Pork chops are a good source of nutrients like protein, selenium, zinc, and iron. Just be aware of how often you eat them since they are considered red meat.
They say that the pork chop is the most popular cut of pork out of all the different kinds. But not every pork chop is the same (1).
Pork chops are made from the loin meat that runs from the shoulder to the hip of a pig. They are also called rib chops, sirloin chops, top loin chops, and blade chops.
Of course, how you cook your pork chop influences its overall nutrition profile. But the amount of fat in the chop also changes a little depending on what part of the pig it came from.
For instance, a sirloin pork chop is one of the leaner cuts, and tenderloin is the leanest.
But there isn’t much extra saturated fat in pork chop cuts like the New York pork chop, Porterhouse pork chop, and Ribeye pork chop. They do have more total fat than a sirloin pork chop.
This article talks about whether pork chops are healthy and how to cook them so that they meet your nutritional needs.
Overall — regardless of cooking method — pork chops are a very rich source of selenium. This mineral helps your immune and endocrine systems work, and it can also reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.
However, the cooking method does influence how many calories, fat, and sodium they have. Fried pork chops, for example, are higher in all three of those categories.
Still, you might be able to eat fried pork chops as long as you don’t count the extra fat, calories, and sodium.
Here’s a comparison of a boiled or baked pork chop and one that’s breaded and fried:
Pork chops are a delicious and versatile meat that can be prepared in endless ways. From pan frying to grilling and everything in between, pork chops make for a hearty yet easy dinner option. But when it comes to cooking pork chops one of the most common questions is how many ounces is one pork chop? Understanding pork chop sizes and weights is key for meal planning and preparation.
The Typical Size of a Pork Chop
The size and weight of a pork chop can vary quite a bit depending on several factors. These include the cut of meat, whether it is bone-in or boneless, and the thickness. However, most single pork chops range from 4 to 8 ounces in weight.
Here is a breakdown of common pork chop sizes:
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Small or thin cut pork chops – These petite chops weigh approximately 3 ounces. They are a good choice if you are serving appetizer-sized portions or want a quick weeknight dinner.
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Average sized pork chops – The typical grocery store pork chop weighs 5-6 ounces This middle-of-the-road size works well for most recipes and single servings
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Large or thick cut pork chops – These chops weigh around 8 ounces or more. The heftier size is great for hearty appetites or if you want to pan sear or grill a nice thick chop.
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Bone-in vs boneless – Bone-in chops will weigh more than boneless. Figure around 1.5-2 ounces more for a bone-in chop.
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Shoulder vs loin – Cuts also impact size. Loin or rib chops tend to be larger than shoulder blade chops.
So if you pick up a package of average-sized, boneless pork chops at the grocery store, you can expect each one to be approximately 5-6 ounces. This provides a good guideline for estimating portion sizes.
Factors That Determine Pork Chop Size
Several factors impact the size and thickness of pork chops, including:
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The cut of meat – Chops cut from the loin or rib area tend to be larger and thicker. Shoulder chops and sirloin chops are typically smaller.
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Bone-in or boneless – Chops with the bone still attached will weigh more than boneless chops.
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Thickness – Thicker chops (usually 3/4 inch to over 1 inch) will obviously weigh more than thin or pounded chops.
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Butchering – The way the pork is butchered and cut into chops affects size and shape.
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Breed and age of pig – Meat from younger pigs tends to be smaller and more tender while older pigs produce larger, heartier chops.
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Cooking method – Grilling, broiling, pan frying all cause some natural shrinkage which reduces weight slightly.
Butcher shops and specialty grocery stores will offer a wider variety of thicknesses and portion sizes. Supermarkets tend to stock more average sized chops for simplicity. Either way, the cut, bone, and thickness are the prime size factors.
Typical Serving Sizes for Pork Chops
So how big should a pork chop be to satisfy hungry appetites? Here are some general serving size guidelines:
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For a main course, plan on a 6-8 ounce chop per person. Larger chops may be needed for big eaters.
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For an appetizer or side dish, a 4 ounce chop is usually sufficient.
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If serving mixed plates with additional sides, allow 4-5 ounces of chops per diner.
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For children, stick to around 3 ounces of chopped meat.
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If serving bone-in chops, increase portion sizes by 1-2 ounces to account for the bone weight.
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Thicker chops (over 1 inch) may need slightly larger portions since some meat will be lost during cooking and carving.
