Pork Chops
Cuisine: American Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Pork Chops
4 chops (454)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon (3)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (2)
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (28)
Totals
18 oz
(497 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Pork Chops
250
Salt
0
Black Pepper
0
Garlic Powder
10
Paprika
5
Olive Oil
120
Butter
100
Total Calories
485
Totals
970 kcal
Steps
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil.
4. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pork chops to the skillet and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer it to the preheated oven.
6. Cook the pork chops in the oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. While the pork chops are cooking, you can prepare a glaze or sauce of your choice. This could be a simple pan sauce made by deglazing the skillet with some chicken broth or wine and reducing it until thickened.
8. Once the pork chops are cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes.
9. Serve the pork chops hot, drizzled with the prepared glaze or sauce.
10. You can garnish the dish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for added flavor and visual appeal.
11. Enjoy your delicious pork chops with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Substitutions
- Pork Chops: Chicken breasts (same quantity)
- Garlic cloves: Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon per clove)
- Salt: Kosher salt or sea salt (same quantity)
- Black pepper: White pepper (same quantity)
- Paprika: Smoked paprika (same quantity)
- Olive oil: Vegetable oil or canola oil (same quantity)
- Butter: Margarine or vegetable oil (same quantity)
- Onion: Shallots (same quantity)
- All-purpose flour: Cornstarch or rice flour (same quantity)
- Chicken broth: Vegetable broth or beef broth (same quantity)
- Worcestershire sauce: Soy sauce or tamari (same quantity)
- Dried thyme: Dried rosemary or dried oregano (same quantity)
- Dried rosemary: Dried thyme or dried oregano (same quantity)
- Dried oregano: Dried thyme or dried rosemary (same quantity)
- Dried parsley: Fresh parsley (double the quantity)
- Lemon juice: Lime juice (same quantity)
- Brown sugar: White sugar or honey (same quantity)
- Dijon mustard: Yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard (same quantity)
- Hot sauce: Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Pairings
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables (such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans)
- Apple sauce
- Grilled peaches
- Sweet potato fries
- Creamed corn
- Coleslaw
- Baked beans
- Cornbread
- Collard greens
- Macaroni and cheese
- Fried apples
- Corn on the cob
- Buttermilk biscuits
- Southern-style gravy
- Apple and walnut salad
- BBQ sauce
- Mustard-based sauce
- Sweet and tangy glaze
- Bourbon-infused marinade
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Sprinkle finely chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives) on top of the cooked pork chops.
- Drizzle a flavorful sauce (such as a balsamic reduction or a creamy mustard sauce) in an artistic pattern on the plate.
- Add a vibrant pop of color with a side of roasted vegetables or a colorful salad.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Marinate the pork chops in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking to enhance their flavor.
- Create a crispy crust by coating the pork chops with a mixture of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried herbs before pan-frying.
- Add a touch of sweetness by glazing the pork chops with a honey and Dijon mustard mixture towards the end of cooking.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Top the cooked pork chops with a slice of seared foie gras for a decadent and indulgent touch.
- Serve the pork chops with a side of truffle mashed potatoes or truffle-infused risotto.
- Garnish with edible gold flakes or truffle shavings for a visually stunning and luxurious presentation.
Diet Restrictions
- Choose lean cuts of pork or trim excess fat from the chops before cooking to reduce saturated fat content.
- Use alternative cooking methods such as grilling, baking, or broiling instead of frying to reduce added fats.
- Substitute traditional breadcrumbs with whole wheat breadcrumbs or crushed whole grain cereal for added fiber and nutrients.
- Opt for low-sodium seasonings or herbs instead of salt to reduce sodium intake.
- Replace butter or oil with a small amount of heart-healthy oils like olive oil or avocado oil for cooking.
- Serve with a variety of colorful vegetables or a side salad to increase the nutrient content and add fiber.
- For gluten-free diets, ensure that any marinades, seasonings, or sauces used are gluten-free or make homemade alternatives.
- For those with lactose intolerance or dairy restrictions, avoid using butter or cream-based sauces and opt for dairy-free alternatives or flavorful marinades.
- Individuals with diabetes can control their blood sugar levels by monitoring portion sizes and choosing low-sugar or sugar-free marinades and sauces.
- If following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, pair the pork chops with non-starchy vegetables and avoid using high-carb ingredients like breadcrumbs, potatoes, or sugary sauces.
Healthy Choices
- Choose lean cuts of pork chops, such as center-cut or loin chops, to reduce the amount of saturated fat.
- Trim any visible fat from the pork chops before cooking to further reduce fat content.
- Instead of frying the pork chops, opt for healthier cooking methods like grilling, baking, or broiling.
- Use minimal amounts of oil or try brushing the chops with a small amount of olive oil before cooking.
- Season the pork chops with herbs, spices, and marinades to enhance flavor without adding excessive salt or unhealthy ingredients.
- Pair the pork chops with a variety of colorful vegetables to increase the nutritional value of the meal.
- Serve the pork chops with whole grain side dishes like quinoa, brown rice, or whole wheat couscous for added fiber and nutrients.
- Avoid heavy sauces or gravies and instead, opt for lighter options like a homemade fruit salsa or a simple pan sauce made with reduced-sodium broth.
- Control portion sizes by serving smaller cuts of pork chops or slicing them into thinner pieces.
- Finally, remember to enjoy your meal mindfully, savoring each bite and paying attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues.
Shortcuts
1. Choose thin-cut pork chops: Thinner chops cook faster, reducing overall cooking time.
2. Use a meat tenderizer: Tenderizing the pork chops will speed up the cooking process.
3. Opt for boneless pork chops: Boneless chops cook faster and are often cheaper than bone-in ones.
4. Preheat the oven: Preheating ensures quicker and more even cooking of the pork chops.
5. Use a meat thermometer: Checking the internal temperature will prevent overcooking and save time.
6. Pan-sear instead of grilling: Pan-searing is quicker and requires less prep time than grilling.
7. Utilize a marinade: Marinating the pork chops will tenderize the meat and add flavor, reducing the need for additional seasoning.
8. Prepare a simple spice rub: Creating a spice rub with pantry staples saves money on pre-packaged seasonings.
9. Serve with cost-effective sides: Pair pork chops with affordable vegetables or grains to keep the overall meal budget-friendly.
10. Buy in bulk and freeze: Purchasing pork chops in bulk and freezing them allows for cost savings and easy access for future meals.