This smoked pork chops are thick, bone-in chops that were covered in a homemade BBQ spice rub and cooked over low heat until they were soft and juicy. An easy and unique dinner option that’s packed with flavor!.
Whenever I go to restaurants, if a pork chop is on the menu, I have to order it. Especially if it’s a smoked pork chop! These smoked chops are just as good as the ones you’d get at a restaurant. For a meal you’ll never forget, serve them with corn casserole and parmesan-roasted broccoli.
In my opinion, pork chops are an underutilized cut of meat. They’re inexpensive, full of flavor and can be dressed up in so many different ways. One of my favorite ways to use my smoker is to make these smoked pork chops. They cook up quickly but taste great.
Windsor pork chops are a classic recipe that have graced dinner tables for generations. Their savory onion-mushroom sauce takes basic pork chops to new heights. While the dish may sound fancy it’s actually quite simple to make restaurant-quality Windsor chops at home. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to nail these scrumptious pork chops every time.
What are Windsor Pork Chops?
Windsor pork chops consist of boneless butterflied pork loin chops braised in an incredible sauce of caramelized onions, mushrooms, and madeira wine. The chops are partially cooked then finished by simmering in the flavorful sauce until tender and juicy.
While the exact origins are unclear, the dish takes its name from the English town of Windsor. The wine-based sauce was likely inspired by French cooking techniques. Over time, the recipe has become a cherished staple that shows off the savory side of pork.
Benefits of Making Your Own
Windsor chops were once considered upper class fare you’d only find in fine restaurants But preparing these impressive chops at home has many benefits
-
Cost savings – Restaurant Windsor chops come with a hefty price tag. Homemade saves money.
-
Customization – Tweak the recipe to suit your tastes. Adjust spices, use apple cider vs. wine, etc.
-
Quality ingredients – Control the quality by using fresh, high-end pork and produce.
-
Cooking skills – Mastering the technique expands your culinary knowledge.
-
Impress guests – Serve these elegant chops when entertaining for a gourmet meal.
With a little practice, you can consistently churn out incredible Windsor pork chops that rival any restaurant. Let’s go over the steps.
Ingredients Needed
To serve 4 people, you will need:
- 4 boneless, butterflied pork loin chops, pounded 1⁄4 inch thick
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1⁄4 cup Madeira or sherry wine
- 1⁄4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Follow these steps to achieve professional-quality Windsor pork chops:
1. Prep the Ingredients
Rinse the pork chops and pat dry. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them into 1⁄4 inch thickness. This helps them cook quickly. Slice the onion and mushrooms. Measure out the wine, broth, and flour.
2. Sear the Pork Chops
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add 2 pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the other chops.
3. Cook the Onion and Mushrooms
Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet. Add sliced onion and mushrooms. Sauté for 5 minutes until lightly browned. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the Madeira wine, stirring to dissolve any browned bits from pan. Let simmer 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Make the Sauce
Whisk in the flour until smooth. Then whisk in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook 3-4 minutes until thickened to a gravy-like consistency.
6. Simmer the Chops
Return the pork chops and any juices to the skillet. Spoon sauce over top. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes until chops are cooked through.
7. Finish and Serve
Transfer chops to a serving platter. Spoon over any remaining sauce. Garnish with parsley if desired. Enjoy with mashed potatoes or rice.
Recipe Personalization Tips
Once you master the basics, try these variations to make Windsor pork chops your own:
- Use boneless rib or loin chops for a similar cut
- Substitute cremini, oyster, or hen of the woods mushrooms
- Sauté onions and garlic before adding mushrooms
- Season flour with paprika, thyme, sage or other spices
- Use apple cider, white wine, or chicken broth instead of Madeira
- Stir in heavy cream or mustard for extra flavor
- Garnish with chopped parsley, tarragon, or chives
The possibilities are endless for customizing these impressive yet easy Windsor chops!
Pork Chop Storage
For the best flavor and texture, cook Windsor pork chops shortly after purchasing pork. But if you need to store raw or cooked chops:
–Store raw chops up to 4 days in the fridge or 6 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
–Store cooked chops 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Can freeze cooked chops up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
–Store sauce in an airtight container up to one week. Freeze extra sauce in ice cube trays or bags.
With proper storage, you can enjoy leftover Windsor pork chop meals or save time by preparing components in advance.
Common Questions
If you’re new to making Windsor chops at home, these tips may help:
Why pound the pork chops thin?
Pounding helps the chops cook faster and more evenly. It also allows them to soak up more flavor from the sauce.
Can I use regular pork chops?
Yes, bone-in or thick pork chops work but may require longer cooking. Check internal temp with a meat thermometer.
What wines work best?
Madeira is traditional but any sweet wine like sherry, marsala, or white port can substitute. Avoid very dry wines.
Mastering delicious Windsor pork chops impresses guests without requiring advanced cooking skills. With flavorful onions, mushrooms, and a touch of sweet wine, these elegant chops are sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the savings and satisfaction of elevated home cooking. Just follow the steps for success!
Tips for Smoked Pork Chops
- Pork chops that are at least 1 1/2 inches thick are best for this recipe. You’ll have to cut down on the smoking time if you choose thinner pork chops so they don’t get too done.
- You can use any store-bought spice mix instead of making your own if you don’t want to.
- I sear the pork chops first to make them taste better and turn them a little caramelized. You can grill, pan-sear, or grill pan-sear your chops. You can even skip this step if you’re in a hurry, but I think it’s worth it.
- Bone-in pork chops work best for this recipe. I wouldn’t recommend using boneless chops.
How do you make smoked pork chops?
The first step is to prepare a brine. You might be wondering why you would need to brine pork chops since pork is naturally lean. The brine adds flavor to the meat and keeps it from drying out in the smoker. The brine is a mixture of salt, sugar, herbs and spices. The pork chops are then rubbed with a homemade BBQ spice rub. They are seared and then sent to the smoker.