How to Cook Pork Chops, 3 Ways
Three easy and delicious ways to prepare and enjoy pork chops.
Pork chops are a delicious, economical and protein-rich choice for just about any meal. Marinated, breaded, or cooked with a simple seasoning, its flavors are just as numerous as its methods of preparation. Pork chops are also a delicious option for every season—from summer cookouts to dinner for any night of the week, chops are a great way to go!
Pork chops can be purchased either as bone-in or as loin chops, which are boneless. Pork loin chops tend to be leaner and—with no-bone—require less cook time. Be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for each method of preparation.
1 Method #1: Grilled
Grilling is a wonderfully flavorful and relatively quick method for preparing pork chops. Especially during the summer months, firing up your gas or charcoal grill means dinner will be on the table in a matter of minutes.
When grilling pork chops, you can marinate them beforehand, or simply put them on the grill with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Throw the chops on a preheated grill that has been set to medium-low.
On average, pork chops are cut to about 1” thickness. When grilling pork chops, cook for approximately 4-6 minutes per side. If you have a thicker chop, increase the grilling time, conversely, for a thinner chop, reduce the cook time.
Remove pork chops from grill, and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
2 Method #2: Oven-Baked
Oven-baking pork chops is a simple and easy way to prepare pork chops. Cook times are a little longer than grilling, however, it’s a great way to go when cooking outdoors is not an option.
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees. Using a sheet pan fitted with a rack, you’ll be able to bake your pork chops without having to flip them during the baking process. If desired, coat the chops with seasoned bread crumbs or panko crumbs.
Using a rack directly under the pan allows for the pork chops to be raised slightly, letting the heat circulate all around the chop. It also eliminates a soggy breading on the bottom of the chop. Bake the pork chops for 20-25 minutes. (For a thicker chop, increase cook time.)
When removing from the oven, let pork rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
3 Method #3: Pan-Fried
Frying pork chops in a skillet is one of the simplest, most traditional and flavorful ways to prepare pork. Frying will give you a crisp, golden outer crust that is amazing for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Start by preheating your skillet over medium-high heat with enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. While the skillet is heating, add flour, salt and pepper to a dish and lightly coat the chops in the flour mixture.
Lower the chops into the hot oil. Cover the skillet with a lid and fry the pork chops for about 5-7 minutes per side.
When the chops are done cooking, transfer them from the skillet to a rack or plate with paper towels to remove excess grease. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.