Marianne Martinez
Pan-fried pork chops are a quick, easy, and healthy option for a weeknight dinner. They can be seasoned in a variety of ways, from a simple salt and pepper seasoning to more complex spice rubs. The key to achieving a juicy and tender pork chop is to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 145°F, which can be checked using a meat thermometer. This temperature ensures that the pork is safe to eat and can be slightly pink in the middle. To get a good sear on the pork chops, it is recommended to use a cast iron skillet and heat it up before adding oil and the chops. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chops, but generally, they will need around 3-5 minutes on each side.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat preparation | Take the pork chops out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. |
| Meat preparation | Pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel. |
| Seasoning | Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, cumin, coriander, sugar, paprika, poultry seasoning, or Montreal steak seasoning generously on both sides. |
| Pan preparation | Use a cast iron skillet. |
| Pan preparation | Preheat the skillet to medium-high heat. |
| Pan preparation | Add olive oil or canola oil to the skillet. |
| Cooking | Sear the pork chops for 3-5 minutes on one side without moving them. |
| Cooking | Flip and sear the other side until browned. |
| Cooking | The pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 135-145°F. |
| Cooking | Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a dry rub
To make a dry rub for pork chops, you'll need a combination of herbs and spices. The exact ingredients and their measurements can vary depending on your taste preferences, but here's a general guide:
Start with a base of brown sugar to add sweetness and help form a caramelized crust on the grilled pork chops. Include some savoury ingredients such as garlic powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, chilli powder, paprika, salt, dried thyme, and onion powder. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to your taste preferences. If you want a smokier flavour, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. You can also add a bit of heat with cayenne pepper or ground mustard for a tangy twist.
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk or stir until well blended. You can also use a sealed glass jar to mix and store the seasoning. Generously rub the mixture over the pork chops, making sure to cover all sides of the meat. For the best results, let the rub marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour and up to 12 hours before cooking.
When cooking the pork chops, start at a lower temperature to allow the seasoning to cook and coat the meat evenly. You can then increase the heat to get a good crust on the outside of the chops. Be careful not to overcook the pork, as it should be juicy and tender. The minimum internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C to 65°C).
You can store any leftover dry rub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
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What pan to use
When it comes to choosing the right pan for frying seasoned pork chops, a cast-iron skillet is highly recommended. It is known for delivering the perfect sear, resulting in juicy and slightly pink chops. Cast iron conducts heat exceptionally well, giving the pork chops an even colour. It may take a little longer to heat up, but it retains heat effectively, allowing the chops to continue cooking gently in the residual heat even after the heat is turned off. This not only saves energy but also helps prevent overcooking.
A non-stick skillet can also be used, but it is important to ensure that it hasn't lost its non-stick coating. Adding butter to the pan, regardless of the type, will enhance the flavour and help the pork chops achieve a desirable golden brown colour.
It is worth noting that the thickness of the pork chops and the type of stove can impact the cooking time and heat settings. Thicker chops may require longer cooking times, and adjustments may be needed to prevent smoke from filling the room.
In summary, a cast-iron skillet is the preferred choice for achieving the ideal sear and keeping the pork chops juicy, but a non-stick skillet can also be used if it is in good condition.
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How to check if the pork is cooked
There are several ways to check if your pork is cooked. Firstly, you can use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the middle of the cut is 145°F (63°C). This is the temperature at which the USDA considers pork to be safe to eat. The temperature should be allowed to rest for three minutes before serving.
You can also check the firmness of the meat with a touch test. The firmer the meat, the more cooked it is. If the pork is extremely firm, it is very well done. If it is still soft, it is likely raw in the middle. Pork should be cooked until it is firm but not overly hard or leathery.
Another way to check is to look for oozing juices. If you see juices, the pork is definitely done. The juices should be clear. If the juices are pink, the pork is not cooked.
If your pork has a bone, you can wiggle and pull the bone. If it moves easily and pulls loose, the pork is cooked.
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How to get a good sear
To get a good sear on your pork chops, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, ensure your pork chops are dry by patting them with a paper towel. You can also lightly flour the chops, which will help to create a delicious crust. Next, season your chops generously with salt and pepper, or a dry rub of your choice. It is best to let the pork chops come to room temperature before cooking, so take them out of the fridge 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Now, it's time to heat up your skillet. A cast iron skillet is recommended as it conducts heat well and helps achieve an even sear. Heat your skillet on medium-high heat, and add a generous amount of oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or olive oil. You want the oil to be shimmering hot before adding your chops.
Once your oil is hot, it's time to sear. Place your pork chops in the skillet and hold them down for about a minute with a spatula or meat weight to ensure even contact with the hot surface. Sear the chops without moving them for 3-5 minutes, until they are golden brown. Then, flip and sear the other side until browned. For thicker chops, you may need to sear for closer to 5-6 minutes per side and then finish them in the oven.
Finally, remove the chops from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures your pork chops are juicy and tender.
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What to serve with pork chops
When it comes to serving up a delicious meal of pork chops, there are plenty of side dishes that can complement the main course. Here are some ideas to make your meal a well-rounded and flavourful feast:
Vegetables
Roasted bell peppers, okra, and grilled peppers are a few options to add some colour and nutrition to your plate. You can also try a simple salad, such as a summer tomato salad or a fall salad with tart green apples, slivered almonds, dried cranberries, and dried cherries tossed in sweet vanilla yoghurt. If you're feeling adventurous, try a tangy fennel slaw or lemon-roasted asparagus for a bright and zesty contrast to the pork chops.
Starches
For a heartier meal, consider serving mashed potatoes, crispy potatoes with a buttermilk ranch drizzle, or hash brown casserole. If you're in the mood for something more exotic, try rice with fresh mushrooms, green peppers, and onions. Don't forget the classic dinner rolls or buttered egg noodles for some extra carbs!
Fruits
Pork chops and applesauce are a classic combination, but you can also try serving the chops with fried apples or an apple-cranberry stuffing for a sweet and savoury contrast.
Extras
If you're looking for something extra special, try serving collard greens, creamed corn, or a Brussels sprouts casserole. You can also add some smoked almonds and crispy bacon for a super-savoury crunch.
With so many options to choose from, you can create a delicious and varied meal to impress your guests or satisfy your own taste buds!
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Frequently asked questions
You can season pork chops with a variety of spices, but salt and pepper are the most common. Be generous with your seasoning to bring out the flavour of the meat and create a great crust on the outside. You can also add other spices like cumin, coriander, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or even a seasoned salt.
The best way to cook seasoned pork chops is to pan-fry them. Heat a cast iron skillet to medium-high heat and add oil. When the oil is shimmering hot, add your pork chops and sear for 3-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Pork chops are safe to eat when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this. The pork chops will still be slightly pink in the middle, but this is safe to eat due to improved farming practices.
