Yard House Pork Chops Recipe

Cooking pork chops at home can be a real treat, especially when using this fantastic Yard House-inspired recipe. This dish is perfect for a summer BBQ or a cozy night in.

Marinating the pork chops in pineapple juice adds a unique and flavorful twist that tenderizes the meat beautifully.

Using a simple blend of olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper to season the chops will elevate the taste without overwhelming it.

I love how this recipe brings out the natural flavors of the pork and adds a delicious smoky touch from the grill.

How to Make Yard House Pork Chops

Ingredients

• 4 Boneless Pork Chops (1 ½-inch thick)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tbsp Paprika
• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• ½ tsp Ground Mustard
• 1 cup Chicken Stock
• 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Honey

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Make sure your oven rack is in the middle position.

Step 2:

Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.

Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, and ground mustard.

Step 3:

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Add olive oil and allow it to heat up.

Step 4:

Place the pork chops in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they have a nice golden-brown crust.

Step 5:

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.

Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches 145°F.

Step 6:

Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes.

Step 7:

While the pork chops rest, place the skillet back on the stove over medium-high heat.

Add chicken stock, apple cider vinegar, and honey.

Simmer until the sauce reduces by half, scraping up any bits stuck to the skillet.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use a Meat Thermometer

Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Pork chops should reach 145°F for safe consumption.

Let the Pork Chops Rest

Allowing the pork chops to rest for about 5 minutes after cooking helps retain their juices.

This ensures juicy and flavorful meat.

Get a Good Sear

When searing the pork chops, don’t move them around too much.

This helps in developing a delicious crust.

Sauce Consistency

Make sure to reduce the sauce by half so it thickens up nicely.

This will give you a rich and flavorful glaze for your pork chops.

Prevent Overcrowding the Pan

If your skillet is too small, cook the pork chops in batches.

Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than searing.

What to Serve with Yard House Pork Chops Recipe

Mashed Potatoes

You can never go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes alongside your Yard House pork chops.

The buttery and smooth texture complements the savory taste of the pork perfectly.

A dollop of gravy can make this pairing even more delightful!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts add a healthy and delicious touch to your meal.

Their slightly bitter flavor and crispy edges balance the richness of the pork chops well.

A sprinkle of parmesan cheese can elevate these sprouts to the next level!

Apple Cranberry Pecan Salad

For a refreshing twist, try serving an apple cranberry pecan salad with your pork chops.

The sweet and tangy flavors from the apples and cranberries paired with the nutty crunch of pecans create a wonderful contrast to the meaty pork chops.

Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a delicious side dish that pairs beautifully with pork chops.

The smoky flavor from the bacon enhances the taste of the meat.

Plus, the crispiness of the asparagus adds a nice texture to your meal.

Polenta

Polenta is another fantastic side dish that you might not think about initially.

Its creamy consistency and subtle corn flavor act as a neutral base, allowing the flavors of the Yard House pork chops to shine through.

Adding a hint of parmesan cheese to the polenta can provide a lovely savory note.

Variations and Substitutions

Change Up the Marinade

You can experiment with different marinades for your pork chops!

Instead of a traditional garlic and sage rub, try a mix of soy sauce, honey, and grated ginger.

This gives your pork chops a delightful Asian-inspired flair that your family will love.

Spice Things Up

If you want a bit more heat, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

For a milder kick, smoked paprika adds a lovely depth without overwhelming spice.

Both options bring a nice warmth to the dish.

Try Different Oils

Cooking oils can significantly impact flavor.

Olive oil is classic, but using coconut oil gives a subtle sweetness.

For an earthy touch, avocado oil works well too.

Experiment with Herbs

Rosemary and thyme are fantastic, but don’t shy away from experimenting with basil or oregano.

Fresh herbs can brighten up the pork chops and add wonderful aromas to your kitchen.

Substitute Your Sides

Change up what you serve alongside your pork chops!

Pair with a fresh arugula salad instead of the usual mashed potatoes for a lighter, zestier meal.

Roasted sweet potatoes also add a nice variation with their natural sweetness.

Go for Baked Instead of Pan-Seared

For another cooking method, bake your pork chops!

Preheat your oven to 375°F, season the chops, and bake them until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

This method is great for evenly cooked, juicy meat without much fuss.

How to Store Leftover Yard House Pork Chops

First, you should let the pork chops cool down to room temperature.

This prevents condensation inside storage containers, which can cause the meat to become soggy.

Once cooled, wrap each pork chop individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

An alternative is to place them in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Refrigeration

Store the wrapped or containerized pork chops in the refrigerator.

They can stay good in the fridge for up to three to four days.

Make sure they are placed on a middle or lower shelf to maintain a consistent temperature.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the pork chops.

Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag.

Label with the date to keep track of storage time.

Pork chops can be frozen for up to two to three months.

Labeling

Always label the containers with the date you stored the pork chops.

This helps you keep track of their freshness and ensures you use them within the best time frame.

Organizing your fridge and freezer this way will make meal planning much easier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking

Cooking pork chops for too long can make them dry and tough.

It’s essential to keep an eye on the internal temperature.

Aim for 145°F and let them rest for a few minutes after cooking.

Not Seasoning Enough

Pork chops need a good amount of seasoning to bring out their flavor.

Don’t shy away from using a well-rounded mix of salt, pepper, and herbs.

Experiment with different spices to find what you like best!

Cooking Straight from the Fridge

Cold pork chops will cook unevenly and can end up being dry on the outside and undercooked inside.

Let your chops sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

This helps them cook more evenly and taste better!