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Home » Recipe Index » Comfort Food

Seared Pork Chops With Caper Sauce

Published: Aug 13, 2023 · Modified: Mar 2, 2025 by Kris Longwell · This post may contain affiliate links

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A person using a silver spoon to drizzle on a creamy caper sauce over a seared pork chop on a black plate with mashed potatoes.

This is one of those dishes that has such an amazing “wow” factor. Yet, it’s so easy to make!

If Wesley (The Loon) had to pick his favorite dish from the blog, this recipe would be in serious contention. And folks, when you take that first bite, you’ll understand what he means. Perfect served over a bed of Best Mashed Potatoes! If you and your family love pork chops, you are in for a treat.

A front-on view of a black plate filled with mashed potatoes and a seared pork chop with caper sauce on top of it.

This dish hits all the right notes. And what’s so amazing about it is that it can be prepared in about 30 to 40 minutes.

The sauce is deeply flavorful and the perfect complement to the juicy chops.

 

NOTE: If you liked this video, please subscribe to our YouTube channel. Remember to click the little ‘bell’ icon so you’ll never miss a new video. Thank you!

The Ingredients You Will Need

Choosing the right pork chop is important, but, honestly, as long as you get good-quality pork, you can’t go wrong.

Here’s What You’ll Need To Have On Hand

Pork chops – We recommend center cut, bone-in for the best flavor. 1 to 2 inches thick is fantastic.
Oil – Olive oil for searing
Seasonings – Salt and pepper is all you need for the chops.
Shallots – You can substitute regular chopped yellow onion, but shallots are a little sweeter and perfect for the sauce.
Garlic – Freshly minced.
Vinegar – Sherry is our favorite, but white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even apple cider vinegar will work just fine.
Dijon mustard – Just plain Dijon is wonderful. For a more pronounced mustard taste, go with grain mustard.
Stock – Chicken stock or broth is perfect.
Heavy cream – Don’t skip this. It adds a luxuriousness to the sauce that is amazing.

EXPERT TIP: If you’ve got extra-thick chops, you’ll want to sear them for about 8 minutes per side, until golden, and then transfer to a 325°F oven. An instant-read thermometer ensures you get the ideal internal temperature of 135°F.

A straight-on view of two center cut bone-in pork chops being seared in a stainless steel skillet.

Tips for Making Perfect Seared Pork Chops with Caper Sauce

This recipe is really foolproof, but there are a few good “rule of thumb” steps to keep in mind:

Choose Good Chops – Choose thick-cut, bone-in pork chops for the best flavor and juiciness. In this case, go with a nice thick cut (you may need to visit your butcher).

Season Generously – Add plenty of salt and pepper before searing them in a hot skillet oil to create a crispy crust.

Let Them Rest – Allow the pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, and then spoon the caper sauce over the top for added flavor.

EXPERT TIP: Once the sauce has reduced by about one third, turn off the heat and stir in the cream. You’ll want to do this just before serving.

A person pouring heavy cream from a small white bowl into a large stainless steel skillet filled with a caper sauce.

How To Serve

This dish truly is stunning in presentation. We recommend plating the dish before serving.

It truly delivers that “wow” moment when you bring it to the table.

The sauce is deeply flavorful and you don’t need to drown the chops in it. Just a nice drizzle down the middle of the chop and then a little over the mashed potatoes delivers the goods, without a doubt!

A person using a silver spoon to drizzle on a creamy caper sauce over a seared pork chop on a black plate with mashed potatoes.

Other Amazing Pork Recipes To Try

If you like juicy pork, you are going to really love these tried and true recipes:

Italian-Style Smothered Pork Chops
Grilled Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops
Grandma’s Pork Loin Roast
Slow-Roasted Pork Shoulder
Italian Smothered Pork Chops
Cajun Pork Chops
Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Southern Fried Pork Chops with Cream Gravy
Pan-Fried Pork Cutlets with Peaches
Country-Style Pork Ribs

Oh, these are all classic in every possible way. But, hasn’t this pork chop caught your eye?

An overhead view of two black plates filled with a pile of mashed potatoes and a seared pork chop with caper sauce poured over the top.

Folks, we’re not mincing words when we tell you this Seared Pork Chops with Caper Sauce is one of the best pork chop dishes you’ll ever make, serve, and eat.

The sauce is sublime and matches perfectly with the tender, juicy chops.

This is one of our all-time favorites, and when you try it, we think it will quickly move into your rotation, too!

A piece of pork chop being held up by a fork with capers on it.

Ready to make the best seared pork chop recipe in town? Go for it!

And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!

A front-on view of a black plate filled with mashed potatoes and a seared pork chop with caper sauce on top of it.

