Longhorn Steakhouse Cowboy Pork Chop Recipe

If you’ve ever savored the legendary cowboy pork chops at Longhorn Steakhouse and wished you could recreate that steakhouse magic at home, this Longhorn Steakhouse cowboy pork chop recipe is exactly what you need. Designed to capture the bold, signature flavors of the restaurant favorite, this dish delivers thick-cut, bone-in Longhorn pork chops that are juicy, flavorful, and beautifully presented. It’s the kind of impressive entrée that turns a simple dinner into a true steakhouse-style experience.

This copycat Longhorn Steakhouse cowboy pork chop recipe focuses on the same elements that make the original so memorable-generous seasoning, perfectly cooked meat, and rich finishing touches. The Longhorn cowboy pork chops are seasoned with aromatic rosemary salt, seared for a golden crust, and butter-basted to lock in moisture and flavor. Each step mirrors the restaurant’s technique, ensuring tender, restaurant-quality results every time.

To finish, these cowboy pork chops are elevated with a vibrant orange-balsamic glaze that adds just the right balance of sweetness and tang, making this a true copycat Longhorn cowboy pork chop recipe worth mastering. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a hearty, satisfying meal, this recipe brings the unmistakable taste of Longhorn pork chops straight to your own kitchen-no reservation required.

What Are Longhorn Cowboy Pork Chops and How Do They Taste?

Longhorn cowboy pork chop are extra-thick, bone-in pork rib chops that measure 1½ to 2 inches thick, featuring beautiful marbling and a generous fat cap that renders during cooking for maximum flavor.

The signature preparation involves a fragrant rosemary-sage-lemon salt blend that creates a savory herb crust, while the meat is seared to golden perfection and continuously basted with garlic-herb butter. The result is an incredibly juicy, tender pork chop with a caramelized exterior and herb-infused taste.

The crowning glory is the sweet-tangy orange-balsamic reduction sauce that balances the rich, savory pork with bright citrus notes and deep balsamic complexity, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that’s both bold and refined.

Longhorn Steakhouse Cowboy Pork Chop Recipe Ingredients

For the Rosemary Salt (makes about ½ cup):

• ½ cup kosher salt
• 2 Tbsp dried rosemary (or finely chopped fresh)
• 1 Tbsp dried sage
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced or grated (or 1 Tbsp garlic powder)

For the Pork Chops:

• 2 bone-in pork rib chops (about 1½-2 inches thick, with good fat cap and marbling)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil (for rubbing)
• 1-2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (finely ground)
• 1-2 tsp avocado oil (for the pan)

For Cooking and Basting:

• 4-6 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2-3 Tbsp unsalted butter (1 small knob for basting)
• 4-5 sprigs fresh thyme
• 4-5 fresh sage leaves (or 2-3 sprigs)

For the Orange-Balsamic Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh orange juice
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 4-6 Tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Additional rosemary salt (small sprinkle to finish)

Kitchen Utensils

1. Heavy cast iron skillet or thick-bottomed pan
2. Tongs
3. Paper towels
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Small bowl for rosemary salt
6. Cutting board
7. Sharp chef’s knife
8. Whisk
9. Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
10. Resting plate

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 40-45 minutes for pork to reach room temperature)

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings: 2 generous portions

Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Cowboy Pork Chop Recipe

Step 1: Make the Rosemary Salt

Blend or finely grind together the kosher salt, dried rosemary, dried sage, lemon zest, and garlic until well combined. Store in an airtight container. This aromatic seasoning blend is the foundation of the Longhorn pork chop flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Pork Chops

Remove the bone-in pork chops from the refrigerator 40-45 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature for even cooking. Pat the chops completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing and crust formation.

Step 3: Score and Season

Score the fat cap with a few deep cuts to prevent curling during cooking. Rub both sides and edges generously with olive oil. Season all sides, including edges, liberally with the rosemary salt and finely ground black pepper.

Step 4: Heat the Pan

Heat a heavy cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot and nearly smoking. Add a small amount of avocado oil, just enough to coat the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Sear the Fat Cap

Stand the cowboy pork chops up on their edges, holding them together with tongs if needed, and sear the fat cap and edges for 2-3 minutes until beautifully browned and rendered.

