Quick Answer
Yes, it is generally safe and tasty to use a chicken shake and bake coating on pork. While shake and bake coatings are often designed for a specific protein, the main ingredients like breadcrumbs, seasoning, and binders will work well on pork too. Just watch out for allergens like milk or egg, and adjust cook times as needed since pork often cooks faster than chicken.
Ingredients in Shake and Bake
Chicken shake and bake coatings usually contain:
- Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers – provides texture and crunch
- Seasonings – salt, pepper, paprika, herbs
- Dairy ingredients – milk powder, cheese, whey – helps coating adhere
- Binders – eggs, starches – hold coating onto meat
- Spices – onion, garlic, mustard, etc. – add flavor
These standard coating ingredients will work just as well on pork as they do on chicken. The breadcrumbs will still provide a crispy crust, the dairy will help the coating stick, and the spices will give flavor.
There are no ingredients in chicken shake and bake that make it unsuitable for pork. The main difference is that pork often cooks faster than chicken due to its leanness, so cook times may need to be adjusted.
Watch Out For Allergens
One thing to be aware of when using a chicken coating on pork is potential allergens. Some shake and bake recipes contain ingredients like:
- Eggs
- Milk or milk powder
- Wheat
- Soy
If you or anyone eating the pork has an allergy or sensitivity to these ingredients, read the shake and bake label carefully to check it’s allergen-free for you. You can also make your own coating from scratch and leave out problem foods.
How to Make Pork Shake and Bake
Making juicy, crispy pork shake and bake is easy:
- Buy boneless pork chops, tenderloin medallions, or cubes for stir fry.
- Pat pork dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Place shake and bake crumbs in a bag.
- Add a few pieces of pork at a time and shake to coat.
- Lay pork on a baking sheet. Do not overlap pieces.
- Bake at 375°F for 15-25 minutes until pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- For extra crispy results, fry coated pork on stovetop for 2-3 minutes per side before baking.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
The bake time will vary depending on thickness of pork cuts. Use a meat thermometer to ensure pork reaches a safe internal temperature.
Cooking Pork vs. Chicken Shake and Bake
There are a few differences to keep in mind when cooking pork compared to chicken in shake and bake:
| Factors | Pork | Chicken |
|---|---|---|
| Cook time | 15-25 minutes | 45-60 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 145°F | 165°F |
| Result | Can dry out if overcooked | More forgiving |
The main difference is that pork cooks much faster than chicken. Lean pork chops may only need 15-20 minutes in the oven, while chicken legs and thighs will take 45-60 minutes to reach 165°F. Keep an eye on pork and use a meat thermometer for best results.
Shake and Bake Flavor Ideas
While traditional shake and bake uses mild seasoning, you can get creative with flavors:
- BBQ – Add 1 tbsp chili powder, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder.
- Italian – Use Italian breadcrumbs, oregano, basil, parmesan.
- Spicy – Mix in cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper, jalapeno.
- Asian – Try panko breadcrumbs, ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce.
- Lemon Pepper – Mix in grated lemon zest, cracked black pepper.
- Cajun – Use Cajun seasoning, cayenne, paprika, oregano.
Let your taste preferences and pantry ingredients guide you. The basic breadcrumb coating will take on any flavors you add.
Can You Use Pork Shake and Bake on Chicken?
Just as chicken shake and bake works on pork, can you use a pork coating on chicken? The answer is yes.
A pork shake and bake mix likely contains:
- Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- Onion and garlic powder
- Paprika
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Brown sugar or maple flakes
- Salt and pepper
These ingredients will add delicious flavor to chicken. Follow the same method of coating chicken pieces, baking at 375°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The cook time will be longer than pork, but you can use a pork shake and bake on chicken with great results.
Top Tips for Crispy Pork Shake and Bake
To get the crispiest crust when making pork shake and bake, follow these tips:
- Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of panko for a shatteringly crispy crust.
- Let coated pork rest for 5-10 minutes before baking so crumbs adhere better.
- Spray coated pork lightly with oil before baking.
- Preheat baking sheet in oven while breading pork to crispy the bottom side.
- Broil coated pork for 1-2 minutes at the end to finish crisping.
- Avoid overcrowding pork pieces on the baking sheet.
- Fry pork in oil before baking for extra crispiness.
With a few simple tricks and the right ingredients, you can achieve crunchy, flavorful pork encrusted in crispy shake and bake coating.
Shake and Bake Pork Chop Recipe
This easy recipe produces irresistibly juicy pork chops coated in crunchy, zesty shake and bake crumbs.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick)
- 1 cup shake and bake breadcrumb coating
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to season
Instructions:
- Pat pork chops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place shake and bake crumbs in a gallon zip top bag.
- Working one at a time, add a pork chop to the bag and shake to fully coat.
- Remove chop from bag and place on a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining chops.
- Drizzle pork chops with olive oil and lightly spray tops of chops with cooking spray.
- Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until chops register 145°F.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
For extra crispiness, fry the coated chops in a bit of oil before baking. Enjoy this easy baked pork chop dinner!
Common Questions about Shake and Bake Pork
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is shake and bake healthy?
Shake and bake provides a quick and convenient way to add flavor to pork and chicken. However, most commercial shake and bake mixes are highly processed and high in sodium. To make a healthier version, use whole grain breadcrumbs, limit added salt, and bake instead of fry.
Can you shake and bake pork without eggs?
Yes, eggs act as a binder but you can leave them out of a shake and bake coating. Substitute 1/4 cup milk mixed with 1 tbsp flour instead. The milk protein and starch will still help the coating adhere.
Why does my pork shake and bake end up soggy?
Excess moisture is the enemy of a crispy crust. Pat pork completely dry before coating. Don’t overcrowd pieces on the baking sheet. And fry coated pork before baking to help drive out moisture.
How long does shake and bake pork last in the fridge?
Raw shake and bake pork will last 2-3 days in the fridge. For cooked pork, store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat until steaming hot.
Conclusion
Chicken shake and bake coatings can be used safely and deliciously on pork. The mild blend of crumbs and seasoning complements pork’s flavor. While cook times differ, the preparation method is the same. With a few easy tips, you can achieve tender, juicy pork encased in a crispy, crunchy crust. Shake and bake provides a fast weeknight dinner solution using pantry staple ingredients.