To speed up the process, you can marinate the meat in a mixture of 2 parts oil, 1 part balsamic vinegar, and 1 part water. The Maillard reaction is when caramelized sugars on the surface of the meat get heated and combine with other compounds in the meat, resulting in a flavor profile that’s distinct from that of the original meat. The thicker the chop, the longer you’ll need to cook it in the oven. You’ll want to cook the pork chops until they’re an internal temperature of 140° F. The smaller the chop, the more quickly it cooks in the oven. You’ll need to cut the pork chops so that they’re about an inch thick. In addition to other ingredients, you’ll need a pan.
Just make sure, with an instant-read thermometer, that they are cooked through.Read more What Internal Temp For Medium Rare Steak? How To Get Better Chops If your chops are thin, around ½ inch, there's actually no need to finish them in the oven - a quick sear on both sides should do it.
The two-step method outlined below, of searing them first, then finishing for 10 minutes in the oven, works well to keep thick, 1-inch chops nice and juicy. When overcooked, pork chops can become dry and tough.
Ten minutes at 400F, after a quick sear on both sides, should be perfect for a standard, 1-inch thick chop. When you bake pork chops in the oven, make sure you don't overcook them. This allows the juices to settle and redistribute, keeping the meat nice and juicy. If your chops are thick, your next step is to bake them in a 400☏ oven until they are cooked through (145☏), about 10 minutes. Check their internal temperature to make sure.īake.
If the chops are thin, they might actually be done at this point. You start by mixing the seasonings and rubbing the mixture all over the chops. Instructionsīaking pork chops is easy! Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Instructions for both options are provided in the recipe card below.Ĭooking spray: Avocado oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it an ideal cooking oil. I don't really have a preference and tend to buy whatever's on sale. Pork chops: They can be boneless or bone-in, though I do tend to buy boneless ones, and they can be thick or thin. Make sure the spices you use are fresh! A stale spice can easily ruin a dish. Spices: I like to use paprika and garlic powder. Kosher salt and black pepper: If using fine salt, you should reduce the amount you use, or the dish could end up too salty. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make oven-baked pork chops. The thick chops are seared then briefly baked in the oven, and the thin ones need just quick searing on each side and they're absolutely perfect - juicy and flavorful. The seasoning - garlic and paprika - adds wonderful flavor. They are delicious, affordable, and so easy to make. I serve these tasty pork chops to my family quite often. So sometimes I double the recipe to ensure I have some leftovers for the next day. A quick sear, then finishing them in a 400☏ oven for 10 minutes, produces reliably juicy, flavorful chops.Īlthough leftovers are not as good as freshly cooked chops, they are still very flavorful. Baked pork chops are one of my favorite weeknight dinners.