Cajun Pork Chops Recipe with Sauteed Zucchini – Tender and juicy pan-seared cajun pork chops are full-flavored with crispy edges. This easy pork chops recipe is cooked using only one pan and a handful of easy-to-find ingredients. Gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly – Whether you use bone-in or boneless pork chops, you will love the flavors of this delicious dinner. Enjoy!
Table of Contents
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Ingredients list for the Cajun Pork Chops Recipe
- 2 pork chops, bone-in, at room temperature
- 3 medium zucchini, rinsed and sliced
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium Cajun seasoning (or make you own Cajun seasoning blend, see tips below)
- 1-2 tablespoons canola or sunflower oil, divided
- 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes, optional
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, more for serving
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Directions
1. To make the Cajun pork chops recipe: Combine Cajun seasoning in a small bowl and season the pork chops generously on both sides (and on the edge too!).
2. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3 – 4 minutes on each side (or more, depending on the thickness of your pork chops) until the edges are crispy and browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside in a plate to rest, tented with foil.
3. Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet (if the pan is too dirty with burnt bits, just rinse and wipe dry). Sauté the chopped garlic until fragrant – about 30 seconds, while scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
4. Add the sliced zucchini to the same pan and season with pepper, and red chili pepper flakes (if using), add a bit of oil if necessary. Saute zucchini and garlic for 2-3 minutes over medium-low, then add chicken stock and lemon juice. Cook zucchini with the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring from time to time until the sauce has reduced a bit, and zucchini are tender.
5. Push zucchini on the side and add the pork chops back to the pan and reheat quickly. Divide sauteed zucchini and the sauce into plates and add the cooked Cajun pork chops. Serve the Cajun pork chops and sauteed zucchini garnished with lemon slices, and fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Tips for the Cajun Pork Chops Recipe
This pork chops recipe with zucchini is a complete meal that is perfect for any weeknight dinner. Here are a few tips to make this pork chops recipe unforgettable:
- Generally, store-bought Cajun spice blends contain salt. Keep that in mind when seasoning, so you don’t over-salt your pork chops. Plus, we use chicken stock to make the zucchini so this should be enough for the complete dish.
- Take the pork chops out of your refrigerator about 15 minutes before you plan to start cooking. The meat will cook more evenly throughout when you bring it at room temperature.
- Rest the meat after cooking pork chops: A quick rest period of five minutes allows the juices to flow back through the meat and make it more tender. You can cover the pork chops with a shallow plate or loosely tent with foil.
How to make your own Cajun seasoning
Cajun seasoning is very easy to make and you can keep it forever in your spice rack to add flavor to your meat, poultry, and even seafood. Here’s the ingredients list and proportions to make your own Cajun spice mix:
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2-3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, add more if you like heat
- 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar, optional
Are the Cajun pork chops spicy?
Yes, keep in mind that Cajun seasoning is spicy. Don’ t use the 3 whole tablespoons if you are sensitive to spicy food. Or mix the Cajun seasoning 50/50 with mild paprika for full flavor with half the spice. I like things spicy. 🙂
What temperature to cook pork chops
It is recommended to cook pork chops to an internal temperature of 145ºF minimum (63ºC) (click the link to read the USDA recommendations for cooking pork). You can cook at a higher temperature if you like. Note that pork meat can still be pink even when it has reached the minimum recommended internal temperature.
More pork chops recipes you might like:
- Garlic Pork Chops in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
- Crockpot Creamy Garlic Pork Chops with Mushrooms and Potatoes
- Boneless Pork Chops in Creamy Garlic Spinach Sauce
- Honey Mustard Pork Chops and Potato Skillet
Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com
Leave a Reply
Tari
2021-02-21 21:06:26
I have made this recipe a few times and it is one of our favorites. I have used store bought Cajun seasoning and the recipe provided here. Take the time to make the seasoning yourself....it is so much better and doesn’t take much time.
Julienne
2020-10-28 20:33:30
I thought this recipe was really good and easy to make. Your recipe calls for the zucchini to be sliced and then in the directions is says to add the diced zucchini, so my zucchini was a little big, but still really good.
