Quick, tasty, and full of nutritious protein, Pork chops are always a favourite answer to the eternal question of ‘What’s for dinner?’ But there are some tips and tricks to keep them sizzling, juicy and crisp without becoming dry or tough.
Here’s what the Pork experts at LYNCA MEATS suggest for the perfect Pork chop, including delicious ways to spice them up.
- A little bit of prep goes a long way.
Ensure you coat your chops in olive oil and season well before cooking. For extra juicy chops, if you have the time, you can marinade them in a ‘brine’ of four tablespoons of salt mixed with four cups of water. Add herbs, garlic, lemon juice or spices to taste. Then pat the chops dry and you’re good to go.
Try soaking Pork chops in milk or even buttermilk beforehand to soften the meat and keep them juicy.
- Think stove, then oven.
Because Pork chops are quick to cook, they’re also quick to overcook. We find the best result comes from a nice sear in a very hot pan, making sure to start fat-side down, to cook out some of the fat and get them crispy. Then finish off the chops in an 180oC oven for approximately 12-16 minutes or until the internal temperature of your chops is about 63oC on your meat thermometer.
To check if the chops are done without a meat thermometer, pierce the thickest part of the Pork and check that the juices run clear.
- Rest for real flavour.
Most home chefs skip this part because time is short, and a hungry family is waiting. But try to Rest the Pork chops for at least five minutes to make sure that they are tender and full of flavour.
But I’m a braai guy!
For those who prefer the coals, that’s a great way to cook LYNCA MEATS Pork chops. Braai over a moderate to hot fire for approximately 12-14 minutes. Marinade is a perfect way to prevent your Pork chops from drying out over the flames.
Safe storing and freezing
Safety comes first at LYNCA MEATS. Here are the best ways to store and freeze your fresh Pork chops:
- Refrigerate Pork at approximately 5oC, always in the coolest part of the fridge, which is usually the bottom.
- Keep fresh Pork in the fridge for two to three days, or consider freezing it.
- Freeze Pork in its original packaging or a zip-lock bag that does not allow air or freezer burn to ruin the meat.
- You can safely freeze Pork for three to four months.
Variety is the spice of LYNCA MEATS
So many Pork chops and so many delicious ways to enjoy them. Here are a few tried-and-tested flavour combinations:
- Pineapple Pork chops (https://lyncameats.co.za/recipe/pineapple-Pork-chops/)
- Apple Maple Pork chops (https://lyncameats.co.za/recipe/apple-maple-chops/)
- Shisa Nyama-style Pork chops with bacon chakalaka (https://lyncameats.co.za/recipe/shisa-nyama-style-chops-with-bacon-chakalaka/)
- Honey Garlic Pork chops (https://lyncameats.co.za/recipe/honey-glazed-chops/)
