The greatest oven-baked pork chops have ever been there! They are tasty, tender, incredibly juicy, and simple to prepare. Dinner will be ready in approximately 18 minutes after you rub them with a few common spices from your pantry. Combine these chops with a creamy cucumber salad and smokey roast potatoes to make a complete supper. Additionally, if you enjoy pig recipes, check out our pan-fried pork chops, smothered pork chops, and juiciest baked pork tenderloin!
Pork chops are adaptable and simple to prepare, just like steak. Taken from the pig’s loin, they feature a thick layer of fat on one side and occasionally still contain a little bit of bone. They make a terrific quick supper when served with vegetables and mustard or a basic sauce, but they may easily turn tough and dry if you need to be careful with the temperature or timings.
What are Pork Chops?
Like other meat chops, pork chops are a loin cut perpendicular to the pig’s spine. They are typically made from ribs or vertebral bones. Leaner than other cuts, pork chops are unprocessed. Applesauce, carrots, and other sides are frequently offered with chops when they are served as an individual serving.
One of the foods that people eat most frequently worldwide is pork. Pork chops, which make up 10% of all hog consumption in the US, are the most popular meat cut from the pork loin.
How to Make Juicy Oven Baked Pork Chops?
Pork chops baked in the oven provide an easy, quick, and healthful dinner. With no effort, our technique guarantees juicy, tender, and delicious pork chops. Use our seasoning recommendations—we enjoy the roasted lemon wedges—or swap them out for your preferred spice mixtures.
Ingredients:
- Four pork chops, each 6 to 7 ounces, and about one inch thick.
- To taste, add salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- One tablespoon of vegetable, avocado, or grape seed oil for high-heat cooking
- Two tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves
- Wedges sliced from one lemon
- A small amount of finely chopped sensitive herbs like parsley or dill
Instructions:
Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator, then On both sides, season the meat with salt and pepper (we use slightly less than 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt for each chop). Set the chops aside for 30 minutes to rest.
Bake Chops
- The oven should be heated to 375°F (190°C).
- Over medium-high heat, warm the oil in a sizable oven-safe skillet, such as one made of cast iron. Add the pork after patting it dry when the oil is shimmering and heated. Cook until golden, about 2 to 3 minutes. Spread half of the thyme on the side of the pork chops facing up while it cooks.
- The pork should now be facing the seared side up. (If there is a fattier side to the pork, hold the chops fat-side down for about 30 seconds or until they sizzle and begin to brown somewhat.)
- Over the charred side of the pork, sprinkle the remaining thyme. Lemon wedges should be placed around the chops before the pan is loosely covered with foil or parchment paper. To complete cooking, place the skillet in the oven. Put the pork chops in a baking dish if you lack a pan that can be used in the oven.
- Depending on the thickness of the meat, bake for 8 to 15 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer is inserted. chop registers 145 degrees F. (Check for doneness at 5 minutes, then continue to check every 2 minutes from there because cook time depends on the thickness of the chops.) If you don’t have a thermometer, you’ll be able to If the juices flow clear, the chops are cooked.
- Transfer the pork chops to a plate, then cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Allow the pork to rest for five minutes. When serving, add extra herbs, roasted lemon wedges, and a dollop of the pan juices.
Health Benefits of Pork Chops
High in Protein
In a 3-ounce serving, pork chops contain 24 grams of protein. There are four calories in one gram of protein. Crucial for maintaining a robust immune system and rebuilding muscles after exercise. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign recommends that healthy individuals with 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight should be consumed daily. A person weighing 150 pounds amounts to around 55 grams daily. Since it includes all necessary amino acids, pork chops’ protein is highly calibrated.
Helps Control Weight
Choosing lower-calorie options can assist you in losing weight or preventing weight gain because weight gain results from consuming more calories than you burn. Compared to alternatives like beef or pork ribs or beef T-bone steaks, lean pork chops have fewer calories.
High-fat foods can have a lot of calories and make you gain weight, but a broiled pork chop contains less fat than a T-bone steak, which has 13.5 grams. One hundred thirty-seven calories are contained in a 3-ounce broiled pork chop.
Source of Zinc
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, zinc is a mineral that is necessary for numerous bodily processes. Pork chops that have been broiled provide 1.9 milligrams of zinc per 3-ounce serving. Women need 8 milligrams of zinc daily, whereas healthy men require 11 milligrams. A zinc shortage can cause immune system deterioration and night blindness.
Considerations
Compared to blade-cut pork chops, which have eight fat grams, of which 2 grams are saturated fat. in each 3-ounce chunk, top loin, and sirloin, pork chops are leaner. Trim the visible fat from your pork chop before cooking it to reduce your fat and saturated fat intake. Pork chops can be made more nutrient-dense by braising them in mushroom sauce and serving them with brown rice, salad, or sautéed vegetables like asparagus.
