Nothing beats the satisfaction of cooking a perfect pork chop, and with our easy recipe, you’ll never have to worry about dry and tasteless chops again. We’re here to revolutionize your pork chop game with a fool-proof method that guarantees succulent and flavorful results every time.
Image Source: A Family Feast
Key Takeaways
A Culinary Revelation
In the past, I used to shy away from cooking pork chops, not because I didn’t enjoy their taste, but because I could never quite master the art of cooking them well. Countless attempts resulted in disappointment, leading me to avoid pork altogether. However, my perspective changed when Jack unveiled his fail-safe technique for cooking Perfect Pork Chops that turned out flawlessly, every single time.
This method, inspired by the trade secrets of renowned restaurants, is incredibly simple yet incredibly effective. After a quick sear on both sides in a cast iron skillet, the pork chops are transferred to a rack-lined sheet pan and finished in the oven. The result? Chops that are tender, juicy, and cooked to perfection.
Image Source: A Family Feast
Chef’s Tip: The key to determining whether your meat or poultry is cooked through lies in using a probe thermometer, such as this one. By measuring the internal temperature, you can ensure optimal doneness without compromising on juiciness.
Why You’ll Love This Perfect Pork Chops Recipe
Our recipe boasts several compelling reasons why it will become your go-to pork chop preparation method:
- Fool-proof simplicity: Just follow the easy steps outlined below.
- Minimal hands-on time: After a mere ten minutes of initial prep, your oven takes care of the rest.
- Irresistible flavors: The result is chops bursting with delightful flavors, guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
To create these Perfect Pork Chops, a few key ingredients are all you need:
- Pork Chops: Opt for bone-in, center-cut chops with a thickness of around 1 ½ to 2 inches. Seek out the best quality by visiting your local butcher or selecting from the supermarket’s freshly-cut selection.
- Pantry Ingredients: Simple seasoning with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper is all that’s required. Additionally, use a neutral oil with a higher smoke point, such as vegetable oil, for frying.
- For the Sauce: A delectable sauce comes together with unsalted butter, fresh garlic, and sprigs of thyme.
Image Source: A Family Feast
Essential Equipment
To execute this recipe flawlessly, ensure you have the following supplies on hand:
- Cast iron skillet
- Small sheet tray with a rack
- Probe thermometer, such as this one, equipped with a remote alarm
- Long-handled tongs
- Aluminum foil for resting the pork
To Brine or Not to Brine?
While some may suggest brining pork chops for added moisture, we advise against it. Brining can alter both the texture and flavor of the meat, compromising the integrity of the dish. Our tried-and-true technique eliminates the need for brining, allowing you to achieve perfectly moist and flavorsome pork chops without the extra step.
Image Source: A Family Feast
Unveiling the Perfect Pork Chops
Prepare to be amazed by how easily you can create Perfect Pork Chops using our simple step-by-step guide:
- Season: Generously season your chops with salt and pepper.
- Sear: Give the pork chops a quick sear in a hot skillet.
- Roast: Transfer the seared chops to the oven and allow them to roast for ten minutes.
- Make: While the chops roast, gently cook together butter, garlic, and fresh thyme to create a delicious sauce.
- Add: Place the pork chops in the sauce, then baste them for an additional five minutes.
- Let: Allow the pork chops to rest on a rack, loosely covered with foil, for ten minutes. Serve with the sauce drizzled over the top.
The Pink Dilemma
You may be wondering whether it’s safe to consume pork chops with a hint of pink in the center. The USDA now assures us that it is indeed safe to enjoy slightly pink pork. Gone are the days when overcooking was necessary to eliminate trichinosis. Today, pork bred for consumption follows stringent guidelines and is perfectly safe to eat when cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
Image Source: A Family Feast
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Perfect Pork Chops:
Q: Can I make Perfect Pork Chops ahead of time?
A: For optimal results, it’s best to cook the pork chops right before serving. Making them ahead may compromise their texture and flavor.
Q: How should I store leftovers?
A: Store the leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Gently reheat the leftovers in the oven or microwave, ensuring they are warmed through. Avoid overcooking to maintain their succulence.
Q: Can I freeze the cooked pork chops?
A: Absolutely! The cooked pork chops can be frozen. Before reheating, ensure they are fully thawed using the methods mentioned above.
This recipe for Perfect Pork Chops first appeared on A Family Feast in April 2013. We’ve since updated the post and recipe to make it even easier for you to prepare these mouthwatering chops.
Explore More Delicious Recipes
If you’re craving more culinary delights, we invite you to try these additional recipes:
- Perfect Holiday Ham
- Perfect Grilled Burgers
- Perfect French Toast
- Perfect Pan-Seared Scallops (with a Simple Pan Sauce)
- Perfect Pan-Seared Steak
Image Sources: A Family Feast
