Cast Iron Pan Seared Pork Chops Recipe • Longbourn Farm (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to juicy pork chops? ›

Fat is key to keeping pork chops moist

Basting them with fat, such as butter. Add in aromatics while basting for more flavor — similar to how you might cook a steak — and then you have the added bonus of browned butter and crispy garlic and/or herbs to serve with the meat.

For juicy, flavorful pork chops, try brining the chops before grilling or broiling — two high-heat cooking methods that can quickly dry out lean pork chops. Brines are essentially salty, sugary water solutions; they'll keep the meat moist, while adding flavor.

I use both! At the same time! The butter helps achieve that golden brown color and adds more flavor, but you need the oil, too, because it has a higher smoke point and keeps the butter from burning. How long do you cook pork chops in a frying pan?

Vegetable oil has a higher smoke point and a light flavor, it is my preferred for searing the chops. Pork chops can (and should) be cooked so they are a little bit pink, to 145°F. I remove them from the pan a few degrees early as they continue to cook as they rest.

Cooking pork chops in the oven can yield to a tender and juicy meat. Brine bone-in pork chops then sear them first before finishing them off in the oven.

On their own, pork chops are a lean, bland cut of meat. Seasoning with salt before cooking is an essential step in bringing out the meat's natural flavors. Season generously, and remember that even a very short brine (just 30 minutes) will improve the taste and texture of the meat.

Mix milk with first amount of salt (2 teaspoons) and allow pork chops to soak in this mixture for as long as you'd like, about an hour to maybe four works well. Overnight soaking will result in too much moisture & your breading will fall off. Remove pork chops from brine, and set aside.

Because pork chops are such a lean cut, they are relatively quick-cooking and prone to overcooking. When they're cooked for even a few minutes too long, whether it's in the oven or on the stovetop or grill, they're quick to dry out, and — you guessed it — become tough, chewy, and less than appealing.

While washing meat and poultry to remove dirt, slime, fat or blood may have been appropriate decades ago when many slaughtered and prepared their own food, the modern food safety system doesn't require it. Meat and poultry are cleaned during processing, so further washing is not necessary.

Is it better to cook pork chops fast or slow? ›

Baking pork chops at 350 degrees F will result in more gently cooked and tender pork chops, but it will take more time. This temperature is ideal for thicker chops (between 1 and 2 inches) as well as pan-seared chops, since the lower, slower baking ensures that the pork cooks all the way through.

Improper drying of the chops: If the pork chops are wet or moist before breading, the breading may not adhere properly and can fall off during the cooking process. It is important to dry the pork chops with paper towels before coating them in the breading [2].

You either cook them hot and fast or slow and low to get them tender. The average Joe is cooking their pork chops way too long too hot drying them out making them tough. I can only think of two things: they were not quality pork chops ( I only use center cut ) or you fried them too fast at too high of a temperature.

Washing beef, pork, lamb, or veal before cooking it is not recommended. Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils, and surfaces. We call this cross-contamination. Some consumers think they are removing bacteria and making their meat or poultry safe.

When you're frying thin pork chops over medium-high to high heat, 2 to 3 minutes per side is just right for browning and cooking them all the way through. For thicker chops, brown on both sides then check the internal temperature with a digital thermometer. It will take 5 to 6 minutes per side to completely cook them.

Heat oil in a large stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Place pork chops in skillet and cook, turning occasionally, until starting to brown, about 1 1/2 minutes.