How Much Does a Boneless Pork Chop Weigh? Everything You Need To Know

Pork chops are a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be prepared in endless ways While bone-in pork chops are the traditional choice, boneless pork chops have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and ease of cooking However, when cooking boneless pork chops, it’s important to understand how much they typically weigh in order to get the right amount for your recipe. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the weight of boneless pork chops.

Where Boneless Pork Chops Come From

Let’s start with the basics – boneless pork chops are cut from the loin or rib section of the pig. According to experts at The VeryMeaty Team boneless pork chops are typically trimmed to remove the bone and excess fat resulting in a lean cut of meat ready for cooking.

The loin is where the pork tenderloin is located, so boneless loin chops will be the most tender. Rib chops come from higher up on the ribcage so they have more fat marbling which keeps them juicy. Pork chops can range in thickness from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inches thick depending on the desired end weight.

Average Weight of a Boneless Pork Chop

On average a single boneless pork chop weighs approximately 4 ounces. However the weight can fluctuate between 3-6 ounces depending on the thickness of the cut and the amount of trimming done. Here are some key weight ranges to keep in mind

• 3-4 ounces – A thinner, 3/4 inch cut or one with less fat trimming. Good for quick cooking.

• 4-5 ounces – The most common weight found at grocery stores. A 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick chop.

• 5-6 ounces – A thick chop around 1 inch wide or one with high fat marbling. Requires longer cooking time.

According to the experts at Mad Butcher Meat Co., their boneless pork chops packages containing 4-6 chops weigh approximately 2 pounds total. This equals about 5 ounces per chop on average.

The takeaway is that boneless pork chop weights can vary quite a bit. Knowing the average weight will help you shop and portion recipes appropriately.

Factors Affecting Boneless Pork Chop Weight

There are a several factors that influence the weight of a boneless pork chop including:

Thickness of the cut – Thicker chops weight more. A 1 inch thick chop can be nearly double the weight of a 1/2 inch thick one.

Where it’s cut from – Chops cut from the rib or shoulder have more fat marbling which adds weight. Loin chops are leaner.

Amount of trimming – Excess fat and connective tissue is trimmed away, leaving just the meat. More trimming equals less weight.

Size of the pig – Chops from younger, smaller pigs tend to weigh less than those from fully grown pigs.

Cooking method – The cooking process can render out fat, resulting in a lower cooked weight compared to the raw weight.

Butcher preferences – Some butchers trim chops more aggressively or cut them thicker. This impacts weight.

The more you cook boneless pork chops, the better sense you’ll have for estimating sizes just by look and feel. For accuracy, using a kitchen scale is always advisable.

Determining Boneless Pork Chop Weight for Recipes

When a recipe calls for a certain weight or size of boneless pork chops, you’ll need to determine the weight of the chops you have on hand. Here are some tips for figuring this out:

• Weigh chops individually – Use a kitchen scale for the most precise measurement.

• Estimate based on averages – If chops look average (3/4 inch thick), assume 4 ounces each. Add or subtract an ounce for thicker or thinner chops.

• Refer to packaging – Pre-packaged chops may list an estimated weight range for the package contents.

• Visually compare – Place chops next to a known weight, like a 4 ounce salmon fillet, to estimate weights.

• Consider cooked vs raw weight – Boneless chops can lose up to 30% of their weight after cooking. If your recipe lists cooked weights, you may need more raw meat than you think.

With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to nail perfect portions for any boneless pork chop recipe.

Cooking Tips for Boneless Pork Chops

Achieving tender, juicy boneless pork chops is easy with a few insider tips:

• Brine first – A saltwater brine adds moisture and seasoning. Chill brined chops in the fridge for 1-2 hours before cooking.

• Pat dry – Blot chops with paper towels before cooking to prevent steaming. Dry surfaces sear better.

• Preheat pans – Use a very hot skillet, grill pan, or grill to get a nice sear on the exterior.

• Cook to 145°F – Pork is safe to eat and juicy when cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.

• Rest before serving – Let chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking so juices can redistribute evenly.

• Add a flavorful topping – Compound butters, pan sauces, or chimichurri add moisture and flavor.

Proper weighting, brining, searing, and resting are the secrets to perfect boneless pork chops every time.

Typical Cost of Boneless Pork Chops

The price of boneless pork chops, like all cuts of meat, fluctuates regularly based on market conditions. However, on average expect to pay:

• $3.50 – $4.50 per pound at standard grocery stores.

• $2.50 – $3.50 per pound when on sale at discount grocery stores.

• $6.00 – $8.00 per pound at high-end butcher shops or organic markets.

A package of 4 boneless pork chops (2 pounds total) will generally cost $7 – $10 at an average grocery store. Watch for sales, buy in bulk quantities, and consider lesser known cuts like sirloin chops to get the best deals on this tasty meat.

How to Substitute Bone-In for Boneless Chops

Any recipe calling for bone-in pork chops can be easily adapted to use boneless chops instead. Here’s how to calculate the substitution:

• For 1 pound of bone-in chops, use 3/4 pound of boneless
• For 4 (6-8 ounce) bone-in chops, substitute 3 (4-5 ounce) boneless
• Reduce cooking time by 5-10 minutes since boneless cooks faster
• Use a meat mallet to flatten boneless chops for an even thickness

Making this simple swap allows you to enjoy the convenience of boneless in any recipe.

Popular Ways to Cook Boneless Pork Chops

From fancy dinner entrees to weeknight meals, boneless pork chops are endlessly versatile. Here are some top ways to cook them:

• Pan seared – Quickly sear chops in a hot skillet then finish cooking through in the oven.

• Stuffed – Butterfly chops open and stuff with cornbread, apple, or other fillings.

• Breaded/battered – Coat chops in flour, panko, or cornflake breading and pan fry.

• Skewered – Alternate chunks of chop with veggies on skewers and grill.

• Simmered in sauce – Braise or simmer chops in tomato sauce, wine, or other flavorful braising liquids.

• Chop and stir fry – Dice boneless chops and stir fry with rice, veggies, and teriyaki.

From fancy to family friendly, the possibilities are endless for cooking boneless pork chops. With proper weighting and cooking, you’re guaranteed tender and juicy results.

So next time a recipe calls for boneless pork chops, use this guide to help you shop, portion, and cook them to perfection. Mastering the weight of boneless chops opens up a whole new world of quick and easy pork recipes to enjoy on repeat.