Seared Pork Chops with Caper Sauce

Seared Pork Chops with Caper Sauce recipe is just brimming with delicious flavor and juicy, tender meat.  Searing the chops ensure locked-in flavor and the sauce puts it over the top. 
4.94 from 31 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Entree
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 300kcal
Author: Kris Longwell

Video

Ingredients

  • 4 pork chops center cut, bone-in
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium shallot diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ⅓ cup capers drained
  • 2 tablespoon Sherry vinegar
  • ½ cup chicken stock
  • 1 ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F.
  • Pat chops dry with a paper towel, and then generously sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
    4 pork chops, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
    2 tablespoon olive oil
  • Add the chops and sear on one side for about 6 to 8 minutes, until golden brown on the bottoms.  Flip the chops over and sear the other sides for another 6 to 8 minutes. The chops won't be completely cooked through at this point.
  • Transfer the chops and cook until the internal temperature reaches 135°F. An instant-read thermometer ensures the perfect temperature.
  • Meanwhile, pour all but about 1 tablespoon of oil from the pan and reduce the heat to medium.
  • Add the shallots and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, until soft. Stir in the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.  
    1 medium shallot, 3 cloves garlic
  • Add the capers and simmer for 1 minute.
    ⅓ cup capers
  • Add the vinegar, stock, and mustard and stir until combined. Simmer until slightly reduced, about 2 to 3 minutes.
    2 tablespoon Sherry vinegar, ½ cup chicken stock, 1 ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Stir in the cream and a healthy pinch of salt and pepper.
    ¼ cup heavy cream
  • Place chops on plate or platter and pour sauce over them.  Pass remaining sauce at the table.

Notes

For visual guidance, see the video near the top of the blog post. If you liked the video, please subscribe to our YouTube channel. 
This recipe will work with any type of pork chop. If you go with a boneless chop and one that is less than 1 inch in thickness, you probably won't need to finish the cooking off in the oven.  Preheat your oven to 200°F so you can keep the seared chops warm while you prepare the sauce. 
The sauce is extremely flavorful and a little goes a long way. If desired, you can easily double the sauce recipe so you'll have plenty on hand (we do this often when serving this to guests). 
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave on HIGH for 30-second intervals, or heat in a 300°F for about 20 minutes, or until the chops are heated through. 

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 575mg | Potassium: 579mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 45IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? Take a Picture!Mention @HowToFeedALoon or tag #HowToFeedALoon!

POST UPDATE: This recipe was originally published in May 2016, but was updated with improved tweaks to the recipe with new tips and photography and a fabulous new video in August 2023!

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Comments

  1. retro bowl says

    February 20, 2025 at 10:20 am

    These pork chops look absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to try the caper sauce – it sounds like the perfect complement. Thanks for sharing this recipe!

    Reply
  2. Beth says

    January 09, 2025 at 10:18 am

    5 stars
    I haven’t made it yet… but this looks wonderful and I’d like to try it tonight. Quick question, though – can I substitute something like evaporated milk for the heavy cream? I know (believe me) that it won’t be quite the same… but my husband looks suspiciously at ANY sauce I make and asks “Are you trying to kill me?” – I’m sure only half joking – as he’s afraid of anything with full fat. (God, I miss cream!!!)

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      January 09, 2025 at 11:47 am

      Hi Beth! Good for your hubby being health conscience!! I’ve never made this with evaporated milk, but, it should be okay. I’d say a better choice (and much lower calories and fat) would be half and half, or even just milk (whole, preferably! LOL). Any choice should be okay. Let us know how they turn out!!!

      Reply
  3. MerryChristmas Clausmas Claus says

    November 22, 2024 at 4:59 am

    5 stars
    I believe I have made this recipe four times now. It is truly one of our favorites. Whenever Santa says it’s time for pork chops, I know he means this recipe because he never liked pork chops until I made this for him. Now, he would gladly eat it once a week. Capers make such a fabulous sauce and I buy a large jar on Amazon to always have it in stock in the fridge.

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      November 22, 2024 at 2:00 pm

      This just made our day! We are thrilled that you and Santa are enjoying our pork chops recipe! The caper sauce puts it over the top! Thanks for sharing and Merry Christmas!

      Reply
  4. Holly says

    October 23, 2024 at 11:20 pm

    5 stars
    Pork Chops with Capers were delicious. I made them alongside Best Mashed Potatoes and got mixed up by putting one cup cream in the caper sauce and one-quarter cup cream in the potatoes. I fixed the potatoes with more cream but ended up serving the sauce a little soupy, but still very yummy. Thanks for making me look good in front of my family!

