Pan-Seared Brazilian-Style Pork Chops with Chimichurri

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

Tender pork chops pan-seared to golden perfection and served with a vibrant chimichurri sauce bursting with fresh herbs and garlic. This brazilian-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1.5 lbs total). Season both sides evenly with 1.5 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork chops and sear for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip pork chops and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove chops from pan and let rest covered loosely with foil.
  4. Step 4: In a food processor, combine 1 cup packed fresh parsley leaves, 1/2 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves, 3 garlic cloves, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, and 1/2 tsp salt. Pulse until finely chopped but still slightly textured.
  5. Step 5: Spoon chimichurri sauce generously over rested pork chops and serve immediately with your choice of side dishes.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Brazilian-Style Pork Chops with Chimichurri take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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-Seared Brazilian-Style Pork Chops with Chimichurri?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Brazilian-Style Pork Chops with Chimichurri?

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-Seared Brazilian-Style Pork Chops with Chimichurri for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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-Seared Brazilian-Style Pork Chops with Chimichurri?

Brazilian 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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