Description

Ever craved a hearty, smoky meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day but comes together in a flash? What if you could pair juicy smoked pork chops with sweet corn, tender okra, and a pop of fresh tomato in under half an hour? Smoked Pork Chops With Corn and Okra is your go-to for a quick, flavorful dinner that’s packed with Southern charm

Ingredients

Here’s the lineup for 4 servings. Each ingredient plays a key role, and I’ll explain why it’s important plus offer swaps for flexibility.

Bone-in smoked pork chops (4, 3/4 inch thick, or 1 1/4 pounds ham steak, cut into 4 pieces): The star of the dish! Pre-smoked chops are already cooked, so they just need a quick sear to heat through and get golden. They bring smoky, savory flavor. Sub: Regular pork chops (cook longer, about 5-6 minutes per side until 145°F internally) or smoked turkey cutlets for a lighter option.
Freshly ground pepper: Adds a mild kick to balance the smokiness. Adjust to taste.
Cajun seasoning (1/4 teaspoon, plus more for sprinkling): Brings zesty, spicy flavor with a Southern vibe. Sub: Creole seasoning, paprika with a pinch of cayenne, or chili powder for milder heat.
Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sear the pork and veggies for a golden finish. Sub: Olive oil or avocado oil.
Onion (1 small, chopped): Adds sweet, savory depth to the veggie mix. Sub: Shallot or 1 teaspoon onion powder.
Corn (3 ears, shucked and kernels cut off): Brings natural sweetness and crunch. Fresh corn is best for flavor. Sub: 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed, or canned corn, drained.
Okra (1/4 pound, thinly sliced): Adds a unique texture and Southern flair. Sub: Green beans or zucchini for a different veggie vibe.
Tomato (1 large, chopped): Provides juicy freshness and a pop of color. Sub: Cherry tomatoes (halved) or canned diced tomatoes, drained.
Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the savory flavors with a touch of sweetness. Sub: Maple syrup or agave nectar for vegan diets.
Water (3 tablespoons): Helps create a light sauce and steams the veggies. Sub: Chicken or vegetable broth for extra flavor.

These ingredients are simple and budget-friendly, often already in your kitchen. The mix of protein, fiber-rich veggies, and minimal added sugar makes this a balanced, wholesome meal.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Ready to start? You’ll need a large skillet, a plate, a cutting board, and a knife. These steps are easy, with tips to make everything perfect.

Season the pork: Sprinkle 4 smoked pork chops (or ham steak pieces) with freshly ground pepper and Cajun seasoning to taste. Tip: Go light on Cajun seasoning if you prefer less spice—taste a pinch first!
Sear the pork: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if needed for even browning.
Cook the onion: Add 1 chopped small onion to the same skillet and cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Tip: Scrape up any browned bits from the pork for extra flavor.
Add corn and okra: Stir in the kernels from 3 ears of corn and 1/4 pound sliced okra. Cook until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Tip: Slice okra thinly for faster cooking and less slime.
Add tomato and sauce: Add 1 chopped large tomato, 3 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Cook, stirring, until the tomato softens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Tip: Stir gently to keep tomatoes intact for a chunky texture.
Finish the dish: Return the pork chops to the skillet, along with any juices on the plate. Cover and cook until the veggies are tender and the pork is heated through, about 2-5 minutes. Tip: Check that the pork is warm in the center—smoked chops just need reheating, not full cooking.