Delicious and Healthy Paleo Pork Chop Recipes

Pork chops are a versatile and satisfying option for a paleo diet. These recipes offer a variety of flavors and cooking methods, ensuring a delicious and compliant meal.

Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

These pan-seared pork chops are not only paleo but also Whole30 compliant, making them a healthy and flavorful choice. The lemon garlic cream sauce complements the juicy, tender pork chops perfectly.

Ingredients:

• Pork chops
• Salt
• Pepper
• Thyme
• Avocado oil
• Lemon
• Garlic
• Coconut milk (for cream sauce)

Instructions:

1. Pat the pork chops dry and season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and thyme.
2. Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add pork chops and sear on each side for 5-8 minutes, depending on thickness. Cook to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
4. Set pork chops aside and keep warm for 10 minutes while preparing the sauce.

Braised Tuscan Pork Chops

These braised pork chops are simmered in a fire-roasted tomato sauce until fork-tender. This paleo and gluten-free dish is packed with flavor and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• Pork chops
• Olive oil
• Red peppers
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Garlic
• Fire-roasted tomatoes
• Salt
• Pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Thyme
• Basil

Instructions:

1. Season both sides of the pork chops with pepper and a little salt.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Brown the pork chops on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pan, cover with foil, and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add more olive oil. Sauté the red peppers, carrots, celery, and onion for 3 minutes, or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for one minute more.
5. Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, thyme, and basil.
6. Return the pork chops to the skillet and simmer until fork-tender.

Oven-Baked Pork Chops with Apples and Bacon

This recipe combines the classic flavors of pork chops and apples with the added goodness of bacon. Baking the pork chops with apples and onions creates a complete and satisfying paleo meal.

Ingredients:

• Pork chops
• Olive oil
• Apple wedges
• Onion wedges
• Bacon
• Thyme
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Pound the chops lightly with a meat mallet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron pan over high heat. Add the pork to pan and cook 3 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove the pork from the pan.
4. In the pan, add the remaining olive oil, apple and onion wedges, and bacon. Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper and toss to coat.
5. Put in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, then arrange the pork chops over apples and onion and bake for 10 minutes more.

Spicy Chipotle Glazed Pork Chops

These easy paleo pork chops are full of flavor, thanks to a simple honey and chipotle glaze. The glaze adds a spicy, smoky, and slightly sweet taste to the pork.

Read also: Paleo Granola Recipes

Ingredients:

• Pork chops
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
• Honey
• Coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle the pork chops on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let rest for 10 minutes.
2. In a blender or mini food processor, blend the chipotle pepper with the adobo sauce.
3. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brush the pork chops with the chipotle sauce and sear for about 2 minutes per side.
4. Turn down the heat to medium-low and cover. Cook for 5-7 more minutes until the pork chops are cooked through.
5. Brush with the remaining glaze and remove from heat.

Whole30 Pork Chops with Apples

This recipe is perfect for those following a Whole30 diet. The combination of pork chops and apples is a classic pairing, with the tart and sweet apples complementing the moist, juicy pork chop.

Ingredients:

• Pork chops
• Avocado oil
• Honeycrisp apples
• Ghee or vegan butter
• Salt
• Pepper

Instructions:

1. Pat the pork chops dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Over medium-high heat, add avocado oil to coat your skillet.
3. Once your pan is hot, add the pork chops and cook for about 6 minutes without touching before flipping and cooking another 6 minutes or until done. Check doneness with an electric thermometer.
4. Serve the pork chops topped with the warm apples.

Keto Pork Chops with Creamy Cauliflower Mash

To make a keto-friendly version, simply omit the apples from the Whole30 pork chops recipe. Serve the pork chops with creamy cauliflower mash and roasted asparagus for a complete keto meal.

Paleo Pork Chops with Mushroom Sauce

This recipe offers a comforting and cozy meal option, with juicy pork chops coated in a creamy, garlicky mushroom sauce. It's a healthy weeknight dinner that's also keto-friendly.

Ingredients:

• Boneless, thick-cut pork chops
• Avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
• Shallot
• Mushrooms
• Garlic
• Chicken broth
• Arrowroot
• Coconut milk
• Balsamic vinegar
• Fine sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Thyme
• Rosemary

Instructions:

1. Pat the pork chops dry and trim any excess fat. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chops so they're not touching each other. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, until they reach 145°F (63°C), then remove the chops to a plate.
4. Add the shallot, mushrooms and salt to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes.
5. Whisk together the chicken broth and arrowroot.
6. Once the mushrooms are browned and the shallot is soft, stir in the garlic, anchovy paste or tomato paste, thyme and rosemary.
7. Stir in the broth/arrowroot mixture and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up the brown bits on the bottom of the pan.
8. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, until somewhat thickened.
9. Stir in the coconut milk and vinegar.
10. Add the chops back in the sauce, along with any juices accumulated on the plate.

Tips for Perfect Paleo Pork Chops

• Use a high smoke point oil: Avocado oil is ideal for searing pork chops due to its high smoke point.
• Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure the pork chops have enough space to brown properly.
• Let the pork chops rest: Allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain their juices.
• Use a meat thermometer: Cook pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for optimal safety and taste.

Additional Paleo Pork Chop Variations

• Pork Chops with Applesauce: Serve your favorite paleo pork chop recipe with homemade or store-bought unsweetened applesauce.
• Italian Seasoned Pork Chops: Combine Italian seasoning, salt, parsley, pepper, garlic and onion powder, oregano, basil, and almond flour for a flavorful breading. Dip the pork chops in an egg mixture before coating them with the breading.

Read also: Paleo Diet Delivered: What You Need to Know

Read also: Paleo Mayonnaise Recipe

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