Pork chops are one of the most popular dishes in the United States, and with good reason. Not only are they delicious, but they are also incredibly versatile. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or something more impressive to serve to guests, pork chops have you covered.
When it comes to pork chops, there are a few things to keep in mind. Perhaps the most important is that you should always opt for thick-cut pork chops. Not only will they have more flavor, but they will also be easier to cook. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to perfect thick-cut pork chops every time.
Contents
Step 1: Preparing the Pork Chops
The first step in cooking thick pork chops is to prepare the meat. Start by taking the pork chops out of the refrigerator and letting them come to room temperature. This will ensure that the pork chops cook evenly.
Next, you want to season the pork chops. This can be as simple as salt and pepper, or you can get creative and use your favorite spices. The important thing is to season both sides of the pork chops, and to be generous with the seasoning.
Finally, it’s time to prepare the pan. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, it’s time to add the pork chops.
Step 2: Cooking the Pork Chops
Now it’s time to get cooking. Place the pork chops in the skillet and let them cook for 4-5 minutes, or until they are nicely browned. Don’t be tempted to move the pork chops around too much, as this will prevent them from developing a nice crust.
Once the pork chops are browned on one side, flip them over and let them cook for an additional 4-5 minutes. This will ensure that the pork chops are cooked through.
Step 3: Finishing the Pork Chops
Once the pork chops are cooked through, it’s time to finish them. The easiest way to do this is to add a few tablespoons of butter to the skillet and let it melt. Then, baste the pork chops with the butter. This will not only add flavor, but it will also help to keep the pork chops moist.
At this point, you can also add some aromatics to the skillet. This can be anything from minced garlic and herbs, to diced onions and peppers. Allow the aromatics to cook for a few minutes until they are softened, and then baste the pork chops one last time with the butter.
Step 4: Serving the Pork Chops
Once the pork chops are cooked through and basted with butter, they are ready to be served. Serve the pork chops with a side of your favorite vegetables, or with some mashed potatoes or rice.
For a special treat, try making a pan sauce to pour over the pork chops. Simply add a splash of white wine to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Once the wine has reduced, add a few tablespoons of butter and some chopped parsley. This will create a delicious sauce to pour over the pork chops.
Summary
Cooking thick-cut pork chops doesn’t have to be complicated. All it takes is a few simple steps to turn out perfect pork chops every time. Start by preparing the pork chops and preheating a skillet. Then, cook the pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side. Finally, finish them off with a little butter and some aromatics. And don’t forget to serve the pork chops with a delicious pan sauce!
As the old saying goes, “when life gives you pork chops, make dinner!” So don’t be afraid to give thick-cut pork chops a try. With the right technique, you’ll be sure to have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.
Maybe you can try this old song lyric to rhyme with the sentence or paragraph:
“Fry those pork chops up till they’re nice and brown,
Go ahead and fry them, fry them all around!”
