Juicy Pork Chops: A Mouthwatering Delight
Y’all ever have one of them days where you just crave something hearty and satisfying? Well, let me tell ya, I’ve got the perfect answer for all your cravings – Southern Style Pork Chops!
Now, don’t get it twisted, y’all. I ain’t talking ’bout them dry and flavorless chops that you cooked up last month. Nope! These pork chops are brimming with the tantalizing goodness of Southern-style cooking that will leave you begging for more.
From the crisp and crispy fried pork chops to the finger-licking good smothered pork chops, this recipe is sure to satisfy every craving you have been yearning for. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive straight into this mouth-watering recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Greetings, y’all! I reckon this recipe for Southern-Style Pork Chops will have you drooling in no time. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a juicy, flavorful pork chop that’s either smothered or fried to golden brown perfection.
I guarantee you’ll love this recipe because it’s a classic southern dish that brings together so many savory ingredients. The pork chops are coated in a blend of cornstarch and purpose flour with just the right amount of seasonings like black pepper, garlic powder, and onion. After being cooked to a crispy, golden brown texture, they’re smothered in a concoction of celery, onions, green pepper, and Hunts tomato sauce. The result is an irresistible combination of flavors and textures that’s bound to make your taste buds dance with joy.
But wait! There’s even more to love about these pork chops. Not only are they easy to make, but you can also put your own spin on the recipe by adding your favorite variations or substitutions. Serve them alongside your preferred side dish – whether it’s fluffy mashed potatoes or crunchy fries – and enjoy a hearty meal with family and friends.
So y’all know what that means? Whether you’re in the mood for some southern fried goodness or slow-cooked smothered pork chops with creamy gravy soulfoodsunday-style – this recipe has got ya covered! So come on, grab those ingredients from your pantry and let your inner chef shine – I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredients you will need to make this classic southern-style pork chops recipe. Don’t worry, they are very easy to find and many of them you may already have in your pantry or fridge.
Pork Chops: For this recipe we will need 4 bone-in pork chops, about an inch thick.
The Brining Process:
– 1 cup water
– 1 tbsp yellow mustard
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tbsp salt
Coating Ingredients For Fried Pork Chops:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
– 1 tsp onion powder (optional)
Smothered Pork Chops Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
– 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
– 4 bone-in pork chops, about an inch thick
– Salt and black pepper to season the pork chops
Vegetables for Smothered Pork Chops:
– 1 tbsp cooking oil
– 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
Gravy for Southern Smothered Pork Chops:
– 2 cans of Hunt’s tomato sauce (15 oz each)
– Water (fill one of the empty tomato sauce cans with water)
Gravy for Southern Fried Pork Chops Ingredients:
– Drippings from cooking the chops
– All-purpose flour
– Milk or cream
Optional Sides: Potatoes and green beans.
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get cooking, y’all! In this section, I’ll explain how to make these juicy and flavorful Southern-style pork chops.
Preparing the Pork Chops
Brining the Pork Chops
Before we start cooking, it’s important to talk about the brining process. This step is optional but highly recommended, as it makes a big difference in the quality of your final dish. Brining pork chops will give them a more tender and flavorful texture.
To brine 4 bone-in pork chops, which are about an inch thick, dissolve 1/4 cup of salt in 1 quart of water. Add 1 tablespoon of *brown sugar, and stir until it dissolves. Then add the pork chops to the brine mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
Seasoning the Pork Chops
After the brining process, rinse the pork chops with water and pat dry with paper towels. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
In a shallow bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Cooking the Pork Chops
Pan-frying the Pork Chops
Firstly,pour about a half inch of oil into a large skillet and heat it up over medium-high heat for frying our beautifully seasoned pork chops. Place each chop into hot frying pan ,coat well on all sides with seasoned flour. Make sure that the surface of each pork chop is evenly coated.
Fry on one side for around 5-6 minutes until golden brown color.Then flip to other side for additional 5-6 minutes or until golden brown color.Remove from skillet and set aside.Our simple but delicious southern fried pork chops are ready!
Smothered Pork Chops
For the smothered pork chops, you don’t fry the pork chops. To do smothered pork chops, in a pot heat up some vegetable oil about 2 tablespoons over medium heat. Saute sliced onions ,diced green pepper and celery until onion softened, around 5-6 minutes.
Stir in a tablespoon each of yellow mustard and cornstarch , along with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder until a paste forms. Add a can of Hunts tomato sauce and 1/4-1/2 cup water; stir to combine.
