Pan Fried Pork Chops Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take for a pork chop to cook in a frying pan? ›

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.

Butter, with its luxurious richness and distinctive nutty flavor, is a classic choice for frying pork chops, whether they are breaded or not. As the butter melts and sputters in the pan, it imparts a depth of flavor to the dish.

Brine Them! After you bring your pork chops home, time to brine! Brining pork chops is one of the best ways way to guarantee a juicy cooked pork chop. Even a quick 30-minute brine (or up to four hours) makes a big difference.

Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add meat. Don't add any liquid and don't cover the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until internal temperature registers 145°F on an instant-read thermometer (for ¾- to 1-inch-thick chops, plan on 6 to 10 minutes), turning meat occasionally.

Once the pan is hot, add a teaspoon of oil or fat to the pan and coat the bottom of the pan. Right before you put the pork chops into the pan sprinkle each side with a little salt, or you can salt the chops in the pan.

Season both sides of pork chops with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with flour on both sides. Use the back of a spoon to distribute the flour over the entire surface. Heat oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Carefully add pork chops and pan fry until brown, about 4 minutes.

Undercooked pork carries the risk of food-borne illness, and overcooked pork can be dried-out, tough, and chewy. Cook your chop until it's around 135 degrees, and then transfer it to a cutting board—the residual heat will bring it to the USDA's recommended 145 degrees.

The quickest way to cook pork chops is to pan-fry or griddle them. As the chops can be quite large, this method is best when serving one or two people. If you're cooking for more you might want to try roasting or grilling.

If fresh pork has reached 145°F (62.8 °C) throughout, even though it may still be pink in the center, it should be safe. The pink color can be due to the cooking method or added ingredients.

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.

Why do you rinse pork chops before cooking? ›

Some consumers may wash or rinse their raw meat or poultry because it's a habit or because a family member they trust has always washed their meat. USDA research has found that washing or rinsing meat or poultry increases the risk for cross-contamination in the kitchen, which can cause foodborne illness.

Quick cooking works the best for all cuts of pork loin. Unless you are roasting the whole loin, cooking should be done in a matter of minutes. Pork chops are just like steaks - the quicker you brown them and get them off the heat, the better they will be.

I always use canola oil for frying. This recipe is for two pork chops. It is best not to crowd them in the pan even if you have to start again with another batch. The biggest secret is the temperature and to keep turning the chops over.

no flour or breading needed - Once you know how to fry pork chops without flour, you'll realize it's really not necessary for the perfect sear. basted with butter - Pan fried, bone-in pork chops have their own fat that will render, making them juicy inside. The butter basted surface takes them over the top!

Tenderize Pork with a Meat Mallet

An old-fashioned meat mallet is a quick, affordable, and reliable way to soften up any cut of meat. It's great for pork chops because you can use it lightly on thinner chops and put more force into thicker cuts.

How Long to Bake Pork Chops at 400 Degrees F. As a general rule of thumb, plan on 7 to 8 minutes per 1/2 inch of thickness for pork chops baked at 400 degrees F. This means 3/4-inch chops will take between 10 and 20 minutes.