Here is a quick chart of common serving sizes for pork chops:
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Serving Size</th>
<th>Ounces</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Appetizer or side chop</td>
<td>4 ounces</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Child’s portion</td>
<td>3 ounces</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mixed plate chop</td>
<td>4-5 ounces</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average main course chop</td>
<td>6-8 ounces</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Large or bone-in chop</td>
<td>8+ ounces</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Use these serving sizes as a guide and adjust as needed to suit your menu and diners. Pork chops make a wonderfully versatile entree.
Calculating Ounces for Meal Planning
When meal planning with pork chops, consider these guidelines for calculating ounces:
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For a family of 4, purchase 1.5-2 pounds of bone-in chops or 1-1.5 pounds of boneless chops.
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For a dinner party of 8 adults, allow for 2.5-3 pounds of bone-in chops or 2 pounds of boneless.
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If serving chops as appetizers for 20 guests, buy 4-5 pounds total.
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For mixed plates with 4-5 ounce chops, figure around 3/4 pound per person.
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Remember that bone-in chops will need to be about 4 ounces heavier per portion to account for bone weight.
Taking the time to estimate ounces for your recipes ensures you buy the right amount of meat. Pork chops are so lean and quick-cooking that extras rarely keep well. So focus on selecting just what your meal requires.
Key Considerations for Cooking Pork Chops
The size and thickness of your pork chops will impact several factors when it comes to preparation:
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Cooking time – Thicker chops will require a longer cooking time to reach the safe internal temperature without drying out. Plan for 8-12 minutes per inch of thickness.
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Temperature – Regardless of thickness, chops should reach 145°F internally before removing from heat. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
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Seasoning – Thick chops can handle more intense seasoning and marinades since the flavors penetrate deeper into the meat. Go bold.
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Cooking method – Quick pan-frying works best for thin chops while thicker cuts are great for the grill or broiler.
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Carving – Allow thick chops to rest 5 minutes before carving so juices redistribute evenly. Cut across the grain in thin slices.
Understanding the weight in ounces of your pork chops is beneficial for all stages from shopping to seasoning and final serving. With the proper planning and preparation, pork chops make for a delicious and protein-packed meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pork Chop Sizes
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How many ounces is the average pork chop?
The average sized pork chop weighs between 5-6 ounces. Thinner chops may be around 4 ounces while thicker chops are 7-8 ounces or more. -
Should I buy thick or thin pork chops?
The thickness you choose depends on your preference and cooking method. Thin chops cook quickly while thick chops can develop more flavor. Buy based on your recipe. -
What is the difference between shoulder and loin chops?
Shoulder chops come from the upper portion of the front legs so they contain more connective tissue. Loin chops from the back are more tender and larger. -
How much bigger are bone-in vs boneless chops?
Bone-in chops weigh 1.5-2 ounces more per portion. The bone accounts for extra ounces. -
How many pork chops should I buy per person?
For a main course, plan on purchasing one 6-8 ounce pork chop per person. Adjust amounts accordingly for larger appetites. -
Can I slice a thick pork chop in half?
Yes, you can slice a very thick pork chop in half horizontally to yield two thinner portions. This reduces cooking time. -
What is the healthiest way to cook pork chops?
Grilling, broiling, baking, and pan searing without added fat are all healthy methods. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F. -
Can I pound a thick pork chop thinner?
Yes, you can use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound a thick chop to a more uniform thickness for faster cooking. -
What size pan do I need for pork chops?
For boneless chops, a standard 12-inch skillet is sufficient. For bone-in or thicker chops, use a larger pan to avoid overcrowding. -
How long do pork chops last in the refrigerator?
Raw pork chops will keep 3-5 days in the fridge. Cooked pork chops last 3-4 days refrigerated. Freeze extras for longer storage.
The Takeaway
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A complete source of high quality protein
Although protein is made up of amino acids, our bodies need protein for many reasons, such as building muscle and helping to make hormones that keep our moods high.
Certain amino acids are essential for everyone because our bodies can’t make them on their own. All of these amino acids can be found in pork chops.
Pork chops are also a very rich source of protein. A large one delivers more than a third of your daily protein needs.
Another reason that protein is so valuable is because it’s very filling — more so than the other macronutrients (carbohydrates and fat). It’s a nutrient that gives you the staying power you need between meals (5).