Pork Chop Recipes | Taste of Home (2024)

FAQs

How do you cook pork chops so they aren't tough and dry? ›

This method for making perfect pork chops is simple—first, the chops are seared in a very hot pan for about 3 minutes, then they're flipped and cooked the rest of the way in the oven. Preparing them this way ensures that they're cooked through but not overcooked. No one wants tough, dry chops.

A quick turn in a hot pan followed by a little time in the oven is another great way to cook pork chops. You build color and flavor in the skillet, then hand the cooking over to the oven, which gives you time to prep the rest of the meal.

Some of my favorite herbs, spices, and seasonings to use as a pork chop seasoning are cumin, garlic, paprika, and chili powder. Some others that go well with pork are sage, rosemary, cayenne, thyme, and coriander. Brown sugar and clove are a great way to add in some sweetness.

Fat is key to keeping pork chops moist

Basting them with fat, such as butter. Add in aromatics while basting for more flavor — similar to how you might cook a steak — and then you have the added bonus of browned butter and crispy garlic and/or herbs to serve with the meat.

While there are a number of ways to cook pork chops for dinner, baking is arguably the easiest path to perfection. The hands-off cooking method cooks pork chops gently and evenly without the need for extra fat, resulting in juicy, healthier pork chops that pair well with practically any side dish.

I use both! At the same time! The butter helps achieve that golden brown color and adds more flavor, but you need the oil, too, because it has a higher smoke point and keeps the butter from burning. How long do you cook pork chops in a frying pan?

15 mins on a grill flipping both sides until the juice seeps out the surface of meat, then take off grill, rest for 1-2 minutes then enjoy ! No more so than any other meat. Tender cuts, like tenderloins and chops, don't need to be cooked for a long time. In fact too long will toughen them.

Since pork chops are often on the thin side, they need to cook quickly to prevent drying out. After brining or marinating, let the pork chops reach room temperature before cooking. This reduces your cooking time.

Like steak or chicken, pork also needs a lot of salt to bring out all the flavor. If you really want to be fancy, you can brine the pork chops in some salt water (season it with other stuff like whole peppercorns and bay leaves). 2. COOK 'EM KINDA LOW AND KINDA SLOW.

How do you get seasoning to stick to pork chops? ›

Brush pork chops with vinegar and then brush with a thin coat of olive oil. Lightly sprinkle the pork chops with each of the seasonings. Flip and repeat on the other side. Place in the frying pan until browned on one side (usually about 7-12 minutes).

Keep the Fat

The fat on pork is great for flavor, so definitely don't trim it off. Instead, season well and enjoy the extra crispy, salty bites. Your pork will be more likely to stay moist with the added juiciness of the fat.

If you're not confident in your cooking skills, there is one foolproof way to guarantee your pork ends up on the tender side, even if you cook it too long: Soak it in a brine or a marinade. According to Hazel, these kinds of preparations always produce the most tender outcomes.

Pan-frying pork chops only takes about a total of 10 minutes. Once the cast iron skillet begins to smoke, sear the pork chops for 1 minute on each side. When they begin to brown and release some fat into the pan, continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes. Make sure to flip the chops every minute so they don't dry out.

Add a splash of chicken stock to prevent the meat from drying out in the oven. Before transferring to the oven, add a splash of chicken stock to give an extra layer of protection against drying out. Adding a few tablespoons of butter to the top of the chops doesn't hurt, either.