Published February 11, 2025 | By savorychops

15 Easy Pork Chop Recipes with Rice in 30 Minutes

Looking for new ways to elevate your dinner routine? Pork chops and rice make for a simple yet satisfying combo, but sometimes it’s nice to switch things up with different flavors. In this post, we’ve got 15 unique pork chop recipes that pair perfectly with rice—each with its own delicious twist! Whether you love savory herbs, smoky BBQ, or a sweet and spicy kick, you’ll find a recipe to suit every taste.

Pork chops are incredibly versatile, and when paired with rice, they can go from comforting to exotic. The key to transforming your pork chop dinner is in the seasoning and the sauce. That’s why we’ve curated a list of recipes that highlight a variety of flavors, from fresh citrus to rich coconut, so you can impress your guests—or simply treat yourself to something special at home.

1. Citrus Herb Delight

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp rosemary, fresh or dried
  • 1 tbsp thyme, fresh or dried
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix the garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Rub the mixture over the pork chops and let them marinate for 10-15 minutes.
  4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
  5. Transfer the pork chops to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
  6. Serve with a side of rice, such as lemon rice or herbed rice.

2. Smoky Apple BBQ Pork

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 apple, sliced thin
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
  2. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
  3. Brush both sides of the pork chops with BBQ sauce.
  4. Grill or sear the pork chops for about 5-6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
  5. While cooking, heat olive oil in a separate pan and sauté the apple slices for 2-3 minutes until soft.
  6. Once the pork chops are cooked, top them with sautéed apples and serve with rice on the side.

3. Ginger Soy Fusion

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp ginger, fresh grated
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Mix soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  2. Marinate the pork chops in the sauce for at least 20 minutes.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
  4. Reduce the heat and pour the remaining marinade over the pork chops. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  5. Serve with jasmine rice or fried rice.

4. Honey Mustard Mushroom Medley

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 1/4 cup honey mustard sauce
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  3. Remove the pork chops and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened.
  4. Stir in the honey mustard sauce and heavy cream, cooking for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Return the pork chops to the skillet and simmer for 5 minutes until fully cooked.
  6. Serve the pork chops and creamy mushrooms over a bed of rice.

5. Spicy Apple Cinnamon Pork

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 1/2 apple, sliced
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

  1. Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and chili powder.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  3. Add the apple slices, cinnamon, and honey to the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  4. Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving with a side of rice.

6. Coconut Saffron Bliss

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1/4 tsp saffron threads
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 4 minutes on each side.
  3. In a small bowl, steep the saffron in 2 tbsp warm water for 5 minutes.
  4. Add coconut milk and saffron to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
  5. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until the pork is tender and cooked through.
  6. Serve with a side of coconut rice for an extra creamy flavor.

7. Tomato Basil Garlic Sizzle

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. Add garlic, diced tomatoes, and fresh basil to the pan. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  4. Serve the pork chops with the tomato sauce and rice on the side.

8. Lemon Herb Grill

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp thyme, fresh
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix lemon juice, zest, garlic, thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate the pork chops for at least 20 minutes.
  3. Grill the pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
  4. Serve with lemon rice or herbed rice for a fresh pairing.

9. Saffron Ginger Harmony

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 1/4 tsp saffron threads
  • 1 tbsp ginger, fresh grated
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, steep saffron in 2 tbsp warm water for 5 minutes.
  3. Mix saffron water, grated ginger, soy sauce, and honey together.
  4. Marinate the pork chops for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Sear the pork chops in a hot skillet for 4-5 minutes on each side.
  6. Serve with jasmine rice to complement the sweet and savory flavors.

10. Mushroom Garlic Bliss

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear the pork chops in butter over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. Remove the pork chops and sauté garlic and mushrooms in the same pan for 2 minutes.
  4. Add cream and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  5. Serve the pork chops with the creamy mushroom sauce and rice.

11. Cilantro Lime BBQ Pork

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
  2. Grill the pork chops, brushing with BBQ sauce and lime juice.
  3. Top with chopped cilantro just before serving.
  4. Serve with cilantro-lime rice for a zesty pairing.

12. Spicy Soy Mustard Pork

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey mustard
  • 1 tbsp chili flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine soy sauce, honey mustard, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate the pork chops for at least 15 minutes.
  3. Sear the pork chops in a hot skillet for 4 minutes on each side.
  4. Serve with a side of rice and a drizzle of the marinade.

13. Apple Cinnamon Roast

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 1/2 apple, sliced
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
  3. Roast the pork chops for 20-25 minutes, adding apple slices and honey for the last 10 minutes.
  4. Serve with rice pilaf.

14. Garlic Rosemary Grill

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp rosemary, fresh
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Season the pork chops with garlic, rosemary, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Grill the pork chops for 5-6 minutes on each side.
  3. Serve with herbed rice for a fragrant finish.

15. Tomato Basil Sizzle

Ingredients:

  • 2 pork chops
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Sear the pork chops in olive oil for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  2. Add diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil to the pan, simmering for 5 minutes.
  3. Serve over a bed of rice for a light, flavorful meal.

Tips for Perfect Pork Chops

Making the perfect pork chop isn’t as hard as it may seem! Here are some tips to help you get juicy, flavorful pork chops every time:

  • Let your pork chops rest: After cooking, let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes before cutting into them. This helps retain their juices and ensures a tender bite.
  • Sear for a crispy crust: Always make sure your pan is hot before adding your pork chops. A hot skillet creates a beautiful sear and locks in the flavor.
  • Internal temperature is key: Pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness to avoid overcooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: If cooking multiple pork chops, avoid crowding the pan. It will affect how evenly they cook and the crispness of the sear.
  • Use a marinade or rub: Marinating or seasoning your pork chops before cooking is an excellent way to add flavor. Some recipes require a quick 15-minute marinade, while others benefit from a longer soak.

Variations and Pairing Suggestions

Want to mix things up even more? Here are a few ways to customize your pork chop recipes and make them your own:

  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra layer of heat in any of these recipes.
  • Sweet and Savory: Try a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, or balsamic glaze for a sweet contrast to your savory pork chops.
  • Fresh Herbs: For a bright flavor boost, garnish your pork chops with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil. They add a pop of color and freshness that enhances the overall dish.
  • Rice Variations: While these recipes pair great with classic white rice, you can experiment with other types of rice for added texture and flavor. Consider jasmine rice, wild rice, or even a flavorful saffron rice to complement the pork chops.

Pair your pork chops with simple sides like roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or sautéed spinach to complete your meal.

Conclusion

With so many different ways to prepare pork chops, you’ll never get bored of this classic dinner staple. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory, smoky, spicy, or sweet, these 15 recipes have got you covered. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile that will make your pork chop dinners more exciting than ever before.

Now it’s time to get cooking! Try out a few of these recipes the next time you’re in the mood for a delicious and easy-to-make meal. We’d love to hear which one is your favorite!

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