For those following a ketogenic diet, finding satisfying and flavorful meals can sometimes be a challenge. Pork chops, being naturally low in carbohydrates, are an excellent option for keto-friendly dinners. This article explores a variety of keto pork chop recipes, from simple skillet preparations to more elaborate dishes featuring creamy sauces and flavorful seasonings.
Cajun Pork Chops with Cabbage
This recipe for Cajun Pork Chops and Cabbage is a quick and easy one-pan meal, ready in about 30 minutes. It's perfect for busy weeknights and offers a flavorful alternative to traditional cabbage and black-eyed pea dishes, especially since black-eyed peas aren't keto-friendly.
Ingredients and Preparation
The key to this recipe is a homemade Cajun seasoning, which can also be called a blackening spice mix. The spice mix includes pantry staples like paprika, garlic, and onion powder.
- Mix the Cajun spice rub together in a small bowl.
- Rub the mix generously on each side of the pork chops and set them aside.
- Heat a 12-inch skillet (cast iron preferably) and one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are browned and the spice mix has formed a flavorful crust.
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
- Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel.
- Add one tablespoon of butter, minced garlic, and three cups of chopped cabbage to the skillet.
- Lightly stir but allow the cabbage to reduce a bit, usually 3-4 minutes.
- Add the broth, salt, and pepper to taste and stir well.
- Allow the cabbage to cook, stirring occasionally for 8-10 minutes.
- When it has reduced and become tender, add one tablespoon of butter, stir, and top with the Cajun pork chops.
- Place a lid on the skillet and reduce the heat to low.
This dish is best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in a hot skillet or microwaved in 30-second intervals.
Keto Pork Chops with Cheese Sauce
This recipe provides a creamy and comforting twist to your pork chop dinner.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Ingredients and Preparation
- Gather and prep all ingredients.
- Wash and trim green beans as preferred.
- Heat a small pot over medium-low heat.
- Add in the cream cheese and cheddar cheese.
- Stir until cheddar cheese has melted and incorporated into the cream cheese.
- Add in the heavy cream and stir well to combine.
- Taste and add salt if needed.
- Set aside.
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Heat a separate pan over medium heat.
- Once hot, add in the pork chops and fry on each side for 2-3 minutes or until internal temperature is ~150F.
- Once done, set aside and cover with foil to rest.
- Pour any of the leftover pan juices from the pork chops into the cheese sauce and set on low heat to bring back up to serving temperature.
- While pork chops are resting, add butter to the same pan the pork chops were in over medium heat.
- Once butter is bubbling, add in the green beans.
- Season with salt and pepper, pan fry for a few minutes, then add garlic and continue cooking until preferred doneness.
- Plate the pork chop and green beans, then pour over the cheese sauce.
This recipe makes a total of 4 servings of Keto Pork Chops with Cheese Sauce.
Pork Chops with Garlic Butter Sauce
This recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to prepare pork chops with a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Season your pork chops on both sides with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and onion powder.
- Melt butter in a skillet on high heat.
- When the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add minced garlic and sauté quickly until fragrant.
- Add your pork chops and sear them for a few minutes on both sides.
- Pour broth, lemon juice, and cream over your pork chops.
- Move the pork chops around a bit to mix in the ingredients.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.
- Add asparagus to the pan (optional).
- Let your meal simmer for 7-10 minutes or until the sauce thickens. If your pork chops cook fully before your sauce thickens, remove them and set them to the side while your sauce finishes.
Serve the pork chops with the vegetable on the side and drizzle a spoonful or two of the sauce over your meat and vegetables.
Keto Smothered Pork Chops
This recipe is a quick and easy pan-fried dish that uses either boneless or bone-in pork loin chops. Instead of a sugary glaze, these chops are pan-fried and create their own pan gravy.
