Savory Southern Pork Chops Recipe for Dinner
You can almost smell the sizzle and hear the snap of tender pork chops cooking on the stove-top. This is a dish that has become synonymous with hearty southern cooking, and for good reason. Southern smothered pork chops are a classic dish that warms the soul and delights the taste buds, perfect for Sunday dinner.
As a chef from the South, I’ve had my fair share of pork chop dishes. But there’s just something about this southern smothered pork chop recipe that keeps me coming back time and time again. The combination of savory seasonings, tart apples, and sweet raisins make for a truly delicious pork chop experience.
Whether you prefer to bake or fry your chops, this recipe is easily adaptable to whichever method suits your fancy. And don’t get me started on the gravy- it’s soul-food at its best! Trust me when I say this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.
So put on some good ol’ southern music, gather around the table with family and friends, and let’s dive into some scrumptious southern-style cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, folks! I’m about to introduce you to the best Southern pork chops recipe you’ve ever tasted. Trust me, once you’ve tried this classic Southern comfort food, it will become a staple in your household.
First off, these pork chops are incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone wanting to whip up a delicious homestyle meal. With minimal prep and cook time, all you need is a few ingredients and a bit of love.
But what really sets this dish apart is its versatility. Whether you prefer your pork chops smothered or fried, baked or slow-cooked, this recipe has got you covered. Don’t have all-purpose flour on hand? No worries – substitute with another type of flour or even cornmeal. And if you’re feeling adventurous, mix things up with some raisins or tart apples for added sweetness.
But without a doubt, what makes these Southern pork chops truly irresistible is their mouthwatering flavor. Brown sugar and vinegar perfectly complement the savory seasoning of garlic powder and black pepper, creating a taste explosion in your mouth. And let’s not forget the gravy – rich and decadent, it adds that extra layer of soulful comfort that makes Southern cuisine so special.
In short, if you’re looking for an easy-to-make yet deliciously satisfying meal that will transport you straight to the heart of the South, then look no further than this Southern pork chops recipe. Trust me, your taste buds won’t be disappointed.
Ingredient List
Let’s start by gathering all the necessary ingredients to make these delicious Southern-style pork chops. Here’s what you’ll need:
Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick)
All-purpose flour mixture for coating:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Seasonings for Pork Chops:
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 teaspoons of brown sugar
Smothered Pork Chops Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of butter or oil
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of milk
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Note: For an extra sweet and tangy flavor, you can add a tablespoon of vinegar and a handful of raisins to the gravy.
Tart Apples:
- 2 thinly sliced tart apples
Keep in mind that you can adjust the seasoning according to your preference. These ingredients are available at your nearest grocery store, so let’s get started!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into how to make this Southern Pork Chops recipe! These bone-in pork chops are coated with seasoned flour, cooked until crispy and then smothered in a savory onion gravy. Trust me, you are going to love it!
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1-1 ½ inch thick)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tsp granulated salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tart apples, thinly sliced
- 1 cup raisins
- Salt and black pepper to season the pork chops
Instructions:
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In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, granulated salt and black pepper.
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Season the pork chops generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
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Dip each chop into the flour mixture making sure they are completely coated.
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Shake off any excess flour and place them on a plate.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
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When the oil is hot, add the pork chops carefully into the pan.
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Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
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Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside.
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In the same skillet over medium-high heat let’s make the gravy. Add in the onions, raisins, and apples together with pan drippings from pork chops.
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Stir occasionally for about four minutes or until onions are translucent.
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Add water while stirring continuously until it boils.
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Reduce heat to low-medium heat and continue stirring for about 5 minutes.
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Add a pinch of salt, stir and let simmer for additional 15-20 minutes or until the gravy has thickened.
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Serve your Southern Pork Chops with the gravy on top of it.
Congratulations, you’ve made one delicious pork chop recipe!
Substitutions and Variations
Southern Pork Chops are a classic southern dish that can be customized to suit your taste. You can use different ingredients, cooking techniques and seasonings to create a dish that’s uniquely yours. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Instead of using tart apples in the recipe, you can use sweet apples like Gala or Fuji.
– If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, white sugar or honey can be used as a substitute.
– To make the recipe less sweet, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or omit the raisins altogether.
– For a healthier version of the dish, you can bake the pork chops instead of frying them. Simply season the pork chops with salt and black pepper, coat them in flour and bake them in a hot oven (around 400°F) for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
– A great alternative to cooking Southern Pork Chops on the stovetop is using slow cooker. Put your pork chops into your slow cooker along with some onions, salt and pepper, garlic powder and add enough water to just cover the meat. Cook on low for six to eight hours.
– If you like spicy food, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
Remember that these substitutions and variations will affect the overall taste and texture of the dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Whether it’s smothered pork chops or Southern fried pork chops, there are many ways to enjoy this delicious and comforting meal!
Serving and Pairing
Southern pork chops are a hearty and savory dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. One classic Southern pairing is with mashed potatoes, which provides a creamy contrast to the richness of the pork chops. Another great option for side dishes is collard greens, which add a slightly bitter note to balance out the sweet flavors in the recipe.
If you’re looking for something a bit more interesting, consider serving your smothered or fried pork chops with tart apples that have been thinly sliced and lightly tossed with brown sugar and vinegar. The sweetness of the apples complements the savory flavors of the chops, while the tartness helps to cut through any greasiness.
For those who want something lighter, try serving your pork chops alongside a simple green salad. A vinaigrette dressing made with raisins and hot water can add sweetness to the dish without overpowering it.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider pairing your pork chops with a glass of red wine such as pinot noir. The earthy flavors in the wine will complement the rich flavors in the dish, creating a harmonious pairing.
