Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Romesco Sauce

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

Juicy pork chops pan-seared and topped with a smoky, nutty Romesco sauce made from roasted peppers and almonds. This Spanish recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs bone-in pork chops, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Spanish cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 bone-in pork chops and season both sides with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Set aside at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a blender, combine 2 medium roasted red bell peppers, 1/4 cup toasted almonds, 2 garlic cloves, 2 tbsp sherry vinegar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup bread crumbs. Blend until smooth and slightly chunky to form the Romesco sauce.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the pork chops and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms and internal temperature reaches 145°F. Remove chops and let rest.
  4. Step 4: Lower heat to medium and add remaining 2 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Pour in prepared Romesco sauce and cook for 3 minutes, stirring frequently until heated through and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Serve each pork chop topped generously with warm Romesco sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Pork Chops with Romesco Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Pork Chops with Romesco 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-Seared Pork Chops with Romesco 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-Seared Pork Chops with Romesco Sauce 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 Pork Chops with Romesco Sauce?

Spanish spanish 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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