Perfect Pork Chops! Everytime!
Pork is making a comeback. We’ve all seen the commercials and now on restaurant menus too, we see pork more and more often. Pork is a versatile and affordable protein that takes to flavors well and can be turned into an array of main dishes. From BBQ Pulled Pork and Roasted Cuban Pork, all the way to succulent and perfectly cooked Spiced Pork Chops, the presentation, texture, and flavor of pork is vast.
Our MarnaMaria Perfect Pork Chops are great for family, great for guests, and are perfect to make ahead. Sear the chops ahead of time, and pop them in the oven when guests arrive.
The biggest challenge with pork is not over cooking it. When roasting a pork shoulder, low and slow is key. This technique allows the pork to cook for many, many hours without overcooking. Pork chops are a bit different.
Previously, it was said that any pink on pork was an absolute no-no. But the rules have relaxed a bit and while a ton of pink is still a no go, a slight amount of pink is welcomed, leaving pork chops tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
Pork Cooking Temperatures
120ºF - 130ºF : Medium Rare
Chops will be pink and very moist; it’s a safe bet not all your guests are okay with eating pork at this temperature.
130ºF - 140ºF : Medium
Chops are a slight pink and still quite juicy. Perfect for serving. If you plan to reheat your pork chops later, we recommend pulling them out closer to 130ºF.
140ºF + : Well Done
Here, the pork chop is fully cooked and is beginning to dry out. Once you hit 150ºF the texture of meat completely begins to change. Watch out!
📖 Recipe
Perfect Pork Chops
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stove & Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pork is delicious, can take on many flavors and is a great option for a large crowd. Although pork chops can be easy to overcook, get the cooking time right and you are golden.
Ingredients
- 6 thickly cut pork chops, bone-in or boneless
- 3 tbsp. MarnaMaria Spiced Pork Rub
- 8 tbsp. vegetable oil
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Season pork chops with salt and pepper. Then generously season with MarnaMaria Spiced Pork Rub. Let marinate in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for at least an hour and up to 72 hours. Then, let sit at room temperature for one hour before cooking.
- When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 375ºF. On the stove, heat a cast iron pan over high heat for about five minutes.
- Add two tbsp. vegetable oil to the pan allow to heat, about 30 seconds.
- Sear chops in two batches, about two minutes per side, adding more vegetable oil as needed. Chops should have a golden crust but should not be cooked through.
- Remove and place on a prepared baking sheet as you cook the second batch of chops.
- When all chops are seared, place in the oven and let cook for 25-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135ºF. (You can cook chops up to 140ºF for more doneness but after 140ºF chops will become tough and dry.)
- Remove from oven and let rest, covered, for five minutes.
- Serve hot!
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