Avocado-Crusted Pork Chops with Caramelized Onion
Tender pork chops coated in creamy avocado, pan-seared with sweet caramelized onions. This american-inspired keto (high-protein) ready in about 22 minutes pairs each, 2 total pork chops, medium, mashed avocado, thinly sliced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 oz each, 2 total pork chops
- 1 medium, mashed avocado
- 1/2 cup, thinly sliced onion
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 2 pork chops (4 oz each) with 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp dried thyme.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup thinly sliced onion and cook for 8 minutes until golden brown and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
- Step 3: Spread 1 medium mashed avocado evenly over both sides of each pork chop, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 4: Return skillet to medium heat, add 1 tbsp butter, and sear pork chops for 3 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), basting with caramelized onion and butter.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Avocado-Crusted Pork Chops with Caramelized Onion take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (12 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Avocado-Crusted Pork Chops with Caramelized Onion?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep each, 2 total pork chops from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Avocado-Crusted Pork Chops with Caramelized Onion?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Avocado-Crusted Pork Chops with Caramelized Onion for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Avocado-Crusted Pork Chops with Caramelized Onion high-protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
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