to continuously baste the beef chops with the melted garlic butter for an additional 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked to your desired doneness (medium rare is around 135°F), remove the beef chops from the skillet. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Pan-Seared beef Chops!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Pan Seared beef Chops
Garlic Butter Pan Seared beef Chops are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. Pairing them with the right sides and garnishes can elevate your meal, making it even more enjoyable.
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with parsley or thyme – Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and color to your dish, enhancing the overall experience.
On a Bed of Greens
- Serve over sautéed spinach or arugula – The slight bitterness of greens pairs well with the richness of garlic butter, creating a balanced plate.
With Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Plate alongside creamy mashed potatoes – The smooth texture of mashed potatoes complements the tender beef chops beautifully, making every bite satisfying.
Accompanied by Grilled Vegetables
- Add grilled vegetables – Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus bring brightness and crunch to your meal.
With a Side Salad
- Pair with a crisp side salad – A light salad dressed in vinaigrette provides contrast to the hearty flavors of the beef chops.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Pan Seared beef Chops
To achieve perfectly cooked Garlic Butter Pan Seared beef Chops, consider these essential tips:
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Use room temperature meat – Allowing the beef to come to room temperature ensures even cooking throughout the chop.
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Preheat your pan properly – A hot pan helps create a delicious sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan – Cook one or two chops at a time; this prevents steaming and promotes that perfect crust.
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Baste with garlic butter – Spoon melted garlic butter over the chops while they cook for added flavor and moisture.
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Let it rest before serving – Allowing the meat to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps retain its juices for a tender bite.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Pan Seared beef Chops
Complement your Garlic Butter Pan Seared beef Chops with these delicious side dishes that enhance their flavors.
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Roasted Potatoes – Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, roasted potatoes are an excellent hearty side.
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Steamed Broccoli – Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrition, providing a fresh counterpoint to rich meat dishes.
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Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad mixed with diced cucumbers and tomatoes offers a refreshing taste alongside the savory chops.
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Garlic Bread – Savory garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra garlic butter sauce from the beef chops.
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Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the garlic butter.
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Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs complements the flavors of beef while offering a satisfying base.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Garlic Butter Pan Seared beef Chops can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch for:
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Ignoring the resting time: Skipping the resting period can lead to dry beef. Let your chops rest for at least 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
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Not seasoning properly: Under-seasoning can make your dish bland. Use salt and pepper generously before cooking for a more flavorful result.
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Using too high heat: Cooking on high heat can burn the garlic before the beef is done. Start with medium heat to achieve a perfect sear without burning.
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Overcrowding the pan: Adding too many chops at once lowers the pan’s temperature. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure an even sear.
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Using cold beef: Cooking beef straight from the fridge can lead to uneven cooking. Let your beef chops sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover garlic butter pan-seared beef chops in an airtight container.
- They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Garlic Butter Pan Seared beef Chops
- For longer storage, you can freeze cooked beef chops.
- Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They should last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Garlic Butter Pan Seared beef Chops
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chops on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place one chop on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add a bit of butter or oil. Sear each side of the chop for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Garlic Butter Pan Seared beef Chops that may help clarify your cooking experience.
What cut of beef is best for Garlic Butter Pan Seared beef Chops?
For this recipe, bone-in or boneless ribeye or sirloin cuts work great. They provide rich flavor and tenderness when cooked correctly.
Can I use different herbs for Garlic Butter Pan Seared beef Chops?
Absolutely! While parsley and thyme are great choices, you can also try rosemary or oregano for different flavor profiles.
How do I know when my Garlic Butter Pan Seared beef Chops are done?
Use a meat thermometer; aim for an internal temperature of about 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare. Adjust according to your preference.
Can I make Garlic Butter Pan Seared beef Chops ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the garlic butter sauce and sear the chops ahead of time. Simply reheat them when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Pan Seared beef Chops are not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it with different herbs or spices based on your taste preferences. Try it out for an easy weeknight dinner that impresses!
Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Beef Chops
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Beef Chops are a quick and delightful dinner option that combines a crispy, golden crust with a juicy, tender interior. This flavorful dish is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enhanced by the richness of garlic butter, these beef chops promise to be an unforgettable meal ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 beef chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1 inch thick)
- 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme for garnish – optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Mince the garlic and season both sides of the beef chops with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Heat the Skillet: In a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil until shimmering.
- Sear the Beef Chops: Place seasoned beef chops in the hot skillet and sear each side for 4–5 minutes until golden brown.
- Add Garlic Butter: Reduce heat to medium-low, add butter and minced garlic. Baste the beef chops with melted garlic butter for an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from skillet when cooked to your desired doneness, let rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 298
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Allow beef to come to room temperature before cooking for even doneness. Customize seasoning by adding your favorite herbs. For extra flavor, consider using flavored oils or infused butters.



