Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Sage and Brown Butter Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pork chops pan-fried and finished with a nutty brown butter sauce infused with fresh sage leaves. This american-inspired pork ready in about 20 minutes pairs bone-in pork chops, salt, black pepper 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 8 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick, 8 oz each) and season both sides evenly with 1 tsp salt and 3/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add pork chops and sear for 4 minutes without moving until a golden crust forms.
  4. Step 4: Flip pork chops and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove pork chops and tent with foil to rest.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to medium-low and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter, 8 fresh sage leaves, and 2 smashed garlic cloves to the skillet.
  7. Step 7: Cook the butter for 2-3 minutes, swirling the pan frequently, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty.
  8. Step 8: Remove garlic cloves and spoon the brown butter and sage sauce over the rested pork chops before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Sage and Brown Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (8 min prep + 12 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 Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Sage and Brown Butter Sauce?

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 bone-in pork chops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Sage and Brown Butter Sauce?

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 Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Sage and Brown Butter Sauce 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.

What goes well with Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Sage and Brown Butter Sauce?

American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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