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      October 27, 2024 at 12:41 pm

      Hi Holly!!! Yay!! Even with the slight mix-up, sounds like you prepare and absolutely amazing meal! You are a rock star in the kitchen! We are thrilled you had such great success! Thank you so very much for sharing and the wonderful review. That means the world to us!!! Have a GREAT day!!! xo Kris & Wesley

      Reply
  5. Victoria says

    August 05, 2024 at 12:31 am

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious!!

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      August 07, 2024 at 4:19 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  6. Retro Bowl says

    May 02, 2024 at 5:23 am

    Seared Pork Chops with Caper Sauce is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor that will impress your taste buds. Plus, it pairs perfectly with Best Mashed Potatoes for a truly satisfying meal.

    Reply
  7. Lynn says

    March 27, 2024 at 2:22 pm

    5 stars
    This was delicious! Made this with mashed potatoes and roasted Brussel sprouts. I can’t wait to make this again. Thanks for a great recipe.

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      March 28, 2024 at 6:41 pm

      Hi Lynn! that is so awesome! And wow! What an amazing sounding meal! we are so so happy you made the pork chops and loved them! And thank you so much for sharing and for the GREAT review. That means so much to us! Keep us posted on future dishes!! xoxo Kris & Wesley

      Reply
  8. Maxine says

    March 04, 2024 at 6:20 pm

    5 stars
    Excellent! I made this exactly as written and it came out superb. Thank you for such a delicious recipe!

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      March 08, 2024 at 6:11 pm

      This makes us so happy, Maxine! Thank you so so much for sharing and for the wonderful review! Please stay in touch! xoxo Kris & Wesley

      Reply
  9. Deb says

    January 13, 2024 at 9:10 pm

    5 stars
    So, in the interest of full disclosure, I was going to grill my big fat chops outside tonight. However, Mother Nature had a very different idea!! We had wicked winds (30 mph) & 2+ inches of driving rain in Northern NH! So plan B was absolutely this recipe! Have made this six times now and it never, ever disappoints!
    It’s so delicious and has all the attributes of a 5 Star restaurant! Turned out to be such an amazing meal on a crummy night!!

    Pleases keep up the great work & fun informative videos… you guys are the BEST!!
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      January 14, 2024 at 10:19 am

      Deb! You just made our day!!! We are so so happy the seared pork chops with capers came to the rescue!! Thank you SO SO MUCH for sharing and for the awesome review! That honestly means so much to us!! Stay in touch, stay warm, and stay tuned…so much more fun and food on the way! xoxo Kris & Wesley

      Reply
  10. Einar says

    January 08, 2024 at 12:50 pm

    5 stars
    It made it last night for Sunday dinner. And everyone thought it was delicious and that I spent a long time making it, little did they know? It just seems to me that if a dish has capers in it people think it’s fancy and hard to make. I’m going to say a word to them about just how quick and easy it was.
    Thanks, I will be making it again soon.

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      January 08, 2024 at 5:28 pm

      Hi Einar! You are a culinary rock star!!!! No doubt you prepare the chops perfectly! Thank you so so much for sharing and for the wonderful review. That honestly means so very much to us! Please stay in touch! All the best, Kris & Wesley

      Reply
  11. Alan says

    January 06, 2024 at 8:53 am

    5 stars
    I have made this a few times now and just love it. Quick and easy. Since the oven is already on I make roasted veggies to go with the pork chop.
    Happy 2024 to you both!

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      January 06, 2024 at 1:55 pm

      Hey Alan! Woo hoo! We are so so happy you are enjoying the seared pork chops with capers! We absolutely love them, too! Thank you so so much for sharing and for the GREAT review! We truly appreciate that so much! Happy New Year to you and your loved ones! Best, Kris & Wesley

      Reply
  12. Joline says

    November 14, 2023 at 4:08 pm

    5 stars
    Oh my goodness! Gentlemen, this was totally amazing! I ran out of capers and had to run to the store quickly in the rain to get more. I’m so I did! You two are such a pleasure to watch! Thank you so much!!!

    Joline

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      November 15, 2023 at 9:55 am

      Hi Joline! You just made our day! We are thrilled you had such great success with the pork chops, even though you had to run out in the rain! You are committed to making the best of the best, and we LOVE that!! Thank you so much for sharing and for the wonderful review! That means the world to us!!! Stay in touch!! xoxo Kris & Wesley

      Reply
  13. Barbie says

    August 20, 2023 at 8:06 pm

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious!! My husband loved it! I will definitely be making this again, as I do a lot of your recipes!!

    Reply
    • Kris Longwell says

      August 22, 2023 at 3:47 pm

      Hi Barbie!! Yay!!! We are so so happy that you and your husband loved the pork chops! Thank you so so much for sharing and for the awesome review! We can’t say enough how much that means to us! Please stay in touch! Kris & Wesley

      Reply
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