Keto Pork Chops with Mushroom Cream Sauce
This recipe features a creamy mushroom sauce that complements the pork chops, ensuring they remain moist and flavorful.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 oz. baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 cups packed baby spinach
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season pork chops on both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add pork chops and cook, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, cook mushrooms, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
- Add Parmesan, cream, oregano, and red pepper flakes; season with salt and black pepper. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 3 minutes. Add spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 2 minutes more.
- Return pork chops to skillet and cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
Air Fryer Keto Pork Chops
These breaded Air Fryer Pork Chops are both gluten-free and keto-friendly, offering a crispy and delicious alternative to traditional pork chops.
Ingredients
- Pork chops (bone-in or boneless, thick-cut)
- Almond flour
- Parmesan cheese (grated to a powdery consistency)
- Cajun seasoning (homemade recommended)
- Paprika (sweet)
- Garlic powder
- Nonstick cooking spray (propellant-free avocado oil spray recommended)
Preparation
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 degrees F for 5 minutes.
- Combine the almond flour, cheese, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow bowl.
- Blot the pork chops dry with paper towels and spritz both sides with oil.
- Coat both sides with the breading mixture, shaking off the excess.
- Spritz the air fryer basket with oil.
- Working in batches, place chops in a single layer in the air-fryer basket, leaving space in between.
- Spritz the tops with cooking spray.
- Set the air fryer for 6 minutes at 390 degrees F.
- After the initial cooking time, flip and spritz the tops of the chops with additional cooking spray.
- Continue to cook at 390 degrees F for an additional 4 to 9 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 145 to no more than 160 degrees F.
Keto Pork Chops with Dijon Sauce
This recipe features a simple Dijon sauce that adds a burst of flavor to the tender pork chops, complemented by the savory addition of bacon.
Ingredients
- Four boneless pork chops (about 6 oz. each)
- Salt and pepper
- Dijon mustard
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season both sides of your pork chops with salt and pepper.
- Heat a bit of oil in a skillet (cast iron if you’ve got one) and then pop your chops in. Cook for about 5 minutes per side or until the pork is cooked through and the chops are a nice golden brown.
- Add some chicken broth to the hot skillet and start whisking to scrape up any browned bits of pork on the bottom of the pan.
- Add in your Dijon mustard and heavy cream and then cook, stirring often, until the Dijon sauce has reduced and thickened to your liking.
- To complete this dish you’ll add the seared pork chops back to the pan, drizzle with the Dijon sauce, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Additional Keto Pork Chop Recipes
- Seasoned Mexican Pork Chops with Chili Verde Sauce: Topped with a tasty chile verde sauce, this recipe cooks in one pan and can be served with Mexican green beans and cheesy cauliflower mash.
- Low Carb Grilled Pork Chops with Chipotle Sauce: These pork chops are juicy, smoky, and delicious.
- Skillet Pork Chops with Caramelized Onions and Bacon: Made in a cast iron skillet, these pork chops feature caramelized onions and bacon in a creamy sauce.
- Instant Pot Keto Smothered Pork Chops: These pork chops are tender, juicy, and covered in a savory Southern brown gravy, cooked in an Instant Pot for convenience.
- Keto Pork Chops Romano: These low carb pork chops are easy to make and deliciously low carb.
- Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops: A crispy Parmesan crust makes these pork chops juicy and flavorful, perfect for any low carb diet.
Tips for Cooking Keto Pork Chops
- Choose the Right Cut: Boneless or bone-in pork chops can be used, but thick-cut chops are generally recommended for best results.
- Season Generously: Seasoning is key to flavorful pork chops. Don't be afraid to use a variety of spices and herbs.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: Cast iron skillets are excellent for searing meat and creating a good crust.
- Cook to the Correct Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork chops are cooked to an internal temperature of 145 to no more than 160 degrees F.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooking can result in dry, tough pork chops.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your keto pork chops with keto-friendly side dishes such as:
- Cauliflower rice
- Roasted green beans
- Italian antipasto Brussels sprouts salad
- Mexican green beans
- Cheesy cauliflower mash
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto