How To Cook The Best Breaded Pork Chop

Pork recipes will always have a place in the heart of the Filipinos. A plethora of our recipes is mostly pork-based. Even before the Spanish colonial period, our ancestor's symbol of festivity is to roast a whole pig to share with the community. 

And since then, our culinary arsenal for making pork recipes has also widened because of different cultural influences. We are not limited to boiling and roasting pigs; we now have a subversion of many foreign-inspired pork recipes. One of our featured recipes for this article is a sure hit for kids and kids at heart. 

This recipe is so popular that it is served in many food establishments: from a humble food stall across the street to high-end restaurants in the busy city. I believe you are excited as much as I am, so let us share the things you have to know on how to cook the Breaded Pork Chops at home.

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What is Breaded Pork Chops Recipe

Crispy on the outside, yet it is tender and flavorful on the inside. One bite and one cannot resist the urge to continue feasting on this great pork goodness. The deep golden-brown crust is truly a sight to behold. 

This recipe is pretty straightforward, as the name suggests. Pork chop dredged in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs is then deep-fried to golden brown perfection to create that crispy and delightful crust but still maintain that tender and meaty texture inside. 

And each country around the globe has its take on this classic pork recipe that suits their preference and culture. The names might be different for each regional recipe, but the core remains the same, a cutlet of pork chop breaded and then deep-fried.

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Ways to cook Pork Chops Recipes

Admittedly, deep-fried recipes are not that healthy due to the vast amount of oils needed to make them. But who cares, right? They are excellent and irresistible, and pork chop recipes are on that same level. Greasy, crunchy, and feels like something that you'll never get tired of munching on every day. 

Nevertheless, we researched other methods to achieve the same pork chop's greatness without relying too much on deep frying. These equally satisfying ways of achieving the level of excellence Pork Chop has but in a lesser fatty way. 

Pan-fried 

Pan-frying is probably one of the oldest methods of prepping this dish. And this is a pretty straightforward approach since all you need to have is a great frying pan and a sufficient amount of fat for frying, then you are ready to go. It uses less oil than the deep-frying method, making the recipes more economical and "healthier."

One of the great frying pans that you can use for this method is an iron skillet. This pan's heat retention property makes it suitable cookware for our pork chop recipes since the even heat distribution prevents the chops from being burnt. But in case you don't have one, then any heavy-duty frying pan will do the trick just the same. 

Make sure to coat the chops evenly with the breading on all sides, not leave any exposed parts. Season the pork cutlets before coating; this ensures that the seasoning reaches every fiber of the flesh, and the layer will seal all those flavors in a while when frying. 

Oven-fried

Another classic one in the books is oven frying. Yes, you've read that right, frying the chops using your trusted one: it doesn't matter if microwave oven or convection oven. It is great for folks who do not like their Pork Chop soaked in oil. 

The process is pretty much the same when coating the chops. Mix the dry ingredients well to make sure that the spices are incorporated. Lightly season the chops as well with salt and pepper just before dredging them with the coating and breadcrumbs. 

Make sure to preheat your oven before putting the coated pieces of chops. Lightly spray them as well with oil to prevent them from drying out while preparing. It takes around 20 mins for the crust to form. 

Grilled

This method might sound new to you, and you might have questions about how you can grill Pork Chop or if that is even possible. Well, you have a valid question, but no worries, because this method is possible. 

Grilling the pork chop not only gives a more tender outcome, but the chargrilled flavor adds to the overall greatness of these recipes. Plus, the burnt part of the flesh oddly gives off that distinct hickory-like layer of flavor. 

Preparing this recipe is the same as indicated in the original recipe; the only differing factor is having it done by grilling the pork. You can either use the traditional charcoal grill or if you have that electric smokeless grill, then, by all means, use that.

The technique to make sure that the coating adheres to the pork cutlets dipped the oil cuts and allowed the excess oil drip. It ensures that the dredging mixture sticks to the cuts and adheres to it until they are all ready. 

Air Fryer Breaded Pork Chops Recipes

The advancement in technology brought about innovations that made life more convenient, especially in cooking. Cooking has never been easier because of the new kitchen cookware that's springing up in the market. One of which is the choice of health buffs, the air fryer. 

The air fryer uses dry heat in making recipes and uses less to no amount of oil. That is why, since its inception, health buffs clamored to get a hand on one. And using this cookware, we can also achieve the same crispy and tender goodness: Pork Chop. 

The steps are the same, as indicated in the recipes. Have the chops seasoned adequately before breading them in the dredging mixture? Yes, we said that this cookware uses less to zero oil, but to ensure that the meats won't dry out, put a little canola oil won't hurt.

