How Long To Cook Pork Chops In The Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F or 190°C.
- Season the meat with salt and pepper or any of your desired seasonings.
- Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until brown using an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the skillet inside the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat reached an internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C.
- Remove the skillet from the oven and let the meat rest before serving to make them more tender and juicy.
Many of us tend to cook and eat juicy and delicious meals when it comes to birthday parties, festivals, and other get-together gatherings; pork chops are delicious and super easy to prepare. Pork chops are a very good source of protein, and every three ounces of it will give essential nutrients for maintaining a robust immune system.
This article explores how to pick and cook pork chops in the oven and to support your nutritional needs. Today we’ll cover all the basics, let's get started!
1. How To Pick A Pork Chop
There are different kinds of pork chops when you visit the meat shop and they aren't all the same. It is important to pick high-quality pork chops when you shop to ensure the flavor and tenderness of the dish you desire to cook. Here are some important factors you need to consider when picking pork chops:
The right cut
There are several parts of the pig which you can get pork chops from. The location and amount can affect the texture and flavor. The most popular cuts of pork chops are loin chops, rib chops, and shoulder chops to name a few. Rib chops are usually the most flavorful and tender, while shoulder chops are generally less expensive but can be trickier. Look for the right pork chop that best fits your recipe.
Color
Color is also an important factor to check when buying pork chops. It is important that the pork is light red or pink, with some marbling. It's best to avoid pork that is gray and has any discoloration.
Marbling
What is marbling? It is the white fat that runs through the meat (pork chop). Look for marbling in the pork chops, as it can help keep the meat tender and moist during cooking.
Size
Pork chops come in different sizes, which can affect the cooking time. Bigger pork chops can be more forgiving when cooking, as they are less likely to dry out.
Freshness
Make sure that the pork chop is fresh by checking the use-by or sell-by date on the package. You can smell the pork chop to make sure it doesn't have a sour or off odor.
Read about the complete guide to pork chops, here.
2. How Long To Cook Pork Chops In Oven
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How long to cook pork chops in the oven? Good question. It is important to note that cooking time in the oven or any other cooking appliance like an air fryer varies a lot depending on the set temperature, desired level of doneness, and most importantly the size of the pork chops.
But usually, the recommended cooking time for pork chops when baked in the oven is 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for 1-inch thick boneless pork chops. However, if the pork chops are thicker or bone-in, it may take longer to cook.
For accuracy, it's highly recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat to ensure the juiciness and flavor, and make sure that they are fully cooked.
Here's a helpful guideline for cooking oven baked pork chops:
- Preheat oven to 375°F or 190°C.
- Season the meat with salt and pepper or any of your desired seasonings.
- Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until brown using an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the skillet inside the preheated oven bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meat reached an internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C.
- Remove the skillet out of the oven and let the meat rest before serving to make them more tender and juicy.
3. How To Test Pork Chops For Doneness
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To avoid undercooked and overcook pork chops and make sure that it is safe to eat, it's recommended to use a thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends cooking pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Insert your trusted meat thermometer into the thickest part of the pork chop to get an accurate reading.
Once the pork chops have reached the desired internal temperature, take out the pork chops from the oven for a while before serving. Letting the meat rest will give you juicy pork chops. Resting allows the juices to redistribute and the meat to be tender.
Here are a few ways to test if pork chops are cooked to the desired doneness:
- Use a meat thermometer: The best way to accurately know the doneness of pork chops is to use a thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the largest part of the chop without touching fat or bone. The temperature should be at 145°F (63°C) to fully cook the pork. If the temperature is lower, continue cooking until the temperature reaches 145°F.
- Check the color: Another way to check if pork chops are cooked is to look at the color of the pork chop. Fully cooked pork chops should have a pink center, but the juices should run clear. If the juices are still pink, the pork chop is not fully cooked.
- Check the consistency: You can also check the doneness of pork chops by checking their texture. Poke the meat with your finger or a fork. If the meat feels firm and bounces back, it is fully cooked. If it feels soft and mushy, it is undercooked.
4. Dalstrong Products You Need
1. 4-Piece Steak Knife Set Shadow Black Series NSF Certified Dalstrong
These knives are perfect for home cooks and professional chefs. Designed with an exceptional grip, super sharp edge, and professionally slicing through meat and other culinary ingredients. The handle have comfortable grip and the angular G10 resin material affords lifelong durability. The shadow black series will surely guide and deliver quality results in your kitchen, with the craftsmanship and quality you expect from Dalstrong.
PROS:
- Forged with precision, super sharp, and made with high-carbon steel.
- Wrapped in G10 hand-polished satin blade.