Overall, there are many ways to serve and pair your Southern-style pork chops. Whether you opt for classic sides or experiment with more creative pairings, this delicious recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any mealtime.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you’re like me, sometimes you want to prepare a dish ahead of time to make dinner or lunchtime a little less stressful on the day-of. The good news is, this southern pork chops recipe can be made ahead and stored for reheating later without sacrificing any of its deliciousness.
To make-ahead, follow the recipe instructions as you would normally, then let the cooked pork chops cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Reheating the pork chops is easy-peasy. Simply preheat your oven to 325°F and place the chilled pork chops in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re heated through.
If you’re short on time, you can also reheat your pork chops in the microwave. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and loosely cover them with a damp paper towel. Cook for about 1-2 minutes on high, or until they’re heated all the way through.
A word of caution: reheating already-cooked pork chops too many times can cause them to dry out and become tough. For best results, try to limit reheating sessions to just once if possible.
This make-ahead and reheating option is a game-changer when it comes to meal prep! It allows you to enjoy this delicious southern pork chop recipe without sacrificing precious time during busy weekdays while delivering unbeatable flavor every single time.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking pork chops can be a challenge, but with the right techniques, you can create a perfect Southern-style pork chop every time. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results possible:
Firstly, it’s important to season your pork chops generously with salt and black pepper on both sides before cooking. This will ensure that they’re well seasoned throughout and not bland.
Another secret to perfectly cooked pork chops is to let them rest for about 5-8 minutes after cooking, allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This will keep the pork moist and flavorsome.
When it comes to cooking the pork chops, use a hot skillet on medium-high or high heat. Don’t overcrowd the pan, which could make it difficult to get a good sear. Cook each chop for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Make sure to use tongs during flipping to avoid piercing the meat and drying it out.
For those who prefer southern-fried or baked pork chops, coat them in all-purpose flour seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, ground black pepper and bake them at 400 degrees F until golden brown around 20-25 minutes for thick 1 1/2 inch pork chops.
If you’re making smothered pork chops, add thinly sliced tart apples along with a mix of raisins in hot water and vinegar to have a sweet & tangy flavor bound together with brown sugar-based gravy.
Finally, when serving your delicious pork chops recipes please try pairing them alongside whole cream cornbread and southern collard greens for a comfort-food dish that hits just right.
Use these tips for perfect results the next time you cook up classic Southern-style fried or smothered Pork Chop recipes.
FAQ
Before we conclude this recipe article, let’s take some time to address the most frequently asked questions about these Southern Pork Chops. From cooking times and temperatures to ingredient substitutions, I’ve got you covered with all the information you need for making these delicious bone-in chops. So, let’s dive in!
What is the best way to cook pork chops without them drying out?
When it comes to baking pork chops, a great technique is to begin by cooking them in an oven-safe skillet on the stovetop before moving them to a hot oven. The high heat sears the meat to a beautiful golden brown finish, while the moderate oven temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit ensures that the pork chops are cooked gently enough to stay moist and juicy.
What is the secret to making tender pork chops?
When preparing pork chops with a southern-style flavor, it is important to choose thick-cut bone-in chops, as they will sear better than thin-cut ones. While a brine is not necessary, seasoning the chops generously is a key step. Allowing the meat to rest both before and after searing will help to keep it juicy and tender. Searing the chops over medium-high heat and basting them with flavorful juices will result in a delicious, caramelized crust. Finally, giving the meat a final rest will ensure a perfect consistency. Serve these mouthwatering pork chops as a delicious main dish for any occasion.
What’s the best way to cook pork chops?
To get perfect thin pork chops, fry them over medium-high to high heat for about 2-3 minutes per side. That will ensure that they turn that beautiful golden brown and cook through all the way. But if you have thicker chops on hand, it’s best to brown them on both sides first and then make sure they’re cooked through using a digital thermometer. This usually takes around 5-6 minutes per side.
How to fry pork chops so they are tender?
For this southern-style recipe, the first step is to preheat your skillet over medium-high heat. It’s important to make sure the skillet is very hot before you add the meat so that it cooks evenly. Once the skillet is ready, add the meat without adding any liquid or covering the skillet. To ensure the meat is cooked through, reduce the heat to medium and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F on an instant-read thermometer. This should take about 6 to 10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chops. Don’t forget to turn the meat occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Bottom Line
It’s time to take pride in our southern roots and cook up some delicious pork chops! Whether you prefer them smothered, fried, baked, or in the slow cooker, there’s a recipe here for everyone. The classic southern flavors of brown sugar, vinegar, and tart apples make these pork chops unforgettable.
So don’t wait any longer – grab some bone-in pork chops, your favorite seasoning blend, and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you for indulging in these delicious pork chop recipes. Trust me when I say that you can’t go wrong with any of the recipes mentioned in this article.
And remember, cooking is all about exploring new tastes and experimenting with different ingredients. So don’t be afraid to make substitutions or try out new pairings. Who knows what kind of delicious creation you might come up with!
In conclusion, whip up a plate of southern-style pork chops for your next family dinner or potluck gathering. These recipes are easy to follow and sure to impress. And if you’re feeling extra generous, share the love by passing on these recipes to your loved ones. After all, nothing brings people together quite like good food.
So go forth and cook up some southern magic – your taste buds will thank you!
Southern Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 pork chops
- 4 tart apples, cut into rings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup seedless raisins
Instructions
- Brown chops in hot oil (do not flour them) Sprinkle with salt.
- Place chops in a baking dish,top with apple rings and sprinkle with brown sugar.
- After browning chops in same pan,add flour to drippings,blend adding water and vinegar.
- Cook until thick,add rasins.
- Pour over chops.
- Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 1 hour.