Spicy Cajun Pork Chops with Cheesy Grits & Garlic Green Beans | Easy Recipe

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water

Vegetable broth can be lower in sodium.

pork chops

🥗Healthier: chicken breasts

💰Cheaper: pork loin

Chicken breasts are leaner and often less expensive.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is often less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

Wash pork chops in lemon water to remove impurities and enhance flavor.

Pat pork chops dry to ensure seasoning sticks and achieve a perfect sear.

Mix the seasoning mix in a bowl: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 2 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder.

Season the pork chops generously with the seasoning mix and let them marinate.

Cook bacon until crispy for topping on the cheesy grits.

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet.

Sear pork chops for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and juicy, using a cast-iron lid to prevent curling.

Check the internal temperature of the pork chops to ensure they reach at least 145°F.

Boil salted water in a pot, then gradually whisk in 1 cup of grits to avoid lumps, lower the flame, and let them simmer.

Make a roux by melting 1 tablespoon of butter and adding 1 tablespoon of flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes.

Gradually add 1 cup of heavy cream to the roux while whisking to keep it smooth, then add ½ cup of water or chicken broth, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and Cajun seasoning.

For a richer color, add a little smoked paprika to the sauce.

Sauté fresh green beans in butter, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes until tender.

Check the grits for tenderness and creaminess, then whisk in butter, milk, and heavy cream before stirring in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth, adding crispy bacon bits inside and on top.

Plate the dish by laying down the creamy cheesy grits, adding the spicy Cajun pork chops, and topping with garlicky green beans and the creamy Cajun sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens