After that, I melt a bit more olive oil in the same skillet, scraping up those lovely brown bits left behind from the pork. Then, I toss in the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. As they start to sizzle, I reduce the heat to low and let the magic happen. I stir occasionally, allowing them to slowly caramelize — the sweet scent of onions wafts through my home, and I can hardly wait! This step usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Just when I think they’re perfectly golden, I add in the minced garlic and thyme, cooking it for another minute until fragrant.
Next, I pour in the beef broth, scraping any remaining bits off the skillet’s bottom, and add the balsamic vinegar. This step beautifully balances the sweetness of the onions. Then it’s time to return those lovely pork chops to the pan, making sure they’re nestled in that flavorful broth. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer on low for about 10 minutes to meld all the flavors together, while the chops absorb every drop of that savory goodness.
Finally, I take off the lid and sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese on top of the pork chops. I can hardly wait as I place a lid back on and let it cook for a few more minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once everything is ready, I can’t resist plate it up right away to enjoy the fruits of my labor! Ah, the colors alone are mouthwatering!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways to see what worked best, and I found that bone-in pork chops tend to be juicier than boneless ones. If you prefer boneless, try to keep them relatively thick. This way, they won’t dry out during cooking.
Another tip I gathered through trial and error is to be patient with the onion caramelization. If rushed, you risk burning the onions rather than achieving that sweet, deep golden-brown color that’s so essential to the flavor profile of this sauce. Cooking them low and slow is truly the best method.
Lastly, I recommend letting the pork chops rest after cooking. Even if it’s just a 5-minute break on the plate, this helps the juices redistribute. Trust me, it’s worth the wait when you take that first juicy bite!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I made when first trying this recipe was not seasoning the pork chops enough. I learned that a well-seasoned exterior can really elevate the flavor profile. Make sure to season generously and season every side! (See the next page below to continue…)