Peppercorn Sauce Pork Chops Recipe

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If you’re craving a dinner that feels both indulgent and comforting, this Peppercorn Sauce Pork Chops Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Juicy, tender pork chops get an irresistible upgrade with a creamy, peppery sauce that hits every note perfectly—from a subtle kick to rich, savory depth. This dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal you can easily prepare at home, making weeknights and special occasions equally delightful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role to create that rich, luxurious flavor and perfect texture. From the peppercorns that pack a punch to the creamy sauce that brings everything together, these basics come to life in a beautiful harmony on your plate.

• 4 pork chops: Opt for chops about 1 inch thick for juicy results, but thinner ones work fine too.
• Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the meat.
• 1-2 tablespoons peppercorns: Use whole peppercorns and crush them just enough for that signature peppery bite.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a clean, light base to sear the chops without overpowering.
• 3 tablespoons butter (divided): Adds richness and helps in browning both the pork and sauce ingredients.
• 1 shallot (chopped finely): Brings a sweet, mild onion flavor that deepens the sauce complexity.
• 1/4 cup brandy: Adds a boozy warmth and enhances the sauce’s aroma—feel free to substitute with cognac.
• 1/2 cup beef broth or stock: Gives the sauce a meaty base and balances the creaminess.
• 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream: The creamy ingredient that makes the sauce luxuriously smooth.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce just right without any clumps.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, vibrant touch that brightens the final plate.

How to Make Peppercorn Sauce Pork Chops Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Pork Chops

Start by letting your pork chops come to room temperature for about 15 to 30 minutes. This helps them cook more evenly. Once ready, pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure a beautiful sear and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Crush the Peppercorns

For that iconic peppercorn sauce flavor, crush your peppercorns to release their bold aroma. Use a pestle and mortar or a ZipLoc bag and a rolling pin. The goal is to have chunks that are broken but still retain texture to provide both flavor and a pleasant bite in the sauce.

Step 3: Sear the Pork Chops

Heat olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, sear the pork chops for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side depending on thickness, until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. Remove and set them aside to rest—this keeps them juicy for later.

Step 4: Rest the Pan

Remove the pan from heat for about a minute to prevent burning the delicate shallots in the next step. This brief cooldown also helps the butter stabilize before cooking the aromatics.

Step 5: Sauté Shallots

Add the remaining butter and chopped shallots to the skillet, cooking over medium heat until they soften and caramelize lightly, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step builds the base of your rich sauce, bringing out natural sweetness.

Step 6: Flambee with Brandy

Pour in the brandy and let it bubble vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes. This reduces the alcohol content while concentrating those deep, warm flavors that meld beautifully with the pork.

Step 7: Add Broth and Peppercorns

Stir in the beef broth along with your crushed peppercorns and let everything simmer for a few minutes. This infuses the sauce with meaty richness and the signature pepper spice.

Step 8: Make the Cornstarch Slurry

To get that perfectly thickened sauce, mix the cornstarch with a couple teaspoons of cold water until smooth. This slurry will help the sauce cling to your pork chops with just the right consistency.

Step 9: Finish the Creamy Sauce

Stir the heavy cream and cornstarch mixture into the skillet. Watch as the sauce transforms into a silky, velvety coating, perfectly peppered and rich in flavor.

Step 10: Bring It All Together

Return the pork chops (and any resting juices on the plate) into the skillet. Let them cook gently in the sauce for another 3 to 5 minutes. This finishing step ensures the chops are cooked through and soak up all those luscious flavors.

Step 11: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top to add a hint of freshness and contrast. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—then dive right in!

How to Serve Peppercorn Sauce Pork Chops Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is the classic garnish here, adding a burst of color and a fresh herbaceous note. For an extra touch, a light dusting of cracked black pepper or a few whole peppercorns can reinforce the bold peppercorn flavor visually and on the palate.

Side Dishes

These pork chops shine when paired with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up every drop of the sauce. Roasted green beans, sautéed spinach, or a crisp arugula salad add a welcome bright, fresh contrast to the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a restaurant-style presentation, place the pork chop on a bed of mashed potatoes, spoon the peppercorn sauce artfully over the top, and sprinkle parsley for pop. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a few roasted cherry tomatoes bring additional color and flavor dimension that will impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Peppercorn Sauce Pork Chops make for fantastic next-day meals. Store the chops and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce actually tastes more developed after sitting a bit!

Freezing

You can freeze pork chops with the peppercorn sauce for up to 2 months — just make sure to cool the dish completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When thawed, the texture remains surprisingly good and the sauce retains its lusciousness.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pork chops and sauce on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sauce separation. Avoid microwaving if possible, as slow reheating helps the cream sauce stay stable and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use different cuts of pork for this Peppercorn Sauce Pork Chops Recipe?

Absolutely! While pork chops are ideal for their size and quick cooking, pork tenderloin medallions also work well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid drying out the meat.

What if I don’t have brandy on hand?

No worries! You can substitute with cognac, a good-quality whisky, or even a splash of dry white wine. Each brings a slightly different flavor but still complements the peppercorn sauce beautifully.

How spicy is this dish from the peppercorns?

The peppercorns provide a warming, peppery kick rather than intense heat. The crushed pieces offer bursts of flavor throughout without overwhelming the palate, making it perfect for most spice tolerances.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, swap the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free spread and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream alternative. The flavor will be different but still deliciously rich!

Is it safe to flambé with brandy on the stove?

Yes, but take precautions—turn off the burner before adding brandy, then light carefully if you want to flambé. Otherwise, letting it simmer without ignition also reduces the alcohol and deepens flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Peppercorn Sauce Pork Chops Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself craving again and again. It marries simplicity with elegance, showing how a few thoughtful steps can turn everyday ingredients into something truly special. Don’t hesitate—give it a try and watch how easy it is to impress your friends and family with this delightfully creamy, peppery favorite!

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