Skip to main content

Fennel-Crusted Pork Chops with Potatoes and Shallots

This aromatic fennel-crusted pork chops dish is a fantastic way to elevate a mid-week roast. By toasting whole fennel seeds and combining them with smoked paprika and garlic, you create a vibrant, savoury crust that beautifully complements the juicy pork loin. The addition of golden Yukon Gold potatoes and sweet shallots, all roasted in the same pan, ensures that every ingredient absorbs the rich, spiced juices for a truly cohesive meal.

As a high-protein option, this recipe is as nourishing as it is satisfying, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a balanced yet hearty dinner. The splash of red wine vinegar and fresh flat-leaf parsley added at the end provides a bright, acidic lift that cuts through the richness of the meat. Serve it straight from the pan for a rustic, comforting feast the whole family will enjoy.

Video picks

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Fennel-Crusted Pork Chops with Potatoes and Shallots

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fennel seeds

  • 2 garlic cloves, finely grated

  • 1 teaspoon hot smoked Spanish paprika

  • 45ml vegetable oil, divided

  • 2 1"-thick bone-in pork loin chops (about 575g total)

  • Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

  • 450g small Yukon Gold potatoes, quartered

  • 2 large shallots, cut into quarters with some root attached

  • 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

  • 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar

Preheat oven to 232°C. Toast fennel seeds in a small dry skillet over medium heat, tossing often, until fragrant, about 4 minutes. Let cool.

Combine fennel seeds, garlic, paprika, and 2 tablespoons oil in a small bowl. Season pork with salt and pepper and place in a resealable plastic bag. Add spice mixture; seal bag and turn to coat. Let sit at least 30 minutes.

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large ovenproof skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Cook pork chops until golden brown on 1 side, about 4 minutes; turn. Add potatoes and shallots to skillet; season with salt and pepper and toss to coat in pan drippings. Cook, tossing potatoes and shallots occasionally, until pork is golden brown on second side, about 4 minutes.

Transfer to oven and roast until potatoes are tender and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of chops registers 57°C, 10–15 minutes. (If potatoes need more time, transfer chops to a plate and continue to roast potatoes until tender; transfer chops back to skillet when potatoes are done.) Remove skillet from oven and mix in parsley and vinegar. Let pork chops rest 5 minutes in skillet.

Transfer chops to a cutting board; cut meat from bones and slice against the grain. Serve with potatoes, shallots, and any pan juices.

DO AHEAD: Pork chops can be marinated 1 day ahead. Keep chilled.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
flu eligibility checker

Ask, share, connect.

Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.

symptom checker

Feeling unwell?

Assess your symptoms online for free

Sign up to the Patient newsletter

Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.

Please enter a valid email address

By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.