There are different ways you can cook your pork chops. You can bake them, grill them, or fry them. But whatever way you cook your pork chops, only one factor comes into play in knowing that they are thoroughly cooked. You should remember that when they are thoroughly cooked, the meat’s color becomes almost white.
Your marinade will also help determine the flavor your meat will take on once it is done. So make sure that you use seasoning that you prefer and spread it evenly on both sides to achieve an even distribution of flavor.
The meat’s thickness also plays a factor in the cooking time of your pork chops. Thicker slices usually require more time (especially when grilling). But remember not to make your slices too thick. A slice that is an inch thick is appropriate in any cooking conditions.
Before frying, baking or grilling your pork chops, let them sit and come to room temperature first to avoid warming the meat in the oven prior to the actual cooking. This will prevent uneven cooking or hot or cold spots which could result in a tougher meat.
Frying or baking your pork usually requires a more basic process unlike grilling it. Once the meat is almost white in color, it tells you that it is done. Use medium heat in frying and make sure to use ample oil in order to allow for even cooking. You could also dip them in flour mixed with dry spices or bread crumbs to add flavor. But the basic marinade is enough so as not to lose the natural flavor of the meat. When baking them, it usually takes about 45 minutes in 350 degrees F heat to produce the perfect chops. Place them in a shallow pan and remember to season them before baking.
Grilling pork chops usually requires a little more work because you need to consider several factors in order to achieve perfectly cooked pork chops. The thickness of your meat, the heat of the grill and the type of marinades you use will come to play. Grilling pork chops is basically almost the same as grilling other kinds of meat. Using a cooking thermometer greatly helps in determining if your chops are already cooked. It would definitely help you to avoid overcooking or undercooking your meat.
Get your grill as hot as possible before you start your cooking. This will ensure that you can control your temperature once the chops are almost done. Using a gas grill is quite easy to use but using charcoal requires some practice to perfect. Grill the meat on each side for about 3-4 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 150-155 degrees. Thin cuts would normally take about 6 minutes to cook while thicker cuts require a bit longer. If you want to add barbecue sauce or glaze, do it on the final minute or so of cooking. This would avoid flaring up the flame that could burn the meat. Once your chops are done, cover them to keep the heat and moisture in.
