How to Make Pork Chop Gravy: A Comprehensive Guide

Pork chop gravy is a delicious and versatile sauce that can elevate any pork chop dish. Whether you’re serving it over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles, this rich and flavorful gravy is sure to impress. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of making pork chop gravy from scratch, using two popular recipes as our references.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for a richer flavor.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is used to thicken the gravy.
• Half and half: This is a mixture of equal parts milk and cream, which adds richness and creaminess to the gravy.
• Chicken broth: Low-sodium or no-sodium-added chicken broth is recommended to prevent the gravy from becoming too salty.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Reference Recipe 1: Pan Seared Pork Chops with Gravy (Jo Cooks)

1. Make the gravy: In the same skillet that you cooked the pork chops, add 1 tablespoon of butter and melt over medium heat. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour and cook for about 1 minute, whisking continuously, to remove the raw flour taste.
2. Whisk in the liquids: Gradually whisk in 3/4 cup of half and half and 1/2 cup of chicken broth until smooth.
3. Season to taste: Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer: Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until thickened.

Reference Recipe 2: Smothered Pork Chops (Cafe Delites)

1. Sauté the onion: In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add 1 large onion, thinly sliced, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the onion is soft and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
2. Add the garlic and thyme: Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of fresh chopped thyme to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute more.
3. Whisk in the flour: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the onion mixture and cook for 1 minute, whisking continuously.
4. Pour in the chicken broth: Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
5. Whisk in the buttermilk: Whisk in 3/4 cup of buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 3/4 cup of milk with 3 teaspoons of white vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
6. Simmer: Bring the gravy to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until thickened.

Tips for Making the Best Pork Chop Gravy

• Use a good quality pork chop. The flavor of the gravy will depend on the quality of the pork chop you use. Choose a thick-cut, bone-in pork chop for the best flavor.
• Sear the pork chop before making the gravy. Searing the pork chop will help to develop flavor and create a fond in the pan, which will add depth to the gravy.
• Use a whisk to prevent lumps. When whisking in the flour and liquids, be sure to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
• Simmer the gravy until thickened. The gravy should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If the gravy is too thin, simmer it for a few minutes longer.
• Season to taste. Be sure to taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Pork chop gravy is a versatile sauce that can be served over a variety of dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to pork chop gravy.
• Rice: White rice, brown rice, or wild rice are all good choices for serving with pork chop gravy.
• Noodles: Egg noodles, pasta, or even polenta can be served with pork chop gravy.
• Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts, can be served alongside pork chop gravy.

Pork chop gravy is a delicious and easy-to-make sauce that can elevate any pork chop dish. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a flavorful and satisfying gravy that your family and friends will love.