Step 6: Sear the First Side

Lay the chops flat in the pan and sear one side for about 4 minutes without moving them, until deeply golden brown and caramelized.

Step 7: Flip and Begin Basting

Flip the pork chops and sear the second side for 2 minutes. Add the crushed garlic cloves to the pan, then reduce heat to low.

Step 8: Butter Baste

Add a knob of butter to the pan. Once the butter foams and begins to brown slightly, tilt the pan and continuously baste the chops with the melted garlic butter for 2 minutes using a spoon.

Step 9: Add Fresh Herbs

Add the fresh thyme sprigs and sage leaves to the pan. Continue basting for another 2 minutes for a total basting time of about 4 minutes. The butter should develop a nutty aroma but not burn.

Step 10: Rest the Meat

Remove the Longhorn cowboy pork chops to a clean plate and let rest for 7-8 minutes to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Step 11: Make the Orange-Balsamic Sauce

Carefully pour off and reserve excess fat from the pan. Return the pan to medium heat and add the fresh orange juice, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon.

Step 12: Reduce the Sauce

Reduce the orange juice by half, about 3-5 minutes. Add the balsamic vinegar and reduce by half again, another 3-5 minutes, until the mixture becomes syrupy.

Step 13: Finish with Butter

Lower the heat or remove from heat completely. Whisk in the cold butter cubes a few at a time, waiting until each batch melts and emulsifies before adding more. The sauce should become glossy and thick. Season with black pepper and a sprinkle of rosemary salt.

Step 14: Slice and Serve

Remove the bones from the rested pork chops if desired. Separate the fat cap piece and slice the main chop into thick pieces. Arrange on plates with the cap piece and drizzle generously with the orange-balsamic reduction.

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

1. Classic Steakhouse Sides

Serve your copycat Longhorn pork chops alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus with lemon butter for an authentic steakhouse dinner experience. The rich, buttery potatoes complement the savory pork perfectly while the bright asparagus cuts through the richness.

2. Southern Comfort Pairing

Pair these cowboy pork chops with creamy mac and cheese, collard greens with bacon, and buttery cornbread for a Southern-inspired feast. The combination of comfort food sides with the elegant pork creates a satisfying, soul-warming meal.

3. Lighter Fresh Vegetable Accompaniment

Balance the richness of the butter-basted pork with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, grilled zucchini, and roasted cherry tomatoes. This lighter approach lets the complex flavors of the rosemary salt and orange-balsamic sauce shine.

4. Wine Pairing Perfection

A medium-bodied Pinot Noir or fruity Zinfandel pairs beautifully with Longhorn pork chops, echoing the fruit notes in the balsamic reduction. For white wine lovers, try an oaked Chardonnay that can stand up to the butter-basting technique.

5. Sweet Potato Variation

Replace traditional sides with loaded sweet potato wedges topped with brown butter, pecans, and a drizzle of maple syrup. The sweet-savory combination enhances the orange notes in the sauce while adding nutritional value.

6. Brussels Sprouts Addition

Roast Brussels sprouts with bacon lardons and a balsamic glaze that echoes the sauce on your pork chops. This creates a cohesive flavor profile throughout the entire plate while adding a satisfying textural contrast.

7. Apple Cider Glaze Alternative

For a seasonal twist on this copycat Longhorn cowboy pork chop recipe, replace the orange-balsamic sauce with an apple cider reduction finished with Dijon mustard and sage. This autumn-inspired variation brings warm, cozy flavors to your steakhouse-style dinner.

Essential Tips for Perfect Longhorn Cowboy Pork Chops

1. Choose Quality Meat

Select thick-cut, bone-in pork rib chops with excellent marbling and a substantial fat cap for the most authentic Longhorn steakhouse experience. Look for chops that are at least 1½ inches thick-thinner cuts will overcook before developing a proper crust. The fat cap should be creamy white, not yellow, indicating freshness.

2. Temperature is Critical

Bringing your pork chops to room temperature before cooking ensures even heat distribution from edge to edge. Cold meat hitting a hot pan creates uneven cooking with an overdone exterior and undercooked center. This 40-45 minute rest period is non-negotiable for restaurant-quality results.

