How to cook pork chops

Pork chops can make a tasty addition to any midweek meal plan. However, it’s important to make sure you know how to prepare and cook them properly to ensure they stay juicy and succulent. There are a number of different ways you can cook pork chops, each suited to different meals and occasions. This blog post covers everything you need to know about pork chops and the various ways you can prepare and serve them.

What are pork chops?

Pork chops are sourced from the loin area of pigs and are commonly referred to as the tenderloin. There are a number of different cuts of pork chop, depending on which part of the animal the chop is cut from. This determines not only how long the meat takes to cook but also the tenderness and taste. Commonly, the pork chops you find in supermarkets come from either the rib or tenderloin of a pig. You can also get pork chops from the blade, rib and sirloin of the animal.

How to cook pork chops

The great thing about cooking pork chops is how tasty they are, no matter how you cook them, so they are great for amateur cooks who want to experiment in the kitchen. Different cuts of pork chop may require different methods for cooking, however this guide looks at the best ways to cook the most common pork rib and tenderloin chops.

How to prepare pork chops

Before cooking pork chops, make sure to season them with salt and pepper, plus any other herbs and spices you want to include for flavour. You may want to leave the chops to marinate in a sauce overnight to let the flavour fully absorb into the meat.

How to cook pork chops

The most important thing to avoid when cooking pork chops is drying them out. One of the easiest ways to prevent this is to leave the chop on the bone where possible, which gives the meat a richer flavour and allows juice from the fat to keep the meat moist. You could also fry pork chops for a few minutes before transferring them into an oven to cook through. This will help to retain moisture in the meat and keep a delicious, juicy flavour. 

It’s important to note, however, that no matter how you cook pork chops, you should always make sure the meat is cooked thoroughly and is safe to eat. You can do this by using a meat thermometer and making sure the centre of the thickest part of your chop measures at: 

• 60°C for 45 minutes
• 65°C for 10 minutes
• 70°C for 2 minutes
• 75°C for 30 seconds
• 80°C for 6 seconds

How to grill pork chops

Grilling pork chops is a great method for thinner cuts that don’t take so long to cook. When cooking on a gas grill, make sure to keep temperatures high to ensure the chops cook thoroughly. Once you have seasoned the chops accordingly, place them on high heat and grill for around 3 minutes until seared marks appear on the bottom. Then, turn the heat down to a medium temperature for around 5-7 minutes.

How to fry pork chops

When frying pork chops, it’s best to use an iron skillet and fry on a high heat with 4-6 tbsp of olive oil. Once the oil begins to simmer on the skillet, add the pork chops. Cook the chops on medium-high heat for up to 5 minutes. Flip them and cook the other side. The chops should sear to a juicy golden brown colour.

What to cook pork chops with 

The simplicity of pork chops allows them to pair perfectly with a range of different sides and dishes. Cheesy potato dauphinoise complements the succulent and delicate flavours of pork chops perfectly. Apple sauce is a classic accompaniment to various pork dishes, such as this delicious HelloFresh pork and caramelised apple sauce recipe.

Recipes with pork chops

Pork chops can be incredibly simple and quick to cook, taking your dinners to new heights. HelloFresh has a number of pork recipes where you can replace loins with juicy pork chops:

• Creamy Honey Mustard Pork Recipe
• Pork & Creamy Peppercorn Sauce Recipe
• Honey Glazed Pork and Potatoes Recipe
• Easy Spiced Pork Steak & Hollandaise Recipe