Pork chops can be tricky If not cooked properly, they can easily turn out dry, chewy, and lacking flavor. However, with the right techniques, pork chops can become tender, juicy and bursting with flavor In this article, we will explore the best methods for getting tender pork chops every time.
Why Do Pork Chops Need Tenderizing?
Pork contains a protein called myosin that makes the meat tougher The more myosin in the meat, the tougher it becomes Pork chops, especially those cut from the loin, have a lot of myosin. This makes the pork tougher and chewier when cooked incorrectly. Fortunately, there are ways to break down the myosin before cooking to help make those pork chops tender and juicy.
The Best Ways to Tenderize Pork Chops
1. Brine the Pork Chops
Brining is one of the most effective ways to get tender pork chops. Brining involves soaking the pork in a saltwater solution before cooking. The salt helps break down some of the tough myosin proteins. It also allows the pork to retain more moisture as it cooks, keeping it juicy and tender.
To brine pork chops, combine 1 cup of salt with 4 cups of water. Add any other desired seasonings like garlic, peppercorns or herbs and submerge the pork chops for 30 minutes up to a few hours. Rinse and pat the chops dry before cooking.
2. Pound the Pork Chops
Using a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan, you can pound the pork chops to help tenderize them. Pound lightly until the meat is evenly 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch thick. This will help break down the tough muscle fibers. Be careful not to overdo it or the chops may end up too thin.
3. Marinate the Pork Chops
Marinades containing acidic ingredients like vinegar, citrus juice, or yogurt can help tenderize pork chops. The acids work to break down the tough proteins. Allow the chops to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for maximum effect.
Some great marinade options include:
- Lemon or lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and herbs
- Apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, and ginger
- Greek yogurt, Dijon, lemon, and rosemary
4. Use a Tenderizing Tool
Special meat tenderizing tools contain sharp, fine blades or needles that pierce the meat to sever the tough protein strands. Manual models require you to pound the tool onto the surface of the meat while electric models simply need to be pressed down. Go slowly and be careful not to over-puncture the chops.
5. Cook Low and Slow
Cooking the pork chops low and slow helps break down the tough proteins Methods like braising and slow roasting allow time for the collagen and myosin to break down properly. Cook chops in the oven at 275°F or in a covered pan on the stovetop until fork tender
Tips for Cooking Tender Juicy Pork Chops
- Let the chops sit at room temperature before cooking
- Pat the chops dry before seasoning to help it sear
- Don’t crowd the pan. Cook chops in a single layer with space between
- Cook chops to an internal temperature of 145°F
- Allow chops to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to retain juices
With the right prep and cooking methods, you can achieve tender, juicy pork chops every time. Brining, pounding, marinating and low slow cooking are simple ways to break down the tough proteins in pork. Follow these tips and you’ll have delicious, fork-tender pork chops your whole family will love.
How to Tenderise Pork Chops by Lee Kum Kee
FAQ
How do you make pork soft and tender?
What is the secret to making tender pork chops?
How do you tenderize pork chips?
You can easily tenderize pork chips by brining, marinating, or pounding them. Here’s how to use the meat mallet method. Place the pork chops between two sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper on a smooth clean surface. Using the flat side of the mallet, gently pound the meat until it’s ¼ inch thick.
How do you tenderize pork chops?
– Steps for marinating: 1.Place the pork chops in a plastic bag or container with your desired marinade mixture. 2.Marinate for at least **30 minutes**, or longer for maximum flavor and tenderness
How do you tenderize pork?
Use a commercial meat tenderizer. Another option for tenderizing your pork is to use an artificial meat tenderizer. These meat-tenderizing substances usually come in the form of a powder but are also sometimes available as liquids. Often, the active ingredient in these tenderizers is papain, the natural meat-softening chemical found in papayas.
How do you keep pork chops tender and moist?
Regardless of how you cook them, and what you flavour them with, there are several things you can do to keep your pork chops tender and moist. And amongst these tips, there’s one that’s so much more important than the others. Choose a bone-in cut. Don’t overcook them. Brine them. Don’t overcook them. Bring them to room temperature.