- Designed for flexibility and hardness.
- Comes with Dalstrong's perfect protective sheath.
- With cromium corrosion resistance.
CONS:
- Some prefer a traditional knife with a classic look.
- The unique handle is not for everyone's taste.
2. Utility Knife 6" Shogun Series ELITE Dalstrong
The Dalstrong Shogun Series Utility Knife is preferred by professionals and some chefs as an alternative to the chef's knife. The super-steel core have extra high carbon levels for scalpel-like sharpness with exceptional long-lasting edge retention. This knife is hand-finished, creating a beautiful mirror polished edge. The knife handle is crafted with G10 garolite, an incredibly strong military-grade and non-porous material.
PROS:
- The edge retention is at 62+ Rockwell, which can cut longer.
- Super sharp at a staggering 8-12° angle per side.
- Corrosion/rust resistance means your knife will stay last longer and cleaner.
- Hand-polished enhances your grip.
- Easy to clean.
CONS:
- Some people prefer a longer knife
- It needs to be washed by hand as high-quality steel shouldn't be put in the dishwasher.
The Dalstrong Quantum Series Chef's Knife is crafted and engineered for exceptional performance and hand sharpened by expert bladesmiths. This knife is a culinary magnificence with extra-durable, super-sharp BD1N-VX steel and uniquely designed with a dragon skin G10-carbon fibre handle. Carefully designed to withstand the worst environments of today's kitchen.
PROS:
- The edge is hand sharpened to 8-12° per side, with perfect balance between blade sharpness and resilience.
- Designed with our "Nova Prime" blade pattern.
- Perfectly hand-polished satin blade.
- Rust/stain resistance.
- Polished to facilitate a comfortable grip.
CONS:
- Some people are not into the distinctive look of the Quantum 1.
The Phantom Series 5" Utility Knife is considered one of the versatile blades in any chef's collection with a wide variety of culinary work from trimming, slicing, and other more precise and delicate challenges. Prep time meats with super-sharp edge slices effortlessly without tearing and crushing. They are crafted with Japanese AUS-8 steel perfectly engraved with the Dalstrong name. The blade is hand sharpened using the traditional honbazuke method, bringing the knife to a super sharp, ensuring effortless cuts.
PROS:
- Hand-polished satin finish blade with detailed engravings.
- Low maintenance.
- Added cromium to steel for stain resistance.
- Comfortable pinch grip.
- Super-sharp scalpel-like edge within a staggering 13-15°
CONS:
- The engravings are not to everyone's liking.
- Some people prefer a longer knife.
The Shogun Series 8" Pitmaster knife is carefully designed for our loyal professional chefs and home cooks. The blade is handcrafted of high-carbon Japanese AUS-10V super steel, with a super-sharp edge for slicing, butchering, and serving a lot of your favorite cuts of meat. This is a one-of-a-kind design with a fork front end, ideal for flipping the meat and for transferring food. It is equipped with a G10 handle that is highly unable to be affected by heat and moisture.
PROS:
- AUS-10V japanese steel for the ultimate performance.
- Hand-polished spines that enhance comfort.
- Perfectly engraved.
- Sharpened with the ancient 3-steps
- Corrosion/rust resistant
CONS:
- Some butcher knives have a blade longer than 8". Check these butcher knives that perfectly fit you.
- Some people prefer a knife that is expressive and bolder in appearance, like this butcher knife from the shadow black series.
5. Easy Baked Pork Chop Recipe
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Here is a delicious juicy baked pork chops recipe that's very easy to make using simple ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon rock salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Steps:
- Heat the oven up to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, create a rub mixture by mixing the garlic powder, paprika powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne powder, and pepper.
- Brush each pork chop with olive oil, then rub the dried rub mixture over each chop.
- Place the pork chops in a sheet pan and bake in the oven. Baking time takes about 25-30 minutes or until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Remove the pork chops from the oven. Rest time takes about 5 minutes before serving. Serve with any of your favorite side dishes and enjoy!
6. Frequently Added Questions
How long does it take to cook thin pork chops in the oven?
Thin pork chops can be cooked in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes. This is the desired cooking time to keep the pork chops from drying out.
How long do you cook pork chops in the oven per pound?
The thickness of the pork chops has significant impact on how long they will take to cook in the oven. Generally, you can cook pork chops in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25-30 minutes per pound or when the meat is at an internal temperature of 145°F.
How do you know when pork chops are cooked inside the oven?
You can check if the pork chops are cooked in the oven by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of your pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C) to be fully cooked. Another way to check if the pork chops are done is by cutting into the thickest part and checking that the juices run clear.
