Cast Iron Pork Chops with Mushrooms, Red Wine & Thyme
A great dish for when you're craving something delicious and flavorful but haven't got a lot of time to spend. It's ready in maximum 15 minutes, but the taste of the red wine & thyme reduction hints of much more time spent in the kitchen.
Melt another 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan, then add sliced mushrooms and cook until nicely colored and saturated with butter (3-5 minutes). Add more butter if needed, you don't want the pan to go dry.
3 tablespoon butter, 6 white button mushrooms
Remove the garlic cloves and throw them away, then remove the mushrooms and thyme from the pan and set aside for now.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan, then add the pork chops. Cook for 1 minute per side, until they have a nice color.
3 tablespoon butter
Add the mushrooms and thyme back to the pan. Then pour in red wine and water, mix gently and bring to a simmer. Simmer over medium or medium-low heat for 2 minutes per side.
½ cup red wine, ½ cup water
Remove the pan from the heat. Cover with a lid or tin foil, and let the pork rest for 5 minutes.
Serve the pork chops with the mushrooms and a side of mashed potatoes or other side of your choice, and top with red wine reduction from the pan.
Video
Notes
Cook time will vary depending on how thick your pork chops are. These cook times are intended for pork chops that are ½ inch (1.25 cm) thick. If they're thicker, please allow them to cook for longer after adding the the red wine. Always make sure your pork chops are cooked through before eating.
Ingredient notes & substitutions
Pork chops - use bone-in pork chops if you can find them, the bone adds loads of flavor
White button mushrooms - how many you need will depend on their size. For 2 servings 6 small ones or 4 large ones is good.
Red wine - for the very best taste, use a wine you really like, and serve the same wine alongside it
Butter: Part of the butter can be swapped for olive oil, but I recommend cooking the mushrooms in real butter
Thyme can be swapped for rosemary
Tips & tricks
Bring out your pork chops 20 minutes before cooking and allow them to reach room temperature. This way they cook quicker and more evenly.
Adjust cook time depending on how thick your pork chops are. If they're thicker, allow them to simmer in the red wine for longer.
If your pork chops are really thick make sure to sear them on all sides
Use a meat thermometer to ensure your pork chops are cooked through - they should reach 145°F (63°C) before resting
Remove the garlic cloves to avoid biting into one
Store leftovers in the fridge in an air tight container for up to 4 days