Which Seasonings Go Well with Pork Chops?
Pork has a mild flavor, much like chicken breast, so there are many ways to flavor it. Here are some recommendations:
- Use only salt, pepper, thyme, and lemon wedges to spread about the pan. In our photographs and the recipe provided below, we have accomplished this.
- We enjoy combining ancho or our homemade spices based on chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper in seasonings based on the chili powder. Combine one teaspoon of each ingredient, but only use one-half teaspoon of smoked paprika and black pepper. (Our recipe for skillet pork chops included this mixture.)
- We adore mixing brown sugar, freshly grated lemon zest, and smoky paprika for a delicious citrus rub. Use 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, one teaspoon lemon zest, and one tablespoon brown sugar. (We prepare our brown sugar-baked fish using this mixture.)
- It’s traditional to combine lemon, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. (Like inspiration, check out our roasted pork tenderloin and baked lemon chicken thighs recipes.)
- Other great seasonings are taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, and Za’atar seasoning. (This is our seasoning mix for tacos.)
What Sort of Pork Chops Ought to be Used?
- Pork chops that are baked well are thicker than those that are not. It’s simple to overcook pork, and the results usually could be better.
- Pick pork chops that are at least an inch thick to avoid overcooking.
- Buy bone-in chops if you can! The outcome tastes better than boneless pork chops because the bone helps prevent overcooking.
How Much Time Should I Spend Baking Pork Chops?
- The cooking time will change depending on how thick your pork chops are. However, they will only need to bake for a short time.
- For instance, boneless pork chops with a 1-inch thickness require a 2- to 3-minute sear in a skillet, followed by an 8- to 15-minute bake.
- A temperature thermometer is your best chance to determine when meat is fully cooked. Thicker (or bone-in) chops will cook considerably more quickly, while Chops with more thickness (or bones) may require a little more time.
- The pork is prepared when its internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The chops will be done if the juices run clear, even if you don’t have a thermometer.
What Dishes Go Best with Pork Chops?
We prepare pork chops quite a bit because they are lean and inexpensive. Here is a list of our full accompaniments for them:
- Mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower for a low-carb alternative
- Try roasting some broccoli, cauliflower, or these honey-roasted carrots while the oven is on
- Readers love this easy 10-minute lemon-garlic bok cabbage recipe.
- Try our creamy cucumber salad, this straightforward chickpea salad, or our straightforward quinoa salad for a side salad.
How Long Should Pork Chops Bake at 350-375 Degrees?
According to the thickness of the flesh, the cooking time for these pork chops will vary from 20 to 30 minutes in the oven. Pork should have an internal temperature checked with a meat thermometer to ensure juicy and tender pork chops.
Pork chops that are thinner (under 1/4 inch) will cook in as little as 25 to 35 minutes. They needed to bake for about 45 minutes at 350 degrees. If you purchased pork chops with bones, make sure to account for the 10% additional cooking time in your planning.
What Kind of Temperature Should You Cook Pork Chops at?
The USDA recommends cooking pork chops to a safe internal temperature of 145°F or medium-rare. When the internal temperature of the pork hits 135° to 140°F, I advise removing it from the oven and allowing it to cool for 5–10 minutes. The temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees while you’re resting.
How Should Pork Chops be Cooked Prevent Drying Out?
The pork chops are baked in a fairly hot oven (400 degrees F) at a temperature that prevents drying out while still searing them to a golden brown. Pork chops can be cooked in the oven using the “sear-roasting” technique: fry the chops until golden brown on one side, turn, and then bake.
What is the Ideal Method of Preparing Pork Chops?
2 to 3 minutes per side are ideal for browning and fully cooking thin pork chops when frying them over medium-high to high heat. Check the internal temperature of thicker chops using a digital thermometer after browning them on both sides. To fully cook them, give each side 5 to 6 minutes.
Can I Freeze Pork Chops that are Still Raw?
Pork chops freeze well and thaw quickly due to their small size. Try to freeze them as quickly as possible when you first get them home. Pork chops that are cooked should be defrosted and heated within two to three months of freezing. Raw pork chops should keep in the freezer for four to twelve months.
How to Reheat Pork Chops?
In a 300°F oven, you can reheat the pork. Place the pork in an oven-safe dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and reheat until it is thoroughly heated. The pork can also be heated thoroughly by microwaving at 60% power for 30 seconds. I use chicken broth (about 10-12 minutes).
Conclusion
Pork chops should be baked at a high temperature for a shorter period to prevent drying out. I use 425° F for baking my pork chops. One-inch thick boneless pork chops take 15 to 20 minutes to cook at this temperature. A slice of lean red meat that is simple to prepare is pork chops. They provide crucial nutrients, such as protein, selenium, zinc, and iron, that promote regular bodily activities and may aid in weight loss. It would be best to be careful about how often you consume pork chops because they are red meat.
