Breaded pork chops make for a tasty and protein-packed dinner, but what if you want that crispy, golden breading without using eggs? Whether you have an egg allergy or simply want an egg-free recipe, you can still achieve tender, juicy pork chops encased in a flavorful crunchy exterior – no eggs required!
In this simple guide, we’ll walk through the easy process of preparing breaded pork chops without eggs step-by-step. With just a few standard pantry ingredients and basic cooking techniques, you can enjoy this classic dish while avoiding eggs completely.
An Overview of the Egg-Free Breading Process
The typical breaded pork chop recipe calls for dredging the chops in flour, dipping them in beaten eggs, then coating with breadcrumbs. However, there are a couple easy substitutions we can make to get perfect breaded chops without eggs
- Use milk or buttermilk instead of eggs. Both dairy products work well as binders to help the breading adhere.
- Increase the flour and seasonings. This adds flavor and aids browning.
- Press the breading on. Patting the coating onto the chops helps it stick better.
- Let the breaded chops rest. Allowing time for the coating to set before cooking is key.
With just these simple tweaks, you can achieve tender pork chops encased in a crispy, egg-free breading. Now let’s get into the step-by-step method!
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1-inch thick
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
- Rinse the pork chops under cool water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Make sure no excess moisture remains.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour the milk or buttermilk into a second shallow bowl.
- Place the breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
Step 3: Bread the Pork Chops
- Dredge each pork chop in the seasoned flour mixture, coating both sides. Shake off any excess.
- Dip the floured chop into the milk or buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Transfer the chopped to the breadcrumbs. Press gently to adhere the crumbs to the wet chop.
- Place the breaded pork chops on a plate. Repeat with remaining chops.
Step 4: Let the Chops Rest
- Allow the breaded chops to sit for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps the coating stick better.
Step 5: Pan Fry the Chops
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- When oil is shimmering, add 2 pork chops. Do not overcrowd.
- Fry for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining oil and chops.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Lightly season chops with salt, if desired.
- Serve warm with your choice of sides! Mashed potatoes or rice make excellent pairings.
Tips for Crispy, Flavorful Chops
- Use bone-in chops for more flavor and juiciness. The bones help prevent overcooking.
- Pat chops completely dry before breading. Any moisture will make the coating fall off.
- Press the breading onto the chops to help it adhere properly.
- Let the breaded chops rest before cooking. This allows the coating to adhere.
- Fry in batches to avoid crowding and steaming. Space chops in the skillet.
- Fry over medium-high heat. The high temperature crisps the coating nicely.
- Drain fried chops on a paper towel-lined plate. This removes excess grease.
Common Questions About Egg-Free Breaded Pork Chops
What can I use instead of eggs to bread pork chops?
Both milk and buttermilk work very well instead of eggs. The milk proteins help the breading stick to the pork. For those avoiding dairy substitutes like almond or oat milk also work.
What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?
Any dry breadcrumbs work well, including panko, Italian-seasoned, or plain varieties. For extra crunch, pulse crackers into crumbs using a food processor.
Can I bake breaded pork chops instead of frying them?
Yes, baking is a healthier cooking method. Place breaded chops on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and crisp.
How do I keep the breading from falling off when frying?
Pressing the breading onto the chops and letting them rest before cooking are key. Also ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chops to quickly set the coating.
What seasoning flavors pair well with breaded pork?
Garlic powder, paprika, oregano, parsley, and lemon pepper all complement pork beautifully. Chili powder and cayenne add a spicy kick if desired.
What are some good side dishes for breaded pork chops?
Sides like roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, pasta, roasted veggies and salad pair nicely with breaded chops. Applesauce is also a classic complement to cut through the richness.
So don’t let a lack of eggs stop you from enjoying tender, juicy pork chops coated in crispy seasoned breading! With the simple egg-free method above, you can turn out mouthwatering breaded chops that please even the pickiest eaters.