Give Boring Pork Chops an Exciting Makeover with Old Bay Seasoning

Let’s be honest – basic pork chops can be a pretty dull dinner option. You’ve likely tried them plain, breaded, with gravy, or with basic herbs more times than you can count. If you’re tired of the same old boring pork chops, it’s time to shake things up with an unexpected flavor booster – Old Bay seasoning!

This beloved and iconic spice blend can transform your tired old pork chops into something mouthwateringly delicious. The savory herbs, warm spices, and tangy flavors of Old Bay take plain pork from bland to bold with ease

Keep reading to learn why Old Bay and pork chops are culinary soulmates and discover tasty tips, tricks and recipes for cooking up pork perfection with this classic seasoning blend. Your tastebuds will thank you!

What is Old Bay Seasoning?

For those not familiar with it, Old Bay is a popular spice blend that originated in Maryland around 1940. It was created by German immigrant Gustav Brunn to enhance the flavor of seafood and soon became a Chesapeake Bay staple

The Old Bay seasoning blend contains a mélange of herbs, spices and other flavorings like:

• Celery salt
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Mustard
• Ginger
• Cloves
• Allspice
• Red pepper flakes
• Mace
• Cardamom
• Cinnamon

This mixture of ingredients gives Old Bay its signature zesty, tangy and slightly spicy taste profile. Though traditionally used to season crabs, shrimp, fish and other seafood, Old Bay can also add a flavor punch to chicken, pork, veggies and more.

Why Use Old Bay on Pork Chops?

While you may associate Old Bay strictly with shellfish and the like, it can work delicious magic on pork chops too. Here’s why it’s worth giving this zesty seasoning a try on your next pork meal:

Complements the Pork Flavor – The blend of savory spices and tang from mustard and vinegar taste fantastic with pork’s mild, slightly sweet profile.

Enhances Crispiness – The salt and spices help form a flavorful, crispy crust when pan-fried.

Infuses Tons of Flavor Fast – Old Bay permeates the pork with bold seasoning in minutes compared to marinades.

Low Effort to Use – Simply sprinkle on Old Bay before, during or after cooking for instant extra flavor.

Versatile Taste – Pairs well with many common pork chop sides like apples, greens, potatoes and more.

Easy to Find – Unlike obscure spice blends, you can pick up Old Bay at any grocery store.

So if you think your pork chops could use an upgrade from the same old seasonings, Old Bay is an effortless way to give them extra excitement and taste.

Simple Ways to Use Old Bay on Pork

Old Bay can be used on pork several deliciously simple ways:

Sprinkle it on: The easiest method is to just sprinkle Old Bay onto raw or cooked pork chops, similar to using a steak seasoning. Use liberally and pat it onto the meat so it adheres.

Mix into a rub: Make a zesty dry rub by combining 2 parts Old Bay with 1 part each of brown sugar, paprika, salt and pepper. Rub it into the pork chops before cooking.

Create a sauce: Simmer 1 cup chicken broth with 1 tbsp Old Bay, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar and 1 tbsp maple syrup. Drizzle over cooked chops.

Make a marinade: Whisk together Old Bay, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let pork marinate for 1-2 hours before cooking.

Coat before breading: For extra crispy chops, coat in Old Bay first, then dip in egg wash and dredge in breadcrumbs or panko before frying.

With such simple ways to use it, Old Bay is an effortless choice for jazzing up boring pork chops any night of the week.

Old Bay and Pork Chop Recipe Inspiration

Ready to put Old Bay on pork chops to the test? Here are a few recipe ideas to get those creative juices flowing:

Old Bay Pork Chop Sheet Pan Dinner – Coat bone-in pork chops with Old Bay then roast on a sheet pan alongside Old Bay seasoned potatoes and brussels sprouts for an easy one-pan meal.

BBQ Old Bay Pork Chops – Rub pork chops with a blend of Old Bay, brown sugar, chili powder and smoked paprika before grilling or broiling until caramelized and saucy.

Crispy Old Bay Pork Chop Sandwiches – Bread pork chops in crushed Old Bay chips or Old Bay seasoned panko breadcrumbs before frying until golden and crunchy, then pile onto toasted buns.

Apple Cider Old Bay Pork Chops – Pan sear seasoned chops then make an apple cider sauce with apple cider vinegar, chicken broth, maple syrup and Old Bay.

Old Bay Pork Chop and Rice Skillet – Sauté Old Bay seasoned pork chops in a skillet then remove and add broth, rice and veggies to the pan juices to make a one-pot meal.

With its salty, spicy kick, Old Bay is the perfect choice for livening up boring pork chops. Let your tastebuds guide you to create custom spice blends and ingredient pairings featuring this classic seasoning.

Handy Tips for Cooking with Old Bay Pork

While Old Bay can liven up pork chops in a snap, there are some handy tips to follow for the very best results:

• Use fresh, high-quality pork. Old Bay enhances flavor so premium meat makes a difference.

• Apply Old Bay about 30-60 minutes before cooking so the flavors can penetrate into the meat.

• Cut small slits into the fat cap of bone-in chops so seasoning directly covers more meat.

• Add a pinch of additional spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder or cayenne along with the Old Bay.

• Pan fry over slightly higher heat to help the seasoning create a crispy crust on the pork.

• Avoid burning the seasoning by using medium or indirect heat for roasting and grilling.

• Let pork rest 5 minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute and don’t run out when cutting.

With the right prep and cooking methods, you’ll get pork chops bursting with Old Bay zing in every bite!

Sensational Side Dishes for Old Bay Pork Entrees

A properly seasoned pork chop deserves equally delicious side dishes to make it a well-rounded meal. Here are some sensational sides to complement Old Bay pork:

• Roasted potatoes – Cubed potatoes roasted with oil