Juicy Baked Pork Chops (super easy recipe!) (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to moist pork chops? ›

Fat is key to keeping pork chops moist

Basting them with fat, such as butter. Add in aromatics while basting for more flavor — similar to how you might cook a steak — and then you have the added bonus of browned butter and crispy garlic and/or herbs to serve with the meat.

Try a Marinade or Brine. A marinade or brine can introduce more moisture or lots of flavor into your meat before you cook it. A marinade is a sauce that introduces extra flavor to your pork, depending on the aromatics or herbs you choose to include. A brine pulls more moisture into the meat, which keeps your pork juicy ...

Pork chops tend to dry out and burn when you cook them on the stove-top alone, but by frying one side first and getting it good and brown, then turning it over and putting it in the oven to finish cooking, you get the best of both worlds.

Some baked pork chop recipes do require that the pan is covered with either foil or a lid. It creates steam and ensures that the meat is tender and juicy. Those recipes typically require a long cook time and may add vegetables to the pan, and some uncover the chops to finish browning them at a higher temperature.

How to Keep Pork Chops from Drying Out? Brine Them! After you bring your pork chops home, time to brine! Brining pork chops is one of the best ways way to guarantee a juicy cooked pork chop.

Rosemary, oregano, and marjoram are great herbs on pork chops. Consider swapping out the thyme or sage for one of these to switch things up.

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees. Using a sheet pan fitted with a rack, you'll be able to bake your pork chops without having to flip them during the baking process. If desired, coat the chops with seasoned bread crumbs or panko crumbs.

High-heat frying sears them to a golden brown; and a moderately hot oven (400 degrees F) bakes the pork chops gently enough to keep them from drying out. This "sear-roasting" method is a great way to cook pork chops in the oven: Fry one side to golden brown, then flip, and place the chops directly in the oven.

While there are a number of ways to cook pork chops for dinner, baking is arguably the easiest path to perfection. The hands-off cooking method cooks pork chops gently and evenly without the need for extra fat, resulting in juicy, healthier pork chops that pair well with practically any side dish.

Aside from barbecue sauce, something tangy and sweet is a good go-to for slow-cooked pork. Apple cider vinegar has the right amount of acidity to break down the fattiness and is equipped with a bright flavor that pairs beautifully with pork. Using liquids you would normally drink is also a good choice.

How do you make pork soft and tender? ›

How do you make pork soft and tender? Soak your pork in a salt-based brine before cooking it using your desired method. Pork chops need to soak between 12–24 hours, an entire pork tenderloin needs to soak for 6–12 hours, and an entire pork loin requires 2–4 days of soaking.

For perfectly juicy pork chops (preferably bone-in) you must brine them for at least 1 to 2 hours and pick chops that are at least 1/2 to 1 inch thick. The success of this dish is the brine that will keep the chops moist.

Is it better to bake pork chops at 350 or 400? Unless a meat or vegetable is being covered for a “Low and Slow” approach, I like higher-temp cooking. 400 degrees is efficient at maintaining the sear on the outside while cooking the meat through for juicy results.

Sear the Chops First: The real key for irresistible oven-baked pork chops is searing them in a skillet first. This helps seal in all the juices. Doing this step before baking makes a big difference because of the Maillard reaction it causes, which creates extra flavor and deliciousness.

Once they've reached temperature, the only additional step is to let your chops rest for at least five minutes per inch. Not only does this allow the muscle tissue to relax, but the cut will also retain moisture better, keeping it juicy and scrumptious.

Combine water, salt, and any additional seasonings in a large container. Stir well to dissolve the salt and sugar. Soak the pork chops in the brine solution, making sure they're fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.