Pork chops are a good source of protein, and therefore provide several essential minerals and vitamins for your overall health. These include protein, thiamin, vitamin B-6 (niacin), selenium, phosphorus, and more.
Pork is an excellent source of riboflavin, zinc, and potassium. Pork also contains low levels of sodium that can help control blood pressure.
Pork chops are a great choice for a healthy, hearty dinner. Here are 5 ways to prepare them.
Baked Pork Chop Recipes
Mushroom Pork Chops
This pork chop recipe is the perfect blend of textures and flavors. These oven-baked chops are also seriously easy (and delicious)! The sauce you make naturally infuses into the meat, so all your effort goes right where it should be! If you’re feeling lazy or pressed for time, simply top the pork chops with already made cream of mushroom soup.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 4 (boneless) pork chops
- salt, pepper
- 2 tsp butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tsp garlic minced
- 1 1/2 tsp flour
- 1 cup beef broth (or substitute vegetable broth)
- 2 tsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp chopped parsley
Method
Combine the pork chops with all the ingredients and place them in a casserole dish, preferably on top of some baking paper which can be greased. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until it reaches 145°F when probed with a knife. Sprinkle extra parsley over as desired.
Slow Cooker BBQ Pork Chops
This recipe for slow cooker pork chops will make your taste buds dance because the bbq sauce is so good.
Ingredients
- Five cups of sliced potatoes
- one white onion, sliced
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 tablespoon pepper
- 15 oz. Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce
- 2 pounds of pork chops, thick-cut, and bone-in
- 6 pieces of pre-cooked bacon are added to the dish at the end
- 6 slices Colby-Jack cheese can be added at the end
Method
Place potatoes, boneless pork chops, and BBQ sauce in the slow cooker. Cook on high for four hours or until cooked through. Add bacon and cheese to the top of it and cook for an additional 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
Grilled Pork Chop Recipes
Ranch Pork Chops
Ranch Dressing is a favorite for many people, and that’s why this pork rib recipe is so good.
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops without bones
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ranch powder
- 1 tsp chopped parsley
- For taste, add salt and pepper
Method
Cover boneless pork chops in a mixture of chopped parsley, ranch powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Grill the pork until it is golden brown, usually 6-8 minutes on each side. Once done, check the center for a little pink meat that means it’s cooked through.
Marinated Pork Chops
Pork chops must be marinated in advance of cooking. This helps to combine flavors and make the meat softer which is not only healthier but also tasty! The added bonus is that because your meat digests more easily, including a pork chop dish at dinner will leave you feeling less full afterward.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 8 1/2 inch bone-in pork chops, with a weight of 3 ounces each
- Season the pork with salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method
To assemble the marinade, combine ½ cup of honey with 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add a teaspoon each of cumin and red pepper flakes for added spice. Place pork chops in a plastic bag, pour about ¼ cup of marinade over them, and seal the bag airtight. Let it sit for an hour. Rub the grill or grill pan with oil and then set to medium heat. Place them on the grill for about 4 minutes on one side, flip them, and finish off with 3 minutes on each additional side.
Pan-Fried Pork Chops Recipes
San Francisco Pork Chops
This dish captures the vibrancy and character of San Franciso. It tastes delicious and the recipe is super simple, so it’s perfect for a weeknight meal or an impressive guest dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
- Four 3/4″ thick trimmed pork chops
- Mince one clove of garlic
- ¼ cup, or 1 ounce, beef broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp vegetable oil
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp water
Method
Whisk together sugar, vegetable oil, beef broth, and soy sauce. Cook pork in a pan over high heat. Pour sauce into the pan as it cooks and covers to simmer meat. With a meat thermometer to determine when the pork chops are cooked through, this recipe should take about thirty minutes. Turning the pork chops halfway will help them cook more evenly and ensure completion during your allotted time frame. Slice each pork chop before serving, and pour any extra sauce over top of it.
Takeaway
The health benefits of pork chops make them a popular choice for many families. They are filling and good sources of protein and other key nutrients. One way to learn how to bake pork chops so that your family will enjoy them is by trying some of these recipes.