Pork is my favorite type of meat, period. We have bacon, succulent ribs, porchetta, lean loin roasts, and juicy pork chops. But pork chops are one of my absolute favorites, especially when they’re cooked up with the right ingredients and using creative pork chop recipes.
I love pan-fried pork chops but they taste great grilled, baked, and even cooked in a slow cooker. Here are 9 pork chop recipes that will have you enjoying tender and juicy pork chops every single time.
1) Pan-Fried Pork Chops
I love easy pork chop recipes that leave you with a fried pork chop with a nice light crust on the outside. That’s why this pork chop recipe by The Pioneer Woman is a winner!
You can serve these with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a side salad. Get the recipe.
2) Mom’s Perfect Pork Chops
As this recipe states, sometimes the best food really is the simplest. This pork dish by Simply Recipes is simple but flavor-packed and a great way to use up some herbs and spices like cumin and coriander seeds.
I’m sure this will be one of your favorite pork chop recipes. Get the recipe.
3) Pressure Cooker Rich and Creamy Tender Pork Chops
Pressure cookers are great when you’re pressed for time but still want to enjoy a meal that tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Pork chop recipes like this one by Food.com take pork chops to the next level with a creamy, flavorful gravy. Get the recipe.
4) Gluten Free Creamy Pork Chop Skillet Soup
Have leftover pork chops? Make soup! Pork chop recipes like this are a great way to use up any leftover meat or vegetables. This delicious spring soup by Anyonita Nibbles is made with pork cooked two different ways and is full of flavor! It’s light and hearty, gluten-free, and perfect for warmer weather! Get the recipe.
5) Southern Smothered Pork Chops with Kale Crisps and Mustard Mash
This heartwarming, down-home dish by Anyonita Nibbles hails straight from America’s deep south. Tender pork chops smothered in a sweet and tangy sauce served with kale crisps for a bit of crunch and creamy mashed potatoes. Comforting pork chop recipes for some soul food with a modern twist! Get the recipe.
6) Pork Chops with Huckleberry Sauce
The best pork chop recipes are the ones that are sophisticated, yet simple. This dish by Simply Playful Fare is delicious and because it calls for huckleberries, it’s also a great seasonal dish. The sweet-tart berries make the perfect complement to the pork chops’ delicate flavors. Get the recipe.
7) Grilled Pineapple Teriyaki Pork Chops
Pork chops are wonderful comfort food but marinate them in a teriyaki marinade and grill them along with a thick piece of grilled pineapple and you have an incredible meal!
Easy boneless pork chop recipes like this one from Skinny Mom turn ordinary pork chops into a tropical delight with the addition of grilled pineapples. You can serve this with some steamed jasmine rice and your favorite vegetable side dish. Get the recipe.
8) Cajun Spice-Dusted Grilled Pork Chops
These grilled pork chops posted to Allrecipes by user danaleotx are rubbed with a special blend of Cajun spices, then cooked to juicy perfection. Serve them up hot off the pan with a side of coleslaw and some cornbread for a meal made with pork chop recipes you will never forget! Get the recipe.
9) Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Chops
This slow-cooked pork chop recipe by Add a Pinch is a great way to get tender, delicious chops every single time. The slow cooking process ensures that they are cooked all the way through without becoming dry or tough. Add your favorite BBQ sauce or create the homemade version in the recipe and voila! A perfect meal with almost no effort involved. Get the recipe.
If you enjoy these recipes, here are some pork chop cooking tips!
What is the best way to cook pork chops without them drying out?
The best way to cook pork chops without drying them out is to use a skillet and low-medium heat. Add some oil or butter to the pan, add the pork chops, and then cover with a lid. This will help trap in moisture so the pork chops stay tender and juicy!
You can also brown both sides of the pork chop first, then finish cooking them in the oven. This will help prevent the pork chops from drying out and ensure they stay tender and juicy!
To add even more flavor to your pork chop recipes, you can marinate your pork chops for a few hours before cooking. Marinating is an easy way to infuse flavor into your pork chops that won’t get lost during the cooking process.
Finally, avoid overcooking the pork chops as this will dry them out. Check the internal temperature and take them off the heat once they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving for maximum juiciness!
How do you make pork chops so tender?
The key to making pork chops tender is to break down the proteins in the meat. This can be done by marinating the pork chops in a mixture of acidic ingredients such as lemon juice, wine, or vinegar. The acid helps soften and tenderize the protein fibers in the pork chop, giving you tender, succulent meat that melts in your mouth.
You can also tenderize your BONELESS pork chops by pounding them with a meat mallet or rolling pin. This breaks down the muscle fibers, which makes the meat more tender and easier to chew. This is especially important if you’re making pork schnitzel from boneless pork chops versus pork loin. However, if your pork chops have the bone in, then there are several meat tenderizers that puncture the meat to help break down the muscle fibers.
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Braising is another great way to make your pork chops extremely tender. Braising involves slow cooking the pork chop in a liquid such as broth or stock in a covered pan. This method infuses moisture and flavor into the pork chop for an incredibly tender result.
Finally, make sure to not overcook your pork chops as this will make them tough and chewy. Cook the pork chops until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal tenderness. Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving for maximum juiciness!
What are the two cooking methods best recommended for pork chops?
The two best cooking methods for pork chops in my opinion are pan-frying and oven-baking. Arguably, grilling is also great but an oven is usually more convenient for most people.
For pan-frying, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add oil or butter. When the oil is hot, sear each side of the pork chop for about 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
For oven-baking, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and place pork chops on a baking sheet. Rub each side of the pork chop with spices or marinade of your choice. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reads 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Both of these methods are great for getting juicy, flavorful pork chops that are cooked to perfection! Plus, they’re fast and easy methods that don’t require a lot of time or effort. Try them out and see which one you like best! Enjoy!
The best part about pork chop recipes and cooking pork chops for me is the delicious aroma of pork chops cooking. Please SHARE these tender and juicy pork chop recipes with your friends and family.
