What’s the Best Way to Cook a Pork Chop?
Pork chops are one of life’s simple pleasures—those thinly sliced, fall-apart bits of meat that can be turned into a dish in seconds. But have you ever wondered what makes a good pork chop? The answer might be simpler than you think: marinating. By marinating your pork chop in advance, you give it time to develop flavor, making it tender and juicy when you’re ready to cook it. Plus, marinating also allows you to prep other parts of your meal while your pork chop sits in its marinade. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the best way to cook a pork chop.
Marinate and Season First
The key to a flavorful pork chop lies in the marinating process. Here’s what you need to know:
- Choose the Right Ingredients: Mix a dash of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and fresh herbs like thyme or oregano into your marinade. Adding a touch of salt and pepper will ensure the pork chop has a balanced flavor.
- Rub It In: Take your pork chop and rub it in the marinade until it’s evenly coated. Make sure there are no dry spots left.
- Season and Tie: Salt and pepper the pork chop again to lock in the flavor, then tie it with a kitchen twine or a piece of paper towel to keep it from drying out.
Once marinated, let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld together. You can marinate ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours, which is especially handy if you’re prepping for a big meal.
Bake It to Perfection
If you want a tender, buttery pork chop, baking is the way to go. Follow these steps for a delicious result:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and preheat it for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Season the Chop: Rub a bit more seasoning onto the pork chop and season it with a touch of olive oil.
- Bake It Up: Place the pork chop on a baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping it halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
- Let It Rest: Once it’s done, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safety.
You can also bake the pork chop with other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a complete meal.
Grill It al l’Allemande
Grilling is another quick and satisfying method for getting a perfectly cooked pork chop. Here’s how:
- Season the Chop: Add a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper to the pork chop.
- Grill for 4-5 Minutes: Turn the pork chop once, and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until it’s fork-tender.
- Serve al l’Allemande: Serve it with some seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or asparagus, and a side of your choice.
Sous Vide for the Perfect Cook
If you’re looking for a low-pressure method to cook your pork chop, sous vide is the way to go. Here’s how it works:
- Prepare the Liquid: Mix water or stock with a splash of soy sauce, a touch of rice wine, and some garlic. Add a splash of olive oil.
- Submerge the Chop: Place the pork chop in the liquid and let it sit for 24 hours. This will tenderize the meat and infuse it with the liquid’s flavors.
- Seal and Cook: After 24 hours, bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 more minutes.
- Serve It Up: Slice the pork chop and enjoy it with some sides like potatoes, green beans, or a creamy garlic sauce.
Pan-Fry for a Crispy Exterior
If you prefer a crispy exterior and tender interior, pan-frying is the method for you. Here’s how to do it:
- Season the Chop: Rub a bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook in a Pan: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil. Place the pork chop in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown.
- Add Some Heat: For extra flavor, add a bit of butter or a splash of wine while cooking the pork chop.
- Serve al l’Instant: Serve it with some mashed potatoes, green beans, or a drizzle of honey.
One Final Thought
Cooking a pork chop is easier than you think—just marinate, cook, and serve. Try one of these methods and let me know which one you prefer!