Pan-Fried Pork Chops are a simple dish to cook for both beginners and experts. Not only is it a basic recipe, but it also combines great flavor with the taste of the chops.
With delightful seasonings on top, this recipe uses just six ingredients. It is great for those looking for simple and easy pork chop recipes.
The preparation for this dish is minimal. All you need are the ingredients listed below (or any of the variations you choose), a small dish, and a cast-iron skillet.
Cast Iron Pork Chops take only around 15 minutes to cook!
Pan Fried Pork Chops - FAQ
Whether you are a novice in the kitchen or just looking to understand the ingredients with which you are cooking, this FAQ is sure to help you impress anyone who takes a bite of this delicious meal!
Are there any other variations for this pan-fried pork chop recipe?
- Switch up the Seasonings. No matter how you cook pan-fried pork chops you are sure to need plenty of flavorful seasonings. The instructions above recommend including garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper, as well as salt, but you could also add onion powder, ground mustard, or cayenne powder to the mix. Experiment with other herbs on top, including rosemary or chives, or chopped parsley or sage as another optional garnish.
- Try bone-in. As an alternative to boneless pan-fried pork chops, you could try bone-in chops for extra flavor – our guide below explains the differences between the two. Apple sauce is a common side, but you can add in apples by slicing them thinly and frying in the cast-iron skillet whilst the pork chops rest, along with a sprinkling of sugar.
- Use Breading. Another method of preparing the pork chops is by breading them. Breading involves dipping each side of the pork chops into an egg/milk mixture, then in a breading option of your choosing. This could include breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or even stuffing.*
*Note: Be sure to place 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat and allow it to come to temperature before frying the pork chops for 3-4 min on each side. As always, ensure the temperature is high enough before serving.
How long to cook pork chops?
The amount of time taken to fry a pork chop depends on the thickness of the chop you are using. The thicker the pork chop, the longer you must fry it.
Use a guideline of around 5-6 min for a ¾ inch sized chop, whereas 1-inch chops take around 7-8 min, and 1.5-inch chops 10-12 min.
When will I know that my pork chops are fully cooked?
The only way to ensure that pork chops are fully cooked is by using a meat or instant-read thermometer to check. Pork chops must have an internal temperature of at least 150°F to be considered safe to eat. We recommend covering the pork chop once cooked for around 5 min to ensure that your chops are as juicy as possible.
Should I brine my pork chops before cooking?
Performing the brining process before cooking pork chops is normally a good idea if you have the time because it helps draw moisture into the meat. The best way to do this is to make the brine separately, and then place the pork chops in a large dish and pour the brine over them, until they are completely covered.
You then need to make sure your chops are covered, before refrigerating them. If you are preparing ahead of time, it would be best to leave them overnight. However, if you are more constrained by time. you can leave them for a minimum of 30 min if they are relatively small, or at least an hour for larger chops.
This process will make sure that your pan-fried pork chops are full of flavor.
Should I use boneless or bone-in pork chops?
There are relatively few differences between boneless and bone-in pork chops. The bone-in chop does have more flavor, however. Although they are juicier, bone-in pork chops do tend to cook slower, which makes them less suitable for a skillet pork chops recipe. They are also harder to cut compared to a boneless pork chop. Therefore, we would recommend choosing boneless chops, although will turn out great results.
Why are my pork chops tough?
Because pork chops are generally a lean cut, they can easily overcook, so it is important to make sure your timings are spot on when cooking them. When you take the chops off the stovetop, they continue to cook because they retain their heat, which causes their temperature to increase slightly.
If the pan-fried pork chops are completely white after cooking, that is a sign that they have been overcooked.
What could I serve with my pan-fried pork chops?
There are plenty of serving suggestions for your pan-fried pork chops. You could serve them with mashed or roasted potatoes (garlic mash potatoes for extra flavor), vegetables, or even salad.
In terms of vegetables, we find that broccoli and green beans go very well with this sort of dish. Both these vegetables are low in water content, so take less time to cook and they taste delicious as well!
Fruit can also be a good side, all though a bit uncommon – you could bake apple and pear slices, or alternatively prepare a refreshing fruit salad, full of strawberries, blueberries, melon, or whatever fruit you have on hand!
Is there a sauce that pairs well with pork chops?
If you are looking for a sauce to drizzle over this recipe, a traditional apple sauce would pair well. Barbecue sauce would work, or if you are really adventurous you could experiment and make your own tomato sauce to go with the chops.
By the time you finish this meal, you will be adding this to your cookbook staples! This recipe is sure to be loved by all!
Enjoyed our recipe? Check out our other cast iron skillet recipes, such as sausage skillet or cast iron steak!
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