Skillet Pork with Cornbread Stuffing

Skillet Pork with Cornbread Stuffing Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Skillet Pork with Cornbread Stuffing is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender pork with savory cornbread stuffing. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion meal.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional pork and stuffing dishes that have been enjoyed for generations. The combination of juicy pork and flavorful stuffing is a classic pairing that never goes out of style.

Ingredients

0.25 tsp paprika
0.25 tsp salt
0.13 tsp pepper
4 boneless, center-cut pork loin chops (about 4 oz (113 g) each), all visible fat discarded
2 tsp olive oil
1 cup fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
1 medium onion, finely chopped
0.33 cup finely chopped celery
1.5 tbsp light tub margarine
1.5 cup dry cornbread stuffing mix
0.13 tsp poultry seasoning

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a small bowl, stir together the paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sprinkle the mixture over one side of the pork.
Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Add the oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the skillet.
Cook the pork with the seasoned side down for 2 minutes, or until it starts to lightly brown.
Transfer the pork to a plate with the browned side up.
Increase the heat to medium-high.
Stir the broth, onion, and celery into the skillet, scraping to dislodge any browned bits.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 6 minutes, or until the celery is tender.
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Stir in the margarine.
Gently stir in the stuffing and poultry seasoning until thoroughly blended.
Spread the stuffing mixture evenly in the skillet.
Add the pork with the browned side up, pressing it slightly into the stuffing.
Bake, covered, for 25 minutes, or until the pork is barely pink in the center.
Remove the skillet from the oven.
Let the dish stand for 5 minutes to allow the pork to finish cooking.

Cook's Tip

Covering the skillet during baking helps trap the juices released from the pork and vegetables, keeping the dressing moist.

Variations

Substitute the pork with chicken or turkey for a different flavor.
Add dried cranberries or nuts to the stuffing mix for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Use different seasonings such as sage or thyme to change up the flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the pork well before cooking to enhance the flavor.

- Cooking the pork in a skillet helps to sear the meat and lock in the juices.

- Covering the skillet during baking helps to keep the stuffing moist and flavorful.

- Letting the dish stand for a few minutes after cooking allows the pork to finish cooking and ensures a juicy and tender result.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Skillet Pork with Cornbread Stuffing with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Searing the pork in a skillet before baking helps to lock in the juices and create a flavorful crust.

- Simmering the vegetables in chicken broth adds depth of flavor to the stuffing mix.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Use a different type of stuffing mix such as herb or cornbread for a different taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the stuffing mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This can save time on busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Skillet Pork with Cornbread Stuffing in the skillet for a rustic and cozy presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a glass of red wine such as Pinot Noir or Merlot for a perfect match.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 320 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 24g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 22g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains gluten from the stuffing mix.

Summary

Skillet Pork with Cornbread Stuffing is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for dinner.

Summary

Skillet Pork with Cornbread Stuffing is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. With a balance of flavors and nutrients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Skillet Pork with Cornbread Stuffing. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl spending my summers with my grandmother in the countryside. She was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new flavors and techniques in the kitchen.

One lazy afternoon, as we sat on the porch shucking corn and snapping green beans, she pulled out an old, weathered recipe book from her apron pocket. As she flipped through the pages, her eyes landed on a recipe that seemed to jump out at her. Skillet Pork with Cornbread Stuffing. The name alone sounded delicious, and I couldn't wait to see how it was made.

My grandmother explained that she had learned this recipe from a friend she had met during a cooking class many years ago. The friend had passed it down to her, and she had been making it ever since. The combination of tender pork and savory cornbread stuffing was a match made in culinary heaven, and I was eager to learn how to make it myself.

The first step was to prepare the cornbread stuffing. My grandmother showed me how to crumble up cornbread into a large mixing bowl, adding in sautéed onions, celery, and herbs for flavor. She then poured in some chicken broth to moisten the mixture, giving it a good stir until everything was well combined. The aroma of the herbs and vegetables filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Next, we moved on to the pork. My grandmother seasoned the pork chops with a blend of spices and salt, then seared them in a hot skillet until they were golden brown on both sides. The sizzle of the meat as it cooked was music to my ears, and I eagerly watched as she placed the pork chops on top of the cornbread stuffing in the skillet.

As the skillet went into the oven to bake, my grandmother shared with me the importance of patience in cooking. She explained that good food takes time and care to prepare, and that it's always worth the effort in the end. I listened intently, taking in her words of wisdom as the delicious aroma of the Skillet Pork with Cornbread Stuffing filled the air.

When the timer finally beeped, we pulled the skillet out of the oven and my grandmother carefully plated the dish, garnishing it with fresh herbs for a pop of color. The pork chops were tender and juicy, the cornbread stuffing moist and flavorful. I took my first bite and was immediately transported to a world of deliciousness.

From that day on, Skillet Pork with Cornbread Stuffing became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, or simply as a comforting meal on a cold winter's night. Each time I prepared it, I would think of my grandmother and the special bond we shared over our love of good food and cooking.

As the years passed and my own children grew up, I passed down the recipe for Skillet Pork with Cornbread Stuffing to them. It became a cherished family tradition, a dish that would always bring us together around the dinner table. And as I watched my grandchildren take their first bites of the savory pork and cornbread, I knew that the legacy of this recipe would live on for generations to come.

So now, as I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day when I first learned to make Skillet Pork with Cornbread Stuffing, I am filled with gratitude for the culinary journey that has brought me to this place. Cooking has always been a labor of love for me, a way to nourish not only the body but the soul as well. And I can only hope that my grandchildren will carry on this tradition, sharing the joy of good food and good company with their own loved ones for years to come.