• Beer-Braised Pork Chops with a Kick

    by  • January 24, 2011 • Dinner, Pork, Total Noms Exclusive • 11 Comments

    Beer-Braised Pork Chops with a Kick

    On football Sundays, nothing quite goes as well together as meat and beer. I defy you to find a more winning combination. And in honor of the Jets making it to the AFC championship, I decided to go with a green-and-white theme. Some good that did.

    Oh, it’s not that they didn’t try. I know they did. It’s just that the Steelers tried … and succeeded. I suppose there is a difference.

    As you’ve probably figured out, I love braising meat. I particularly love the way this dish came out- the heat from the jalapeno peppers plays perfectly off the beer, and the delicious crust of the seared chop really holds its own. And don’t worry about it getting too spicy- my boyfriend does not like spicy food but actually finished his plate with this dish. It just depends on how much jalapeno you use (I used half a pepper).

    shallots, jalapenos, garlic

    Beer-Braised Pork Chops with a Kick

    Serves 2

    Ingredients

    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 2 boneless pork chops, one-inch thick
    • 3 cloves of garlic, chopped finely
    • 1 mediumĀ  shallot, chopped
    • 1/2 or 1 whole jalapeno pepper, minced (amount depends on how much heat you like)
    • chili powder to taste
    • salt & pepper
    • one can beer

    King of Beers

    Directions

    1) Trim pork chops of any fat. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and chili powder.

    2) Heat up a deep sided, medium size pan (that has a lid). When pan is hot enough that a few drops of water dance across the surface, add the oil. Place the pork chops in the pan, hear that beautiful sizzle, and let sit for 3-4 minutes to allow optimal browning. Flip and brown the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Once both sides are browned, remove pork chops from pan.

    Check out that sear!

    3) If needed, add some more olive oil. Add garlic, shallot, and jalapeno into pan and allow to sweat and cook until soft and slightly brown, infusing the flavors of the vegetables into the oil, about 3-4 minutes.

    sweating

    4) Pour about half of the beer into the pan, and scrape up any brown bits. Bring to a boil. Nestle the pork chops back in the pan, and cover, bringing heat to low. You want the liquid level to hit around halfway up the pork chop. Let braise in the beer for 10-15 minutes. If you have any beer leftover, no one’s judging- finish that bad boy while the meat’s cookin.

    5) After chops are done simmering, plate each chop and top with some of the jalapeno-shallot-beer sauce. Oh yeah, and enjoy!

    Beer-Braised Pork Chops with a Kick

    Happy Eating :)
    mally

    About

    I am a project manager for a TV network by day, and an aspiring home chef, novice arts 'n crafter, and not-so-secret Star Wars fan by night. I also co-own the best cookie store on the Internet, Mile End Bakery. Thanks so much for stopping by and happy eating!

    11 Responses to Beer-Braised Pork Chops with a Kick

    1. Kate Dash
      January 24, 2011 at 9:56 am

      That looks awesome! Please come home and cook for me!

    2. Canto
      January 24, 2011 at 3:01 pm

      this website is friggin’ awesome. i’m going to try a lot of these recipes.

      • mally
        January 24, 2011 at 5:32 pm

        Thank you so much!! That means a lot to me. I can’t wait to hear how it goes if you do try some out.

    3. Diana
      January 26, 2011 at 12:51 pm

      Tried your “Beer Braised Pork Chops” last night, couldn’t be happier! You have a great blog and I will be checking in for some quick and delicious dinner ideas!

      • mally
        January 26, 2011 at 1:12 pm

        Wow thank you Diana! That means a lot. I am so glad you enjoy the blog!

    4. Pingback: Penne alla Vecchia Bettola | total noms

    5. Wendy
      April 29, 2011 at 10:28 am

      Did this last night, very nice, I did add 2 tablespoons of apple sauce as I dont drink beer and it was a bit tart for me, has a good warmth which doesnt burn, thanks

      • mally
        May 5, 2011 at 3:51 pm

        Thanks for sharing, Wendy! I love the combination of apple sauce and pork. Classic!

    6. Tina
      September 20, 2011 at 1:50 pm

      We do beer braised chops from time to time. I had misplaced the recipe and found this while searching. So glad I lost the other. This is awesome! Why didnt I think about the peppers and garlic, especially since we love them? Thanks for sharing.

      • mally
        September 20, 2011 at 2:19 pm

        thank you so much for the kind words, Tina! I hope you enjoyed the dish!

    7. Ericka
      January 7, 2013 at 8:09 pm

      They are cooking right now! Can’t wait to eat them. :) Thanks for the recipe.

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