Craving that signature Longhorn Steakhouse cowboy pork chop experience without leaving your kitchen? You’re in the right place! This Longhorn pork chop recipe delivers the same bold, savory flavors and perfectly seared crust that makes cowboy pork chops Longhorn style so irresistible.
With a simple blend of seasonings and a restaurant-style cooking technique, you’ll create thick, juicy Longhorn steakhouse pork chops that rival the original.
Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just starting your culinary journey, this cowboy pork chops Longhorn recipe transforms ordinary bone-in chops into an extraordinary steakhouse experience that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
What Does Longhorn Steakhouse Cowboy Pork Chop Taste Like?
The Longhorn pork chops deliver a symphony of bold, savory flavors with every bite. The exterior boasts a beautifully caramelized crust seasoned with smoky paprika, aromatic garlic, and a hint of Creole spice that adds subtle heat. Inside, the meat stays remarkably tender and juicy, with natural pork sweetness shining through.
The garlic herb butter melts into every crevice, creating rich, indulgent notes that complement the seasoned char. Italian herbs add an unexpected earthy dimension, while the bone imparts extra flavor during cooking.
It’s steakhouse elegance with a comforting, home-cooked soul-exactly what makes cowboy pork chops Longhorn style so memorable.
Longhorn Steakhouse Cowboy Pork Chop Recipe Ingredients
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon melted butter
For the Seasoning Blend:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon Creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
The Garlic Herb Butter:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Kitchen Utensils
- Small mixing bowls (2)
- Oven-safe skillet (cast iron preferred)
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 4
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Cowboy Pork Chop Recipe
Step 1: Create the Seasoning Blend
In a small bowl, combine paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Creole seasoning, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until all spices are evenly distributed. This custom blend is the secret to authentic Longhorn steakhouse pork chops flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Pork Chops
Pat the bone-in pork chops completely dry with paper towels-this ensures a perfect sear. Drizzle olive oil over both sides and rub to coat evenly. Generously apply your seasoning mix to both sides and edges of each chop, pressing gently so it adheres. Let the seasoned chops rest at room temperature for 5 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Herb Butter
While the chops rest, combine unsalted butter, minced garlic, and freshly chopped parsley in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside. This finishing butter elevates your cowboy pork chops Longhorn recipe to steakhouse perfection.
Step 4: Sear the Pork Chops
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the pork chops in the skillet without crowding. Sear for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving them-this develops that signature golden-brown crust. Flip and sear the second side for another 4-5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Garlic Butter
Once both sides are beautifully seared, spoon the garlic herb butter mixture over each pork chop. Let it melt and cascade down the sides, basting the meat with those rich, aromatic flavors.
Step 6: Finish in the Oven
Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated 400°F oven. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part (away from the bone) registers 145°F. This technique ensures juicy Longhorn pork chops that are cooked perfectly throughout.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven (use oven mitts-the handle will be extremely hot!). Transfer pork chops to a cutting board or serving platter and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This crucial step allows juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness. Spoon any remaining pan butter over the chops before serving.
Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving
1. Classic Steakhouse Sides
Serve your Longhorn steakhouse cowboy pork chop alongside creamy mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for an authentic restaurant experience. The buttery potatoes complement the garlic herb butter perfectly, while crisp green beans add freshness to balance the rich meat.
2. Southern Comfort Style
Transform your cowboy pork chops Longhorn into a Southern feast by pairing them with mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. The creamy, cheesy pasta echoes the indulgent butter sauce, while the greens provide a slightly bitter contrast that cuts through the richness.
3. Lighter, Health-Conscious Option
Balance the hearty Longhorn pork chop recipe with roasted Brussels sprouts, quinoa pilaf, and a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. This combination maintains the steakhouse elegance while adding nutritious vegetables and whole grains to your plate.
4. BBQ Fusion Twist
Add a tablespoon of brown sugar to your seasoning mix and finish with a drizzle of bourbon glaze. Serve with sweet potato fries and coleslaw for a barbecue-steakhouse fusion that adds sweet and tangy dimensions to the savory pork.
5. Mediterranean Inspiration
Top your finished Longhorn steakhouse pork chops with sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese crumbles, and fresh basil. Pair with roasted vegetables and couscous for a Mediterranean twist on the classic recipe that introduces bright, tangy flavors.
6. Mushroom Lover’s Dream
Sauté sliced cremini or button mushrooms in the same skillet after removing the pork chops, deglazing with white wine or chicken broth. Spoon this mushroom pan sauce over the chops and serve with wild rice and asparagus for an elevated, umami-rich presentation.
7. Spicy Southwest Variation
Increase the Creole seasoning and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Top with pico de gallo or fresh salsa and serve with cilantro-lime rice and black beans. This customization gives your cowboy pork chops Longhorn recipe a bold, Southwestern flair that spice lovers will adore.
Essential Tips for Perfect Cowboy Pork Chops
1. Choose the Right Cut
Thickness matters tremendously when recreating Longhorn pork chops at home. Always select bone-in pork chops that are at least 1 inch thick, preferably center-cut. The bone adds flavor during cooking and helps the meat cook more evenly, while the thickness prevents overcooking and drying out. Thinner chops won’t achieve that perfect steakhouse texture.
2. Don’t Skip the Drying Step
Patting your pork chops completely dry before seasoning is crucial for developing that restaurant-quality sear. Surface moisture creates steam in the pan, which prevents proper browning and caramelization. Use paper towels to thoroughly dry both sides, ensuring maximum contact between the meat and the hot skillet for a gorgeous golden crust.