Wok Fried Breaded Pork Chops Recipes

Wok frying is one of the most iconic methods of Oriental. The recipe is cooked faster because of the wok's shape, making the heat distribution faster and the retention of heat better than regular frying pans.

And since the recipes get to cook faster, the oil that clings onto the frying flesh is lesser than the usual. That is good news if you are trying to lessen your oil intake but do not want to give up yet on fried recipes. 

The steps are similar to the original recipes, dredge the pork's flesh in the flour mixture, dip them in eggs and back to the dredging mixture, and fry them on the wok's heated oil. The amount of oil should be enough to cover the pork pieces. 

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Other Delightful Variations for Breaded Pork Chops Recipes

As we have mentioned, these pork recipes are famous throughout the globe; that is why each country has their version of it. And each regional variant uses a different part of the pig, but the approach does not deviate much from the actual process. 

And to give you the idea of how they are cook, we have here some of Pork Chop's most unique recipes. Try them and see which recipes capture the palates of your loved ones.

Old fashioned pork chop recipes

Our featured recipe variation uses less of the ingredients indicated on the recipe, but it's still flavorful, just the same. We can say that this is the most rustic variation of our recipes because of its simple ingredients. 

The ingredients for this recipe can see immediately in your pantry. The dredging mixture can be as simple as salt, pepper, and flour. And to make sure that the chops are flavorful on their own, season both sides with adequate amounts of salt and pepper. Then you can fry the chops already. 

This recipe considering as home-style because of how simple the ingredients are. Straightforward and simplistic, but equally savory, just the same. 

Italian breaded pork chops recipes

Italian cuisine is known for using a lot of herbs, spices, and cheeses in their procedure. Their recipes are of global renown like pasta and pizza, both known for having cheese and herbs as part of their ingredients. And the same approach will use for the Italian variant of our featured recipe. 

The process for this variant does not differ much from the original Pork Chop recipe. The only defining factor could be the addition of parmesan cheese and finely chopped parsley; these two are what makes the recipes genuinely Italian.

And instead of merely frying the chops until they're ready, the process is finished off in the oven. 

After frying them just until the flesh changes color, that is the time to put them in the oven; the same way steaks are cooking. It is to ensure that the inside of the chops is all ready. 

Cracker pork chops recipes

This variant is unique because of milk's addition to the eggs for dipping the pork chop before frying it. And the dredging mixture uses saltine crackers instead of the traditional bread crumbs, which gives the recipes a unique and flavorful crispy crust. 

As we have said, instead of just eggs, milk is added to it. Milk helps in tenderizing flesh when used as a marinade and can help retain moisture inside hearts to prevent them from drying out while being cooked. 

While saltine crackers are already salty, so adding salt to the dredging mixture is no longer necessary. 

If you feel quite adventurous, you could also try using cheese crackers mixed with saltine ones. But use them sparingly since both of them are inherently salty. 

Many crackers are accessible in the market; you can experiment with the ones you think will suit the pork chop. However, do not use the sweet or flavored ones since they will affect your recipes' taste. 

Baked Pork Chops Recipe

Baked pork chop is a classic recipe that is healthier than the usual approach for a pork chop. The tender and flavorful flesh are sure to whet your appetite. And the slightly smoky flavor is sure to tempt your palates. 

The process is relatively simple and does not require much effort when making this variant. You can use either bone-in chops or boneless ones. The choice of spices is up to your preference. But I would recommend adding paprika to your choice of spice to give that bbq-like kick to it. 

Once you're ready with the spices, rub both sides of the pork chops with the spice mixture evenly. You can use either a baking pan or an iron skillet. To help retain the pork chop's moisture while baking, you can add half a slab of butter onto the baking pan. 

You can also add rosemary and other herbs before you pop them in the oven to give a delightful aroma to your pork chop. 

BBQ pork chop

Another exciting approach for our recipe is marinating them in barbecue sauce. It is something that barbecue loving folks would fall in love with at first bite. The sweet and spicy kick that it gives is a delight for the tastebuds. 

The choice of barbecue marinade is up to you. But if you're a die-hard Filipino barbecue lover, then the recommended marinade mix is soy sauce, sugar, banana catsup, and calamansi juice. Marinate the chops for about an hour, then follow the steps in breading. 

You can also opt for the American recipes for the marinade. Or even a dry rub of oregano, cayenne pepper, chili flakes, and salt. So long as you marinate them adequately, it doesn't matter if it's dry rub or liquid marinade. 

