Pork chops can easily dry out and become tough if not cooked properly. The key to keeping pork chops juicy is to not overcook them. Follow these tips for the best, moist pork chops every time.
1. Choose the right cut
Opt for thicker, bone-in pork chops rather than thin, boneless chops. The bone helps keep the meat moist, and thicker chops are less likely to overcook. Good choices include rib chops, loin chops, or sirloin chops. Avoid chops that are sliced thinly.
2. Brine before cooking
Soaking pork chops in a brine solution infuses flavor and moisture into the meat. Make a simple brine by dissolving 1/2 cup salt in 4 cups water. Submerge pork chops in the brine and let soak 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.
3. Pat chops dry
Blot pork chops with paper towels after brining to remove excess moisture. Wet chops will steam instead of searing. Make sure the surface is thoroughly dried for better browning.
4. Use a meat thermometer
The best way to prevent overcooking is to use an instant-read thermometer. Pork is safe to eat and retains the most moisture when cooked to 145°F. Take chops off the heat at 140°F since the temperature will continue rising as they rest.
5. Sear chops first
Creating a flavorful sear gives chops delicious caramelized flavor. Heat a skillet over high heat until very hot. Add just enough oil to coat the pan and carefully lay in chops. Resist moving them until they release easily when prodded with tongs, about 2-3 minutes per side. The sear helps lock in juices.
6. Cook low and slow
After searing both sides, turn down the heat to medium-low and cook chops through more gently, about 4 minutes per side. High heat causes the exterior to overcook while the inside lags behind. The lower temperature allows the inside to catch up for even doneness.
7. Let chops rest
As with all meats, resting is an essential step. The internal temperature continues rising 5-10 degrees after removing from heat. Letting chops sit 5-10 minutes allows juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat for a juicier chop. Tenting with foil keeps warmth in.
8. Add flavorful sauces and glazes
Serving pork chops with a sauce or glaze provides extra moisture and flavor. Brush on barbecue sauce, maple syrup, fruit chutneys, or flavorful pan sauces the last few minutes of cooking. Apply after searing so sugars don’t burn.
9. Don’t forget a side of fat
A pat of butter melting over the hot chop as it rests adds a hit of rich flavor. Or, serve chops with a creamy, fatty side like cheesy scalloped potatoes or bacon-studded Brussels sprouts to keep the meal from drying out.
10. Cook extra carefully if reheating
Leftover pork chops require extra care to reheat without drying them out. Place in a skillet with a little chicken or beef broth. Cover and gently rewarm over medium-low heat, adding more broth as needed to keep moist. Check temperature frequently to avoid overcooking.
Key Tips for Moist Pork Chops
- Choose thicker, bone-in rib or loin chops
- Brine chops before cooking
- Sear chops over high heat
- Finish cooking over lower heat until 145°F
- Let chops rest at least 5 minutes
- Serve with flavorful sauces or gravies
Cooking Methods for Moist Pork Chops
In addition to pan searing, other cooking methods can also yield delicious, juicy pork chops.
Baked Pork Chops
Baking locks in moisture when done properly. Brine chops first. Preheat oven to 425°F. Sear chops on stovetop to develop flavor then transfer to a baking sheet. Bake 10-15 minutes until 145°F. The dry heat of the oven gives a distinctively different texture from pan frying.
Grilled Pork Chops
Grilling imparts great smoky flavor. Create a cooler zone on one side of the grill and use it to regulate temperature after searing. Grill over direct heat 2-3 minutes per side. Move to cooler area and cook, covered, until 145°F, about 10-12 minutes more. Brush with glaze at the end.
Instant Pot Pork Chops
The moist environment of the Instant Pot steams chops to perfect doneness. Sear browned chops first to develop fond. Add 1/2 cup broth to pot and cook on manual high pressure 12 minutes. Use natural release so chops don’t overcook. Thicken juices for a tasty gravy.
Slow Cooker Pork Chops
Low and slow cooking in the slow cooker yields incredibly tender chops. Sear chops first then nestle into slow cooker. Add chopped onions, broth, and seasoning. Cook on low 6-8 hours. The extended cooking guarantees moistness.
Ingredients for Flavorful Brines and Sauces
Brines, glazes, and pan sauces complement the pork flavor and keep chops juicy. Consider these tasty additions:
| Brines | Glazes | Pan Sauces |
|---|---|---|
| Brown sugar | Barbecue sauce | Chicken or beef broth |
| Apple juice | Stoneground mustard | White wine |
| Herbs and spices | Jams and preserves | Butter |
| Orange juice | Honey | Shallots or onions |
| Buttermilk | Maple syrup | Heavy cream |
Conclusion
From brining to resting, following these best practices will help prevent dry, overcooked pork chops every time. A flavorful sear, gentle cooking, and toothsome glazes or sauces transforms humble chops into a succulent, mouthwatering meal. Master these simple techniques for enjoying juicy, delicious pork chops off the stovetop, oven, or grill.