Pork chops are a classic American main dish that are often served with fresh vegetables, different kinds of potatoes, and applesauce on top. Most pork chop recipes call for baking, cooking on the stove in a sauté pan, or grilling the meat. If you need to, you can also cook pork chops in the microwave. On the other hand, the outside of your chops won’t be as crisp and lightly browned as chops cooked any other way. The USDA National Nutrient Database says that pork chops are high in potassium, protein, and fat. A 6-ounce pork chop has 450 calories.
If the pork chops were frozen, thaw them all the way in the fridge for up to 36 hours.
Put the pork chops in a dish that can go in the microwave and is big enough to hold them with some room between each one.
Use a little olive or vegetable oil to coat both sides of the pork chops. Then, sprinkle them with sea or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
You can sprinkle fresh or dried herbs on both sides of the pork chops. Then, use your fingers to work the salt, pepper, and herbs into the meat.
Pour 1/4 cup pork or chicken stock or broth over the pork chops. Place the pork chops in the microwave on high for 15 minutes.
Check the internal temperature of the pork chops with an instant read thermometer. For safety reasons, the meat in the middle of each pork chop should be at least 160 degrees.
Move the pork chops to a large serving platter or individual plates. If any liquid is left, pat the chops dry with paper towels. Allow five minutes before slicing the meat to ensure that the porks natural juices are redistributed.
Common fresh or dried herbs for pork chops include rosemary, thyme and herb mixtures, like herbes de Provence.
Microwave times vary slightly from microwave to microwave. If the pork chops are still not 160 degrees Fahrenheit inside after 15 minutes, keep microwaving them every two minutes and check the temperature each time to make sure they don’t get too done.
Cooking pork chops in a convection microwave is a quick and easy way to make a delicious dinner. Convection microwaves use a fan to circulate hot air around the food, helping it cook faster and more evenly. While microwaved food can sometimes end up rubbery or unevenly cooked, using the convection setting results in pork chops that are juicy, tender and full of flavor.
In this article, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook pork chops perfectly in your convection microwave We’ll cover choosing the right chops, seasonings and sauces, cook times and power levels, and tips for ensuring your pork chops turn out moist and tasty every time Let’s get cooking!
Choosing the Right Pork Chops
The first step is selecting high-quality boneless pork chops that are 1 to 2 inches thick. Thicker chops cook up juicier since they retain more moisture during the cooking process. The best options are chops from the loin or rib sections. Avoid very thin or very thick chops. Thin chops tend to overcook and dry out, while extra thick chops may not cook through fully.
Look for chops with visible marbling or streaks of fat running through the meat. The fat helps keep the chops tender and flavorful as they cook. Also check that the chops have a fresh smell and pink color, not gray or brown spots.
Seasoning Your Pork Chops
Seasoning is key for giving your pork chops maximum flavor Dry rubs work especially well since wet marinades can make the chops soggy in the microwave Here are some tasty seasoning ideas
- Cajun or jerk seasoning – brings heat and bold flavor
- Garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper – simple and savory
- Chili powder and cumin – adds Tex-Mex flair
- Italian herb blend – think oregano, basil, rosemary
- Brown sugar and chili powder – slightly sweet and spicy
Whatever flavors you want to add, coat both sides of the chops generously with the dry rub. Let them sit for 10-20 minutes before cooking so the seasoning really penetrates the meat.
Sauces and Glazes
While dry rubs add great flavor on their own, sauces and glazes can take your pork chops to the next level. Brush a sauce over the chops in the last few minutes of microwave cooking to infuse flavor and help form a sticky, caramelized exterior as the sauce reduces down.
Sweet and tangy options like barbecue sauce, honey mustard and orange marmalade work great. You could also try savory choices like soy sauce, hoisin or teriyaki. Get creative with your own combinations too!
Cook Times and Power Levels
Cooking pork chops in the microwave is quicker than using the oven or stove. However, you’ll need to adjust cook times and power levels to prevent overcooking. Here are some guidelines:
- 1-inch thick chops: Cook at 60% power for 5-7 minutes
- 1 1/2-inch chops: Cook at 60% power for 6-8 minutes
- 2-inch chops: Cook at 50% power for 8-10 minutes
Always cook thawed chops, not frozen. Arrange them evenly in a microwave-safe dish so they have a little space around each chop. The lower power levels prevent the outside from cooking too fast before the inside is done. Check for doneness and add more time if needed.
For extra-juicy chops, cover the dish with a paper towel or microwave splatter guard during cooking. This traps in steam to keep the meat moist.
Let Your Chops Rest
An important step after cooking any meat is letting it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to re-distribute so they don’t run out when you cut the chop. Resist the urge to dive right in! Just transfer the cooked chops to a clean plate, tent loosely with foil and go prepare your side dishes.
How to Tell When They’re Done
With pork’s recommended safe minimum internal temperature being 145°F, use an instant-read thermometer to test doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of a chop without touching bone. When it reads 140-145°F, your chops are ready.
Visual cues help too. Look for chops that are slightly firm but still have a hint of pink in the center. If you see any traces of raw pink or redness, pop them back in for a minute or two more.
Juicy, Tender Results
Follow these convection microwave tips and you’ll enjoy juicy, tender pork chops with very little effort. The convection fan circulates the heat for even cooking, while lower power levels prevent overcooking. A flavorful dry rub adds lots of taste and sauces or glazes add a finishing touch.
Here’s a recap of the convection microwave pork chop cooking method:
- Choose 1-2 inch thick boneless pork chops
- Generously season chops with a dry rub
- Arrange chops in microwave-safe dish with space around each
- Cook at 50-60% power based on thickness
- Cover dish with paper towel or splatter guard
- Cook 5-10 minutes until 140-145°F internally
- Allow chops to rest 5-10 minutes before serving
- Add sauce or glaze during last few minutes (optional)
While the microwave often gets a bad rap for cooking meat unevenly, the convection setting solves that issue. Your dinner is ready in less than 15 minutes! Plus quick cleanup – just the microwave-safe dish to wash.
Convection microwave pork chops make an easy, delicious family dinner. They pair well with so many side dishes too like rice, roasted veggies, potatoes, salads and more. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste and experiment with different sauces too.
Let us know how your microwave pork chops turn out! If you have any special seasoning blends or sauces you love on yours, please share in the comments below.
PORK CHOPS IN A MICROWAVE
Can you cook pork chops in a convection microwave?
When cooking pork chops in a convection microwave, it’s important to cover your dish with foil, leaving small holes for steam release. This will help speed up the cooking process while keeping your chops moist. However, it’s important to avoid putting foil directly on the food as it cancels out the convection feature.
How long do you cook pork chops in a microwave?
Place the dish in the convection microwave and bake for 9-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chops reaches 145°F. Use a digital thermometer to ensure accuracy. Once your pork chops are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Can you cook pork chops in a convection oven?
To cook pork chops in a convection microwave, begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While the oven is heating up, prepare your chops by marinating or breading them as desired. Once the oven is heated, place your pork chops on a wire rack within a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil, leaving small holes for steam release.
Can you cook boneless pork chops in the microwave?
Start by selecting two boneless pork chops of your choice. You can use thicker or thinner cuts, depending on your preference. Place the pork chops in a microwave-safe dish. If you have a lid, use it to cover the dish. If not, you can use microwave-safe plastic wrap as a cover. Make sure it is tightly sealed to trap the steam and moisture inside.