3. Master the Dry Surface

Pat your cowboy pork chops completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. Any surface moisture will steam rather than sear, preventing that coveted golden-brown crust that defines steakhouse-quality meat. A dry surface ensures maximum Maillard reaction for complex, caramelized flavors.

4. Don’t Skip the Fat Cap Sear

Standing the pork chops on their edges to render and crisp the fat cap is what transforms good pork into great pork. This technique not only prevents the fat from being flabby and unappetizing but also releases flavorful rendered fat into the pan that enhances every subsequent step of cooking.

5. Control Your Butter Basting

The butter-basting technique requires attention to prevent burning. Keep the heat low once you add butter, and continuously spoon the foaming butter over the meat. The butter should turn golden and smell nutty, not black and acrid. This step infuses the pork with aromatic garlic and herbs while adding restaurant-level richness.

6. Respect the Rest Period

Resting your Longhorn pork chops for 7-8 minutes after cooking allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb juices that have been driven to the surface by heat. Cutting immediately causes those precious juices to run onto the plate instead of staying in the meat, resulting in dry, less flavorful pork.

7. Emulsify the Sauce Properly

When whisking cold butter into your orange-balsamic reduction, work off the heat or on very low heat to create a smooth, velvety sauce. Adding butter to liquid that’s too hot causes it to separate into greasy pools rather than emulsifying into a cohesive, restaurant-quality glaze. Patience here makes all the difference in presentation and mouthfeel.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover Longhorn cowboy pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of broth to prevent drying, or reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through.

Common Queries and FAQs

Can I use boneless pork chops for this Longhorn copycat recipe?

While bone-in rib chops are traditional for authentic Longhorn cowboy pork chops, you can use thick boneless chops. However, bone-in cuts provide more flavor, retain moisture better during cooking, and offer a more impressive presentation. If using boneless, reduce cooking time slightly and monitor internal temperature closely.

What internal temperature should cowboy pork chops reach?

For juicy, perfectly cooked Longhorn pork chops, aim for an internal temperature of 140-145°F before resting. The temperature will rise another 5 degrees during the rest period, reaching the USDA-recommended 145°F. Medium doneness with a slight blush of pink ensures tender, flavorful meat without dryness.

Can I make the rosemary salt ahead of time?

Absolutely! The rosemary salt blend can be prepared weeks in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This seasoning mixture also works beautifully on other meats, roasted vegetables, and even popcorn, making it a versatile addition to your spice collection.

What can I substitute for orange juice in the sauce?

If you don’t have fresh orange juice, you can use a combination of apple cider and a touch of honey, or even pineapple juice for a different tropical twist. However, fresh-squeezed orange juice provides the most authentic Longhorn steakhouse flavor with its bright acidity and natural sweetness.

How do I prevent my pork chops from curling during cooking?

Scoring the fat cap with 3-4 deep cuts before cooking prevents the connective tissue from contracting and causing the meat to curl. Additionally, searing the edges first helps render some fat and relax the tissue before cooking the flat surfaces.

Can I finish these pork chops in the oven instead of pan-only?

Yes! For extra-thick chops or if you’re concerned about burning, sear both sides in the pan as directed, then transfer to a 400°F oven to finish cooking (typically 5-8 minutes). This hybrid method ensures a perfect crust with evenly cooked interior, though you’ll miss some of the butter-basting benefits.

What’s the best pan for making Longhorn cowboy pork chops?

A heavy cast iron skillet is ideal for this recipe because it retains heat exceptionally well, creating superior searing and caramelization. The even heat distribution prevents hot spots that can burn your butter or herbs. If you don’t have cast iron, use the thickest, heaviest pan you own-avoid thin stainless steel or non-stick pans.

This copycat Longhorn Steakhouse cowboy pork chop recipe brings the upscale dining experience right into your home kitchen with impressive results that taste just like the restaurant original. The combination of aromatic rosemary salt, butter-basting technique, and that spectacular orange-balsamic reduction creates layers of sophisticated flavor that elevate humble pork chops into a show-stopping centerpiece.

Whether you’re planning a special date night dinner or simply want to treat yourself to steakhouse-quality cooking, these Longhorn cowboy pork chops deliver restaurant excellence without the restaurant prices. Master this recipe once, and it’ll become your go-to method for impressing family and friends with professional-level cooking skills.

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