This easy method creates Tender Baked Pork Chops with a slightly sweet and smoky rub. This lean cut is an excellent choice for a family-friendly meal.
I love coming up with new ways to cook lean meats like these boneless pork loin chops so that everyone can enjoy them. These Tender Baked Pork Chops are quick and easy to make, and you don’t need to brine or prepare them ahead of time. Just mix up the flavorful seasoning and you are ready to get to work.
Quickly searing the seasoned pork chops on the stove makes a nice crust on the outside and cuts down on the time needed to finish in the oven. Since overcooking is the most common issue when cooking lean pork, this is crucial. An added bonus to this method is that you can cook 6 pork chops all at once. Perfect for feeding a family.
Pork is an often underestimated form of protein, in my opinion. Many cuts are exceptionally lean putting them in the same league as chicken breast. If you make the right choices, you can include pork chops in a low calorie, low fat diet. A person can only eat so much chicken!.
Pork loin chops can go from dry and tough to succulently moist and tender—if you know the secrets behind cooking them just right. Follow this foolproof guide to preparing mouthwateringly tender pork loin chops for unforgettable meals.
We’ll cover picking the best chops, brining, pan-searing, baking, and grilling techniques to lock in flavorful juiciness with every method Master these easy pork chop tips and tricks to serve up the most irresistibly tender chops ever
Select the Optimal Chops
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Choose bone-in loin chops cut from the rib end for the most flavor and tenderness.
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Opt for chops 1 to 1 1⁄2 inches thick so they stay juicy when cooked Thinner chops overcook quickly,
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Pick chops with some marbling or fat streaks running through for added moisture and flavor.
Brine for Tenderness
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Soak chops in a simple brine of 1/4 cup salt dissolved in 4 cups water for 30 minutes up to overnight.
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The salt penetrates the meat, seasons it throughout, and helps it retain moisture.
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Pat chops dry thoroughly with paper towels before cooking so they brown properly.
Pan-Sear for Juiciness
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Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chops until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side.
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Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 3-4 more minutes until just shy of desired doneness.
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The lower heat and covered pan gently cooks the interior while retaining juices.
Roast Tender Chops
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Place chops on a rack set in a roasting pan so air circulates.
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Roast 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
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The rack prevents steaming so chops stay crispy outside and juicy inside.
Grill to Perfection
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Heat grill to medium-high. Oil grates to prevent sticking.
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Grill chops 4 minutes per side with grill lid closed as much as possible to prevent drying out.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving so juices redistribute for tenderness.
Complement with Savory Sauces
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Pair simply seasoned chops with sauce for added flavor. Think garlic herb butter, chimichurri, or romesco.
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Brush with a sweet and tangy glaze near the end of cooking for a caramelized coating.
With the right prep, cooking method, and doneness temperature, you can achieve the juiciest, most tender pork chops ever. Mastering these techniques means you’ll never have to endure dry pork again!
Frequency of entities:
pork loin chops: 12
tender pork loin chops: 2
Boneless vs. Bone-In Pork Chops
Bone-in pork chops typically cook more quickly than boneless, however, it is the thickness of the chops that will determine the cooking time. Since many times bone-in chops can be thinner, they may end up needing less than in the oven than a thick boneless chop. The most important element to ensuring a good result is cooking them to the correct internal temperature. An instant read thermometer is a must to ensure a good result.
The Best Pork Chops for Baking
Pork loin chops that are 1 to 1 ½ inches thick, boneless or with bones, should be used for oven-baked pork chops. If you use lean pork, it’s easy to overcook it. If you use thicker pork, you can better control the result. If you want to use this method, thick cut pork chops that say “center cut” or “top loin” are better than thin cut loin or rib chops. They are a bit more expensive, but they freeze really well and are often on sale at great prices at places like Costco.
Juicy Pork Loin Chop Recipe
FAQ
How do you tenderize pork loin chops?
Is it better to bake or fry pork loin chops?