Pork is one of the most widely eaten meats in the world thanks to the ease of raising pigs in all kinds of environments. It’s a flavorful alternative to beef when you need a meat that is slightly lower in saturated fat but still packed with healthy protein. Many people grow up being served pork chops by their parents without knowing which particular chop they’re eating. This has led to many people knowing cuts of beef steak by name but not knowing the corresponding information about pork. Learning more about your everyday pork chop might just inspire you to try a new recipe.
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What are Pork Chops?
A pork chop is a sliced piece of the loin of the pig. The loin is a very large muscle that runs the whole length of the spine, and bone-in chops tend to contain either a piece of spine or a rib. Center cuts are similar to T-bone steaks because of the large T-shaped bone, while other cuts tend to be smaller and are often available boneless as well. Pork steaks are usually cut from other parts like the shoulder or butt. 10% of all pork consumed in the United States is eaten in the form of a chop. While you’ll find plenty of pre-cut options at a grocery store or butcher’s shop, you can also cut your own pork chops from a loin roast to control the thickness and fat content.
How to Choose Your Chops
Almost any pork chop will make a great dinner if you know how to cook it. However, there are texture and flavor differences between the various options. Not all pork chops are labeled as what they’re cut from, but you can at least choose boneless vs. bone-in or thick vs. thin cuts. For the best results in the home kitchen, look for a butcher that labels the actual cut so you know what to expect.
Top Pork Chop Cuts
When it comes to bone-in chops, rib chops are among the most popular. They have a curved rib bone along one side and plenty of fat you can trim to your liking. Most are cut thick and taste very meaty and satisfying when cooked like a steak. The center cut loin is often considered the best for its steak-like size and flavor. Loin and tenderloin sections are included to give you the widest range of flavors and textures in one chop. Sirloin chops have relatively little bone and are full of flavor, but they need careful cooking like braising so all the types of meat cook evenly.
Boneless pork chops are easy to eat, make a great sandwich, and can be chopped for a quick stir fry. Loin chops are the leanest and taste amazing when sliced very thinly. You only need to cook them for about 3 minutes per side in a hot pan for a lunch or dinner which takes no time at all. Boneless center-cut chops are hard to find, but they’re worth it for the taste and ease of cooking.
How to Prep Pork Chops
No matter the type of pork chop you choose, they can benefit from being brined or marinated before cooking. If you choose to brine the chops, make sure that the rubs or sauces you add don’t contain any salt. A flavorful brine for any kind of pork chop is made simply with 4 cups of water, ¼ cup of salt, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of whole peppercorns, and 1 crushed clove of garlic.
Aside from brining or marinating for up to 24 hours before cooking, you may want to trim the amount of fat on the outer edge of the pork chop. You can also turn bone-in chops into boneless ones with the help of a sharp knife.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Pork Chops
Don’t dry out the pork chops. Thick-cut chops are more resistant to drying, making them a better choice for cooking methods like grilling and smoking. If you’re cooking thin chops, stick to a few minutes on each side in a hot pan on the stove to keep them juicy. Braising is always a good idea with pork. This method involves roasting or simmering the meat in a flavorful liquid so it doesn’t lose moisture. Covering the meat before it cooks also helps, either with sauces or a thick rub.
Different Methods of Cooking Pork Chops
Learning how to cook pork chops is largely a matter of practice and experimentation. Most cooking methods will turn out a good chop if you are careful not to use high heat and to avoid overcooking. Pork is done at 145 degrees F, even if it’s still a little pink inside. No matter how you cook it, stick to medium heat levels so it doesn’t reach the temperature too quickly before the exterior gets a good browning.
How to Cook Pork Chops in the Oven
Use a baking sheet that’s been oiled or sprayed with a cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Cook medium to thick-cut pork chops for the best results with this method. Apply any seasonings, rubs, or sauces that you like, then cook the chops in a 425-degree oven. Cook for 15 minutes, checking that they’ve reached 145 degrees F. Let the chops rest, covered, for five minutes before serving.
How to Grill Pork Chops
Brush your grill racks with oil and set the racks so they’re at a medium heat level. Use thin bone-in pork chops to maximize smokiness and flavor or thick cuts for a juicy finish. Cook thin pork chops for about 4 minutes per side and thicker chops for about 6 to 8 minutes per side.
How to Cook Pork Chops on the Stove
A cast iron pan will put the best sear on a pork chop, but practically any frying pan will work. Use a high-heat oil with a neutral flavor and medium heat setting. Let the pan get hot before adding just one or two pork chops at a time. Leave at least an inch between them so they cook without steaming. Most pork chops will take between 8 to 12 minutes to cook in a frying pan, but thicker cuts may need up to 15 minutes. Flip them only once or twice to get even browning on both sides.
How to Smoke Pork Chops
Smoking pork chops takes between 60 and 90 minutes, especially for thicker chops. However, that’s still a brief period compared to the 8+ hours it can take to finish a brisket. Use a mild tasting wood and consider bone-in cuts for the best flavor. Set the smoker at 225 degrees F and rub the pork chops with olive oil and seasonings. If you’re using barbecue sauce, add it at the end.
How to Cook Pork Chops in the Air Fryer
Breaded or bare pork chops get crispy and stay juicy when cooked in the air fryer. Don’t overload the frying area, leaving plenty of space between the chops. Cook them at 400 degrees F or high setting for around 12 minutes, extending that to 15 minutes for thick cuts. Flip once in the middle of cooking for even crispiness.
Conclusion
Add more pork chop recipes to your weekly meal rotation. Toppings, sauces, and rubs help you mix up the meal plan and spark excitement from your tastebuds.