Trader Joe’s peppercorn pork is a delicious and easy dinner option that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The boneless pork loin is pre-seasoned with a savory blend of black peppercorns, rosemary, thyme and garlic, giving it tons of flavor. All you need to do is sear the pork chops on the stovetop and finish cooking them in the oven. With minimal preparation required, Trader Joe’s peppercorn pork chops make for a quick weeknight meal when you don’t have a lot of time. Keep reading to learn how to cook Trader Joe’s peppercorn pork chops perfectly every time!
How many pieces come in a package of Trader Joe’s peppercorn pork chops?
Each package of Trader Joe’s peppercorn pork chops contains 4 bone-in pork loin chops. The chops are about 1 inch thick and weigh around 8 ounces each. This provides a generous portion for most adults. If you need to serve more people, you can purchase multiple packages. The pre-seasoned pork chops are vacuum sealed for freshness.
What temperature should you cook Trader Joe’s peppercorn pork chops to?
For food safety, pork needs to reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F to kill any potential bacteria. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the Trader Joe’s pork chops are fully cooked through. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chop, avoiding any bones. Let the chops rest for 3 minutes before serving, as the temperature will continue to rise 5-10°F during the rest time. The pork should reach 150-155°F after resting.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked Trader Joe’s Peppercorn Pork Chops every time:
Ingredients:
– 1 package (4 chops) Trader Joe’s Peppercorn Pork Chops
– 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment:
– Large oven-safe skillet
– Meat thermometer
– Aluminum foil
Instructions:
Step 1: Take the pork chops out of the refrigerator and let them stand at room temperature for 15-30 minutes while you preheat the oven. This helps them cook more evenly.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Step 3: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the olive oil or butter.
Step 4: Season both sides of the pork chops lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Add the chops to the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until well browned. Use tongs to flip them over.
Step 6: Once the chops are browned on both sides, transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast for 8-12 minutes until an instant read thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 150°F.
Step 7: Remove the skillet from the oven. Tent the chops loosely with foil and let rest for 5 minutes.
Step 8: Serve the Trader Joe’s peppercorn pork chops warm with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy!
What are the best side dishes to serve with Trader Joe’s peppercorn pork chops?
Trader Joe’s peppercorn pork chops pair nicely with a variety of side dishes. Here are some tasty options to consider:
- Mashed or roasted potatoes – The rich flavor of the pork chops balances nicely with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potatoes.
- Roasted vegetables – Roasting vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower or carrots caramelizes their natural sugars.
- Rice pilaf – An herbed rice pilaf adds texture and soaks up any savory pan juices.
- Green salad – A fresh green salad with vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness.
- Glazed carrots – Sweet glazed carrots complement the peppery crust on the pork.
What wines pair well with Trader Joe’s peppercorn pork chops?
The black peppercorn and herb crust on Trader Joe’s pork chops calls for an elegant red wine. Here are some recommended wine varietals and regions that make excellent pairings:
- Pinot Noir from Oregon or California – The light bodied red fruit flavors accentuate the pork.
- Grenache from Spain – The peppery spice of a Garnacha pairs perfectly.
- Chianti Classico from Italy – The medium bodied sangiovese grape and oak aging are a great match.
- Malbec from Argentina – Full bodied yet smooth, Malbec can handle the spice.
- Zinfandel from California – Jammy berry flavors compliment the seasoned crust.
For a white wine option, a bold and oaky Chardonnay would also pair nicely. Stay away from sweet or very tannic wines that could clash with the pork’s flavor.
Nutrition Information
Trader Joe’s peppercorn pork chops deliver a hefty serving of protein along with various vitamins and minerals. Here is the nutrition information per 1 pork chop (130g) according to the USDA:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 80 mg |
| Sodium | 460 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Calcium | 2% DV |
| Potassium | 9% DV |
| Vitamin B6 | 15% DV |
| Vitamin B12 | 4% DV |
As you can see, Trader Joe’s peppercorn pork provides a significant amount of protein, B vitamins, potassium and other nutrients in each serving, while still fitting into a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. The relatively low carbohydrate and high protein content makes it a good choice for many dietary needs.
Can you freeze Trader Joe’s peppercorn pork chops?
Yes, Trader Joe’s peppercorn pork chops freeze beautifully for longer term storage. Here are some tips for freezing pork chops:
- Allow the pork chops to cool completely after cooking, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag.
- Remove as much air from the bag as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the bag with the date and number of servings.
- Frozen properly, the pork chops will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to serve.
Freezing the pre-cooked peppercorn pork allows you to enjoy the convenience of a quick weeknight meal in the future. Simply thaw and reheat gently in the oven or skillet and they will taste freshly prepared.
Can you cook Trader Joe’s peppercorn pork from frozen?
While thawing first is best, you can cook Trader Joe’s frozen peppercorn pork directly from the freezer if needed in a pinch. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if starting with frozen chops. Here are some tips:
- Preheat oven to 375°F if baking frozen chops.
- Increase skillet cook time by 2-3 minutes per side for frying frozen chops.
- Use an instant read thermometer to check internal temp when done.
- Baking may take 15+ minutes from frozen state until 145°F internal temp.
- Let rest 5+ minutes before serving fully cooked chops.
Monitor closely and adjust time accordingly if cooking Trader Joe’s pork chops straight from frozen. The center should reach safe eating temperature while not overcooking the outer parts.
What are some recipe ideas using Trader Joe’s peppercorn pork chops?
While delicious pan-seared or oven roasted on their own, Trader Joe’s pre-seasoned pork chops can also be incorporated into a variety of recipes. Here are some recipe ideas to take this quick cooking pork to the next level:
- Pork Chop Sheet Pan Dinner – Roast pork chops and vegetables like Brussels sprouts, potatoes and onions all on one sheet pan for easy cooking.
- Balsamic Pork Chops – Sear chops and make a pan sauce from balsamic vinegar, chicken broth and Dijon.
- Pork Chop Apple Salad – Serve seared or grilled pork chops over salad greens, apples, blue cheese and candied walnuts.
- Pork Chop Skillet – Cook chops in a skillet with bell pepper, onions, garlic, herbs and olive oil.
- Pork Chop Casserole – Make a green bean casserole topping with pork chops, fried onions and mushroom soup.
- BBQ Pork Chops – Brush grilled or broiled pork chops with your favorite bbq sauce glaze.
The possibilities are endless for easy meals utilizing the convenience of Trader Joe’s pre-seasoned peppercorn pork chops!
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s peppercorn pork chops offer a quick and tasty dinner option with minimal preparation required. Simply sear the pre-seasoned chops on the stovetop then finish cooking in the oven until browned and cooked through to 145°F internal temperature. Allow to rest before serving with favorite sides like mashed potatoes, salads or roasted veggies. Pair the peppery pork with a nice Pinot Noir or Chianti wine. Frozen chops can also be cooked directly from the freezer for last minute dinners. Experiment with different recipes and cooking methods using this versatile product. Trader Joe’s peppercorn pork chops eliminate a lot of prep work, so dinner can be on the table fast any night of the week.