Smoky Pork Chops with Bacon Onion Jam
Prepare for a symphony of flavors with these perfectly cooked pork chops, elevated by a truly addictive bacon onion jam. Each succulent pork chop, seared to a beautiful golden crust, offers a tender, juicy interior that stands proudly as the centerpiece. The star accompaniment, a rich, sweet, and smoky jam, is crafted from crispy bacon, slow-cooked onions, and a hint of tomato, creating an irresistible blend of savory and tangy notes that cling to every bite. This dish is a masterclass in contrasting textures and harmonizing bold flavors, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. It's a memorable meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated, promising to impress with its depth and complexity.
Ingredients
- •2 bone-in pork chops, about 2.5cm thick
- •150g bacon, diced
- •2 large onions, thinly sliced
- •2 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 tablespoon tomato paste
- •1 tablespoon brown sugar
- •2 tablespoons olive oil
- •1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- •50ml water
- •Salt to taste
- •Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Dietary Info
Instructions
- 1
Pat pork chops dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Set aside.
- 2
In a medium saucepan or skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, reserving 1 tablespoon of rendered bacon fat in the pan. Set crispy bacon aside.
- 3
Add the thinly sliced onions to the pan with the bacon fat. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until onions are very soft and deeply caramelized.
- 4
Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the brown sugar and water, stirring well to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- 5
Bring the jam mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Keep warm.
- 6
While the jam simmers, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet.
- 7
Sear pork chops for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until a golden crust forms and internal temperature reaches 63 degrees Celsius for medium-rare or 71 degrees Celsius for medium.
- 8
Remove pork chops from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before serving.
- 9
Serve the rested pork chops topped generously with the warm bacon onion jam.
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