Place fried or raw pork chops into tomatosauce mixture and add some potatoes (if desired)Simmer on medium low heat for approximately 50-60 minutes or until Pork Chops are tender and cooked thoroughly.
Serving
Serve the Southern-style pork chops hot over rice or mashed potatoes, with some greens as a side dish to balance the richness of the pork chops. If you want to go an extra mile, serve it with
Substitutions and Variations
Y’all, let me tell you, this pork chops recipe is so versatile! There are plenty of substitutions and variations that you can use to switch up the flavor or tailor it to your liking.
First off, if you don’t have all of the ingredients, don’t fret! You can still make some delicious chops. Don’t have yellow mustard? Use dijon instead. No celery? Try carrots instead. You can also swap out the green pepper for red pepper or omit it altogether.
If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit healthier, consider using boneless pork chops instead of bone-in. You can also skip the brining process and opt for a lean cut of meat.
Want to make your chops extra crispy? Instead of using cornstarch to coat them, try using panko breadcrumbs or even crushed up cornflakes. This will give them a texture that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
For those who prefer smothered pork chops over fried ones, you can easily adapt this recipe by foregoing the pan-frying step and cooking the chops in a savory gravy. To make the gravy, simply add onion and garlic powder, black pepper, salt, water or broth, and Hunts tomato sauce to the pan.
Finally, for a Southern-style twist on this classic dish, try adding thinly sliced potatoes to the pan with the onion, celery and peppers during the frying process. The potatoes will absorb all of those amazing flavors and give an extra hearty touch!
Have fun experimenting with these substitutions and variations – trust me y’all, they’ll all come out finger-licking good!
Serving and Pairing
Now that your Southern-style pork chops are ready and plated, let’s talk about how to serve and pair them. These pork chops are a true southern delight that perfectly combines flavors and textures to create a heavenly meal.
For the perfect bite, you can’t go wrong pairing these pork chops with classic Southern side dishes such as mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. The crispy outer layer of the fried pork chops blends exceptionally well with the softness of creamy mashed potatoes or the sharpness of slow-cooked greens.
If it’s summertime or you have a love for fresh vegetables, then try pairing pork chops with grilled corn on the cob or a tomato cucumber salad. The juicy flavor of ripened tomatoes complements the tender and savory taste of these pork chops perfectly.
To add an extra touch of flavor to your meal, pour some gravy on top of your pork chop. A southern-style smothered pork chop served with gravy is a classic soul food staple that always satisfies.
Finally, complete your meal by serving sweet tea or lemonade in a large glass over ice. These tasty drinks complement the southern-inspired meal and keep it authentic.
Remember that presentation is key to making any meal look great. Try stacking your juicy pork chop over a bed of mashed potatoes and covered in a delicious brown gravy. Add some veggies for color contrast and sprinkle chopped parsley over everything for added visual appeal. Let your creativity flow!
With all these pairing options, you’ll be able to find what works best for you and enjoy a true soul-food experience with our Southern style Pork Chops recipe.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Folks, I know how important it is to have meals that not only taste good but are also easy to prepare ahead of time. That’s why I want to share with you some tips on how to make, store, and reheat your Southern Style Pork Chops recipe.
Let me start by saying that this pork chops recipe is fantastic for make-ahead meals. You can make the pork chops in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to eat them. When making ahead, keep the pork chops and the gravy separate so that they don’t become soggy during storage.
To store your pork chops properly, place them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep them fresh for longer. It’s important to label your container with the date you made the pork chops so that you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored.
When it’s time to reheat your pork chops, there are a couple of ways you can do it. If you’re short on time, you can quickly reheat them in the microwave. Just be sure to cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out. Alternatively, if you want to bring back that crispy crust, pop them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes until they’re heated through.
For those of you who prefer leftovers, this pork chop recipe holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to store them as mentioned above and reheat as desired.
In conclusion, these juicy and flavorful Southern Style Pork Chops are not just satisfying but also very easy to make-ahead, store and reheat making your life simpler than ever before!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, it’s time for my best tips to help you cook Southern-style Pork Chops perfectly every time. Being a chef specializing in southern cuisine, I’ve learned some tricks and techniques for this dish that will make your chops crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Firstly, make sure to season your pork chops generously with salt and black pepper before cooking. This step packs a big punch of flavor and helps to develop a tasty crust.
