There are some days that I just crave a big, juicy hunk of meat for dinner.
But I am far from being a competent grill master. Embarrassingly, I’m rather terrified of that monstrous outdoor metal mechanism. Yikes…
Yes, I’ve read all about how to safely grill outside, and I know some pretty delicious techniques to perk up my barbecue.
But I still prefer cooking my meaty mains in the kitchen.
This recipe for skillet pork chops with quinoa is easy and convenient – and it’s my new favorite meal to make indoors!
Not only is it a healthy mix of nutrient-dense ingredients, it’s also a snap to make. The grains cook in the same pan as the meat and veggies.
Zero stress. All the deliciousness.
There’s no need to fire up the grill. Make this deliciously hearty recipe in your kitchen now.
The Recipe
| Servings | Prep Time |
| 4 servings | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time |
| 40 minutes |
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Need an easy meal with a meaty main? Our skillet pork chops with quinoa is a tasty mix of healthy ingredients, all made in one pan.
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- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 small serrano peppers finely chopped (or any other pepper of your choice- jalapeno, Anaheim, or poblano)
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup dry quinoa rinsed
- 4 cups chicken stock
- Heat a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Melt the coconut oil in the skillet.
- Season the pork chops on both sides liberally with salt and pepper. Place in the heated skillet and brown on both sides. Remove to a separate plate.
- Add the onion and peppers to the skillet. Saute for 5-10 minutes, until they have softened. Add the garlic and saute for another minute.
- Return the pork chops back to the skillet. Spread the quinoa on the pork chops. Pour the chicken stock over the quinoa and pork. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 30 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed. Place one pork chop and a large spoonful of quinoa in 4 separate bowls and serve.
Recipe by Ashley Martell.
Nutritional Information*
Cooking by the Numbers…
Step 1 – Gather the Ingredients
Set out the meat, onion, garlic cloves, peppers, and salt and pepper.
Measure the coconut oil, dry grains, and chicken stock.
Step 2 – Prep the Ingredients
Finely chop the onions and peppers. Mince the garlic.
Rinse the grains with water and set aside. Unless your quinoa has been pre-rinsed, this is an important step that you don’t want to skip. Quonia is coated with saponins, which can cause stomach upset if they aren’t removed before cooking.
Liberally sprinkle freshly ground salt and pepper on both sides of the pork.
Step 3 – Brown the Chops
Heat the coconut oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Melt completely.
Place the seasoned meat in a single layer in the heated pan. Brown well on both sides and transfer to a separate plate.
Step 4 – Cook the Vegetables
Add the onions and peppers to the same pan. Saute for 5 to 10 minutes, or until they have softened. Add the garlic and saute for another minute.
Step 5 – Simmer
Return the browned meat back to the pan. Add the rinsed quinoa. Pour in all the chicken stock and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 30 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 6 – Serve
Once all of the liquid has been absorbed, transfer one chop and a large spoonful of the fluffy grains to 4 separate bowls. Serve and enjoy!
The Easiest and Meatiest Skillet Meal
If you’re like me, and are unreasonably terrified of cooking meats on the grill, you’ll appreciate this recipe.
Pork chops cooked with veggies and heart-healthy grains are an easy and nourishing meal to make indoors. You’ll still get to enjoy a deliciously meaty dish, in the comfort of your kitchen!
If you’re looking for an extra punch of flavor, coat the chops with Mike’s dry rub before browning them. The combo of all the spices will be a tasty addition to this meal.
And if you need another easy skillet recipe, try a honey mustard version.
Maybe next time, grill. #sorrynotsorry.
Avoiding outdoor cooking? How do you like to prepare your meaty recipes in your kitchen? Let us know any of your techniques and recipes in the comments below!
And if you’re looking for more pork-based main entrees, then these recipes should trip your trigger:
- Easy Grilled Pork Chops with Mango Salsa
- Honey Mustard Pork Chops
- Apple Cider Marinated Pork Chops
- Spicy Pork Tacos with Peach & Corn Salsa
- Slow Cooker Cuban Mojo Pork
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Photos by Felicia Lim, © Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details.
*Nutritional information derived from a database of known generic and branded foods and ingredients and was not compiled by a registered dietitian or submitted for lab testing. It should be viewed as an approximation.
About Nikki Cervone
Nikki Cervone is an ACS Certified Cheese Professional and cheesemonger living in Pittsburgh. Nikki holds an AAS in baking/pastry from Westmoreland County Community College, a BA in Communications from Duquesne University, and an MLA in Gastronomy from Boston University. When she's not nibbling on her favorite cheeses or testing a batch of cupcakes, Nikki enjoys a healthy dose of yoga, wine, hiking, singing in the shower, and chocolate. Lots of chocolate.
I made this recipe, adapting it slightly. I used additional seasonings on the chops (Penzey’s 33rd & Galena, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt) and subbed olive oil for the coconut oil. Leaving out the peppers, I added frozen chopped broccoli later in the cooking process to keep the broccoli from being mushy. My husband and I enjoyed the recipe tremendously.