3. Master Your Pan Temperature
Your skillet should be hot enough that the oil shimmers but doesn’t smoke excessively. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the cowboy pork chops Longhorn style will steam rather than sear, resulting in a gray, unappetizing exterior. Test by adding a drop of water-it should sizzle and evaporate immediately. Cast iron skillets retain heat beautifully and are ideal for this recipe.
4. Resist the Urge to Move the Meat
Once you place the pork chops in the hot skillet, leave them alone for the full 4-5 minutes. Constantly flipping or moving them disrupts the Maillard reaction-the chemical process that creates that delicious browned crust. Trust the process, and you’ll be rewarded with perfect caramelization on your Longhorn steakhouse pork chops.
5. Invest in a Meat Thermometer
Guessing doneness leads to overcooked, dry pork. A reliable instant-read thermometer is essential for achieving the USDA-recommended 145°F internal temperature. Insert it horizontally into the thickest part of the chop, avoiding contact with the bone (which conducts heat differently). Remember, the temperature will rise another 3-5 degrees during resting.
6. Time Your Garlic Carefully
Adding the garlic butter before the oven (rather than at the start of searing) prevents the garlic from burning and becoming bitter. Burned garlic ruins the flavor profile of your Longhorn pork chop recipe. By introducing it after the sear but before oven-finishing, the garlic cooks gently in the butter, becoming fragrant and sweet rather than acrid.
7. Always Rest Your Meat
Resting isn’t optional-it’s the difference between juicy perfection and disappointing dryness. During cooking, muscle fibers contract and push juices toward the center. Resting allows these fibers to relax and reabsorb moisture throughout the meat. Cutting immediately causes all those precious juices to flood onto your cutting board instead of staying in the cowboy pork chops Longhorn recipe where they belong.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store leftover Longhorn steakhouse cowboy pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 10-12 minutes to maintain moisture, or slice and warm in a skillet with a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
Longhorn Steakhouse Cowboy Pork Chop Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Creole seasoning, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until all spices are evenly distributed. This custom blend is the secret to authentic Longhorn steakhouse pork chops flavor.
- Pat the bone-in pork chops completely dry with paper towels-this ensures a perfect sear. Drizzle olive oil over both sides and rub to coat evenly. Generously apply your seasoning mix to both sides and edges of each chop, pressing gently so it adheres. Let the seasoned chops rest at room temperature for 5 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
- While the chops rest, combine unsalted butter, minced garlic, and freshly chopped parsley in a small bowl. Mix well and set aside. This finishing butter elevates your cowboy pork chops Longhorn recipe to steakhouse perfection.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, carefully place the pork chops in the skillet without crowding. Sear for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving them-this develops that signature golden-brown crust. Flip and sear the second side for another 4-5 minutes.
- Once both sides are beautifully seared, spoon the garlic herb butter mixture over each pork chop. Let it melt and cascade down the sides, basting the meat with those rich, aromatic flavors.
- Transfer the entire skillet to your preheated 400°F oven. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part (away from the bone) registers 145°F. This technique ensures juicy Longhorn pork chops that are cooked perfectly throughout.
- Remove the skillet from the oven (use oven mitts-the handle will be extremely hot!). Transfer pork chops to a cutting board or serving platter and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This crucial step allows juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness. Spoon any remaining pan butter over the chops before serving.
Video
Notes
Common Queries and FAQs
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Longhorn Steakhouse Cowboy Pork Chop Recipe that people often ask.
Q: Can I make this Longhorn pork chop recipe without an oven?
A: Yes! After searing, reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-12 additional minutes, flipping once. Use a thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F internal temperature.
Q: What makes cowboy pork chops different from regular pork chops?
A: Cowboy pork chops are typically bone-in, thicker cuts (1+ inch) with a more robust seasoning profile. The Longhorn steakhouse pork chops specifically feature a bold spice blend and garlic butter finish that sets them apart from simpler preparations.
Q: Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
A: While you can, bone-in chops are highly recommended for authentic cowboy pork chops Longhorn flavor. The bone adds moisture and flavor during cooking. If using boneless, reduce oven time by 3-5 minutes and monitor temperature closely.
Q: How do I prevent my pork chops from drying out?
A: Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer and remove chops at 145°F. Always let them rest before cutting. The garlic butter also helps maintain moisture throughout the cooking process.
Q: Can I prepare the seasoning blend in advance?
A: Absolutely! Mix your spice blend and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. This makes preparing Longhorn pork chops even faster on busy weeknights.
Q: What sides does Longhorn Steakhouse serve with their pork chops?
A: While the restaurant menu varies, popular pairings include baked potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, and their signature mac and cheese. Feel free to recreate the full steakhouse experience at home!
Q: Is Creole seasoning spicy?
A: Creole seasoning has mild heat with complex flavor. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with half the amount. The blend’s paprika, garlic, and herbs shine through more than the heat level.
Q: Can I grill these pork chops instead?
A: Yes! Preheat your grill to medium-high (400°F). Sear the seasoned cowboy pork chops Longhorn style for 4-5 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat and cook until they reach 145°F internally, basting with garlic butter throughout.
This Longhorn steakhouse cowboy pork chop recipe brings restaurant-quality dining straight to your home kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The combination of bold seasonings, proper searing technique, and that signature garlic herb butter creates Longhorn pork chops that taste just like the original-maybe even better! Whether it’s a special occasion dinner or a weeknight treat, these cowboy pork chops Longhorn style deliver impressive results every single time. Fire up your skillet and experience steakhouse perfection tonight!
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Perfectly juicy and packed with incredible smoky flavor.