Secondly, when you cook pork chops, let them rest for at least five minutes after removing them from the heat source. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute through the meat, resulting in a moist and delicious texture.
Thirdly, if you’re looking for crispy pork chops, soak them in a brine before cooking. The brining process adds moisture while imparting a subtle flavor that’s hard to resist. Just mix one quart of water with 1/4 cup of salt and 1/4 cup of brown sugar until dissolved, then add 2-3 cups of ice cubes to cool it down. Let the pork chops sit in the brine for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator, then rinse well and pat dry before cooking.
Fourthly, when coating your pork chops in flour, be sure to use a blend of all-purpose flour and cornstarch. The addition of cornstarch creates an extra crispy coating.
Finally, If you find that your gravy is too thin after simmering your smothered pork chops in broth or tomato sauce mixture, create a roux by melting butter in a separate pan on medium heat until bubbly; stir in an equal amount of flour (usually 1-2 tablespoons) until smooth; add the roux to taste into the gravy mixture; whisk constantly for several minutes until desired thickness achieved.
Following these tips will ensure a perfect result each time you make this classic southern dish.
FAQ
Now that we have the recipe and all the details sorted out, let’s move on to some frequently asked questions about this Southern-Style Pork Chops recipe. These questions will help clarify any doubts you may have had while going through the recipe, so you can feel more confident during the cooking process.
What is the best way to cook pork chops to keep them tender?
When it comes to southern-style cuisine, Thick-Cut Bone-In Pork Chops are the way to go. It’s best to avoid thinner cuts as they won’t have enough time to sear properly as they cook through. While skipping the brine, generously seasoning the pork chops is key to ensuring flavorful meat. Allow the pork chops to rest after cooking to keep the juices locked in. Begin by searing the chops over medium-high heat, while also periodically basting them. With the pork chops fully cooked, allow them to rest again before serving.
What is the secret to juicy pork chops?
One technique to ensure juicy pork chops is to brine them after bringing them home. Brining can be done quickly in just 30 minutes or can be extended up to four hours for best results. It is an effective method for preparing flavorful meat that is moist and tender.
Why do you soak pork chops in milk?
Brining is a fantastic method for creating juicy and flavourful pork chops, and using milk in your brine can be particularly effective. Through the process of brining, the meat becomes more receptive to the flavours of the brine and is less likely to become dry during cooking. As Chef Missy Hui attests, brining can lead to the best pork chop you’ve ever tasted.
What should I soak my pork chops in before frying?
I prefer to use milk over buttermilk in my recipe, as it provides a balanced taste to the dish. To add some extra flavor to the mix, I generously sprinkle my choice of spices onto the pork chops before allowing them to marinate for at least an hour.
Bottom Line
And there you have it, my fellow Southern cuisine lovers – the recipe for delicious Southern-style pork chops that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Dixie. These tender, juicy, and flavorful pork chops are perfect for any occasion and can be customized to your liking with different seasonings and variations.
So, what are you waiting for? Get into the kitchen and start cooking up a storm with this recipe. Whether you’re looking for classic fried or smothered pork chops, we’ve got you covered. And don’t forget to try out the different serving and pairing options, as well as make-ahead storage and reheating tips.
And remember, cooking is a journey, not a destination – so don’t be afraid to experiment and customize this recipe to your taste. You might even create your own twist on the classic Southern pork chop that becomes a family favorite for generations to come.
With these southern-style pork chops in your recipe arsenal, your guests will be singing your praises from Savannah to New Orleans. So go ahead and take the leap – cook up a batch of these mouth-watering chops tonight and enjoy a taste of the South right in your very own home.
Southern Style Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 large pork chops
- 4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered (like russet)
- 1 large green pepper, cored and sliced
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 4 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
sauce
- 1 (8 ounce) can Hunts tomato sauce
- 1 (8 ounce) tomato can water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown pork chops in 1-2 Tb. vegetable oil, 2-3 minutes per side. DO NOT cook through.
- Place in a large Dutch oven.
- Mix together sauce ingredients. Personally, I tend to double the sauce (I LOVE SAUCE!) and put in more or less of the ingredients to your own taste (i.e. thicker, thinner, tangier, sweeter -- ).
- Pour 1/2 of sauce over pork chops.
- Add vegetables on top.
- Pour remaining sauce over the vegetables.
- Bake, covered, in a preheated 375 degree oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.