How to Cook Juicy, Flavorful Pork Ribeye Chops in the Oven

Pork ribeye chops are a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be prepared easily in the oven for a quick weeknight meal or impressive dinner party entree. When cooked properly, pork ribeye chops come out tender, juicy and packed with flavor.

This cut comes from the rib section, similar to beef ribeye steaks, and contains marbling that keeps the chops moist and flavorsome when cooked. The smooth texture and mild pork flavor takes well to a variety of seasonings and complements many side dishes.

While grilling and pan frying are popular cooking methods, baking these chops in the oven is an excellent hands-off technique that yields delicious results every time

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to cook pork ribeye chops in the oven for tender, juicy and flavor-packed results.

Benefits of Cooking Pork Ribeye Chops in the Oven

Cooking pork ribeye chops in the oven offers several advantages:

• Even cooking: The ambient heat of the oven surrounds the chops from all sides and penetrates deep into the meat for thorough, even cooking. No need to flip or rotate.

• Better flavor development: The dry environment concentrates flavors as the chops cook and encourages browning and caramelization for enhanced taste.

• Hands-off method: Once the seasoned chops go into the oven, you can focus on sides and other parts of the meal until they are done.

• Serves a crowd: Multiple chops can cook together in the oven, perfect for feeding family or guests.

• Easy cleanup: With no stovetop spatters or extensive prep, oven-baked chops create minimal messy cleanup.

Step-By-Step Oven Cook Method

Follow these simple steps for foolproof oven-baked pork ribeye chops every time:

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork ribeye chops, about 1-inch thick
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon paprika

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). This mid-range temperature will cook the chops through without drying them out.

2. Prepare a baking sheet. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. You can also use a broiler pan, oven-safe skillet or small roasting pan.

3. Pat chops dry and coat with oil. Blot chops with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Brush both sides with olive oil to promote browning.

4. Season the chops. In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, thyme, salt, pepper and paprika. Generously season both sides of the pork chops, pressing to adhere.

5. Arrange chops on baking sheet. Place chops evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they don’t overlap.

6. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Bake chops on the middle oven rack for 15-20 minutes until browned and just faintly pink in the center. Use an instant-read thermometer to check internal temperature.

7. Rest before serving. Let chops rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute. The temperature will rise about 5°F during rest time.

Handy Tips for Success

• Bring chops to room temperature before baking for more even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding chops on the baking sheet, which can lead to steaming instead of proper browning.
• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; pork should reach 145°F.
• Tent chops loosely with foil while resting to keep them warm.
• Pair with flavorful pan sauces, compound butters or glazes.

Flavor Variations

The simple garlic, thyme and pepper seasoning on these oven-baked chops provides a flavor foundation you can build upon with other herbs, spices and ingreidents.

Try these seasoning variations:

• Italian herb blend + lemon zest + Parmesan
• Smoked paprika + cumin + brown sugar
• Chili powder + cilantro + lime
• Rosemary + mustard + balsamic glaze
• Cinnamon + orange zest + maple syrup

Brush chops with barbecue sauce or pesto for the last 5 minutes for sticky, flavor-packed results.

Cooking Times for Different Thicknesses

Pork ribeye chop thickness will impact overall cooking time. Here are general guidelines:

• 3⁄4 to 1-inch thick: Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes
• 1 1⁄2 inches thick: Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes
• 2 inches thick: Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chops have reached 145°F internally regardless of thickness.

Perfect Pairings and Side Dishes

The versatile flavor of oven-roasted pork ribeye chops pairs well with numerous sides:

• Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli
• Brown or wild rice pilaf
• Quinoa salad or baked beans
• Butternut squash or roasted vegetables
• Dinner rolls or cornbread

Fun presentation idea: Serve pork chops and side dishes on a sheet pan for easy serving style family-style.

Oven-Baked Pork Perfection

Cooking pork ribeye chops in the oven makes this flavorful cut accessible any night of the week. The hands-off method requires minimal prep and results in tender, juicy chops with deep flavor development.

While pan-searing and grilling have their place, baking brings out the best in pork’s mild, slightly sweet profile that pairs well with endless seasonings. Serve oven-roasted pork ribeye chops with versatile sides for endless family meals and occasions.

Frequency of Entities:
Directions: 3
pork chop: 15
oven: 16
temperature: 5
cook: 7
bake: 5
season: 4