You can go ahead and deep fry them as a classic approach, or you can also charcoal-grill them for an added smoky layer of flavor. 

Breaded pork chops sandwich

And for entirely different recipes, why not make a sandwich out of these crunchy yet juicy pork chop. If you are a fast-food sandwiches lover, then this version is sure to win your heart over. 

Just follow the steps in making the Pork Chop, as indicated in the recipe. Cut them in half if they are too big for them to fit into a sandwich bun. You can use the classic burger buns, or for more nationalistic recipes, you can also opt for Pandesal. 

Toast the bread slightly in a pan lined with butter for them to hold the pork chop better. 

This variant is especially prevalent in Japan, and the Japanese recipes not only use pork, but they are also known for using beef for their meat sandwiches. 

I'm sure that our recipe's variant will be a hit for the kids and people who love anything fast food. I mean, who can resist the delight that crispy pork chops sandwiched between two lightly toasted buns gives. Add a layer of lettuce and mayo to it, and this meal can get you through the day. 

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Troubleshooting

As classic and as familiar as we are making Pork Chops, kitchen mishaps can occur, and yes, they are frustrating. But do not be sour and glum because we have listed some troubleshooting steps that you can use to correct those mishaps.

• If the pork chop turned out to be too dry, the next things that you can do are to spray some oil onto the chops and pop them in the oven for about 2-5 minutes to rehydrate them. 
• If the breading mixture does not stick to the chops, try brushing them on oil. It helps the dry mix adhere to the flesh better.

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Trivia about Breaded Pork Chop

 Knowledge is power, they say, but it makes us hungrier for food trivia and boosts our appetite even more. So let us share with you some trivia about Pork Chop that can help you appreciate them better. 

Pork fleshes, in general, are the world's most consumed flesh. And pigs, where we get pork, are the world's first domesticated farm animals. According to historians, China was the first country to domesticate pigs for food consumption. And though it is debatable, it has been said that the Chinese people were the ones who already came up with the recipe for Pork Chops. 

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Tips for Cooking Breaded Pork Chops

We want you to be the great home cook that you can, and it would be a shame for us if we cannot guide you how. Many would think that making this recipe is a challenging feat to accomplish. 

That is why we have some time-tested cooking tips that can help you become just that, especially making the Pork Chops. 

• Before making the pork chops, we suggest that you marinate them in milk for about an hour. It helps in tenderizing the flesh, which accounts for juicier pork chops. 
• Pound the pork chops before cooking; this allows for a quicker time. You can use a rolling pin to pound the chops to about half an inch thickness in the absence of a meat mallet.
• Bone-in chops are better, as the bones provide tastier flavor to the fleshes. 
• If you do not have milk readily available, marinating them in a brining solution of warm water, salt, sugar, whole black pepper, and bay leaves can work wonders. Leave the chops for about an hour or two in the solution and rinse them a bit before frying.
• To maintain the chops' shape when frying and prevent them from curling up, make about three cuts on the pork chops' fatty side. Don't cut all the way through; half an inch cut is enough. 

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Best serve with

Pork Chops are great with other flavorful recipes and side dishes. That is why we have a list of suggested recipes that will make you enjoy eating these recipes better. 

•  Chicken Potato Salad

Salad and meats are always classic recipes pairing at the dining table. The salty profile of the pork balances out the tangy and creamy flavor of the potato salad. 

The rich and creamy dressing enhances the pork chops' savory taste and makes the pair a delight on the kitchen table. 

• Taco Fried Rice

For us, Filipinos, a meal can never be complete without a serving of rice. And to make that even better, why not partner our crunchy and juicy pork chops with a serving of flavorful and aromatic Taco Fried Rice. 

The explosion of flavors inside your mouth is one heck of a dining experience in every spoonful. 

• Shrimp Salad

It is another salad recipe that is a perfect pair for Pork Chops recipes. The contrasting flavors of the shrimp and the pork is a guarantee to give you that gourmet delight. 

• Pineapple Juice

To ease the guilt that we feel each time we eat these fatty and juicy pork chops, a glass of cold pineapple is sure to do the trick. The sweet and tangy pineapple directly contrasts the flavor of the Pork Chops. 

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Conclusion

A classic recipe that is sure to make your family grin with delight. All you need is the courage and determination to replicate this pork recipe. And with all the things we have shared with you, we are more than sure that you are now equipping to cook the Pork Chop for your loved ones. 

Continue to experiment in the kitchen and use different ingredients. Make use of the information that we have shared with you, and who knows, one day you may be able to create your version of this classic pork recipe. So till next time and happy cooking!

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