Carnivore Pork Chops with Creamy Bacon Pan Sauce
Description
This dish is a hearty, ultra-satisfying carnivore-friendly meal featuring juicy pork chops seared to perfection, topped with a rich, creamy bacon pan sauce. Perfect for those following a carnivore or low-carb lifestyle, it’s full of flavor, fat, and protein, making it ideal for dinner or a protein-packed lunch.
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
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Pork Chops: 2–3 bone-in or thick-cut pork chops (about 6–8 oz each)
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Bacon: 4 slices, chopped
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Butter: 2 tbsp
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Heavy Cream: ½ cup (or more for extra richness)
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Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
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Salt & Pepper: To taste
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Optional: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for garnish
Instructions
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Prep Pork Chops:
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Pat pork chops dry with paper towels.
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Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Cook Bacon:
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In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
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Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan.
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Sear Pork Chops:
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Increase heat to medium-high.
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Add butter to the skillet. Once melted and hot, sear pork chops 3–4 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
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Remove chops and let rest on a plate.
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Make Creamy Bacon Sauce:
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Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in heavy cream, scraping any brown bits from the bottom.
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Stir in cooked bacon. Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Season with salt and pepper as needed.
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Serve:
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Plate pork chops and generously spoon the creamy bacon sauce over the top.
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Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
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Notes & Tips
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Choose Thick Chops: Bone-in or thick-cut chops sear better and retain more juiciness.
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Don’t Overcook: Pork chops can dry out if overcooked; aim for 145°F internal temperature.
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Cream Alternatives: For stricter carnivore diets, you can substitute heavy cream with bone broth or just butter for a lower-lactose version.
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Make Ahead: Sauce can be made in advance and reheated gently.
Servings
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Makes 2–3 servings depending on pork chop size.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 580–650 kcal
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Protein: 45–50 g
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Fat: 40–45 g
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Carbs: 1–2 g
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Net Carbs: 1–2 g
Exact macros vary depending on pork chop size and amount of cream/butter used.
Benefits
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High Protein: Supports muscle maintenance and repair.
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Rich in Healthy Fats: Bacon and butter provide satiating fats and fat-soluble vitamins.
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Low-Carb & Carnivore-Friendly: Ideal for keto or carnivore diets.
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Mineral-Rich: Pork provides zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
Q&A
Q1: Can I use boneless pork chops?
A: Yes, but they cook faster, so monitor temperature to avoid dryness.
Q2: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Pork chops can be frozen uncooked, but the cream sauce doesn’t freeze well. Cooked chops can be frozen without sauce.
Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use additional bacon fat or tallow instead of butter, and omit or replace cream with a carnivore-safe alternative like bone marrow.
Q4: Can I add vegetables?
A: For strict carnivore diets, no. For low-carb keto, sautéed mushrooms or spinach work well in the pan sauce.
Q5: How do I reheat without drying the pork?
A: Reheat gently in a covered skillet on low heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) with sauce on top.