Whole30 Pork Chops - Joy in the Meantime (2024)

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There is something so comforting and cozy about pork chops and apple sauce! Like after a cool fall day, everyone dressed in their matching Scandinavian sweaters, my husband laughing, the kids frolicking in piles of leaves, the baby giggling … hahahahahahahaha! Okay, back to reality! These pork chops are delicious any time, picture perfect fall days, or not!

Pro tips:

  • Be sure the chops are room temperature before preparing- when the meat is still very cold, it may cook unevenly
  • Pork can become dry very easily, using the bone-in chops help prevent the from cooking as quickly, and lock in the moisture
  • Use light extra virgin olive or avocado oil – this ensures the flavors of the chops are first and foremost, instead of an overwhelming taste of oil – especially because we’re using a considerable amount
  • Pork pairs well with something sweet- think apple sauce, cranberries or even leeks

Here’s why I LOVE these pork chops:

  1. They are Whole30 and Paleo friendly
  2. They are the perfect combination of hearty and cozy
  3. They have all the flavor of being fried, but without the actual frying (or mess)
  4. They are kid friendly, and they may possibly even ask for seconds
Whole30 Pork Chops - Joy in the Meantime (3)

Whole30 Pork Chops - Joy in the Meantime (4)

Whole30 Pork Chops

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Ingredients

  • 4 Large bone-in pork loin pork chops
  • 1/2 tsp Salt + a few pinches
  • 1/4 tsp Pepper + a few pinches
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (ensure it’s compliant)
  • 1/2 tsp Dried parsley
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp Oregano
  • 1/4 tsp Dried basil
  • 2 cups Almond flour
  • 3 Eggs
  • 8 tbsp Extra light virgin olive oil (approximately 1/2 cup)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees

  • Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside

  • In a wide shallow bowl or dish, combine the Italian seasoning, salt, parsley, pepper, garlic and onion powder, oregano, basil and almond flour- use a fork to mix, ensuring all the seasonings are thoroughly combined

  • In a second wide shallow bowl (large enough to fit the chops) whisk eggs

  • Salt and pepper your chops- (pro tip: remember to make it rain/sprinkle from up high, this way the seasonings are evenly distributed)

  • Dip each pork chop into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl before transferring to breading mixture. Ensure the chop is thoroughly coated, and place on prepared baking sheet

  • Once all the chops are breaded, drizzle with 2 Tablespoons olive oil per chop- though this may seem like a lot, this is what gives it a fried flavor without the actual frying

  • Bake chops for 20 minutes, flip and bake for another 15-20 minutes (internal temperature should read 145 degrees F.).

Whole30 Pork Chops - Joy in the Meantime (5)

These go so well with apple sauce and creamy mashed potatoes. Please be sure to share with me on Instagram, I would love to see how you like the recipe!

Enjoy,
Karin

Follow @joyinthemeantime on Instagram

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FAQs

Do pork chops get more tender the longer you cook them? ›

Because pork chops are such a lean cut, they are relatively quick-cooking and prone to overcooking. When they're cooked for even a few minutes too long, whether it's in the oven or on the stovetop or grill, they're quick to dry out, and — you guessed it — become tough, chewy, and less than appealing.

How do you cook pork chops so they are not dried out? ›

High-heat frying sears them to a golden brown; and a moderately hot oven (400 degrees F) bakes the pork chops gently enough to keep them from drying out. This "sear-roasting" method is a great way to cook pork chops in the oven: Fry one side to golden brown, then flip, and place the chops directly in the oven.

Do pork chops lose weight when cooked? ›

The average weight loss for the whole chop was 35%; the weight loss from fat, 44%, being greater than that from lean, 34%, or rind, 27%, the latter accounting for 14% of the whole raw chop.

What is the secret to making tender pork chops? ›

How to Make Tender Pork Chops
  1. Opt for Thick-Cut Bone-In Pork Chops. Thin-cut pork chops won't sear properly in the time it takes to cook them through. ...
  2. Skip the Brine, but Season Liberally. ...
  3. Let the Pork Chops Rest. ...
  4. Sear Pork Chops Over Medium-High Heat. ...
  5. Baste the Pork Chops. ...
  6. Let the Pork Chops Rest, Again. ...
  7. Serve.
Feb 14, 2018

Is it better to fry or bake thick pork chops? ›

While there are a number of ways to cook pork chops for dinner, baking is arguably the easiest path to perfection. The hands-off cooking method cooks pork chops gently and evenly without the need for extra fat, resulting in juicy, healthier pork chops that pair well with practically any side dish.

Why do you rinse pork chops before cooking? ›

While washing meat and poultry to remove dirt, slime, fat or blood may have been appropriate decades ago when many slaughtered and prepared their own food, the modern food safety system doesn't require it. Meat and poultry are cleaned during processing, so further washing is not necessary.

Does soaking pork chops in salt water make them tender? ›

A brine is essentially just salt and water. It helps prevent moisture loss during cooking, and the salt also helps tenderize the meat from the inside out. If you want an extra juicy piece of pork, brine it before cooking. You can make an effective brine just with salt and water, but additional seasonings do help.

What seasoning is good on pork chops? ›

Best Seasoning for Pork Chops

Thyme and sage add herby and floral notes complementing pork's flavor exceptionally well. There's also a combination of smoked paprika, pepper, and a little bit of cayenne pepper, which all give your pork chops a lovely, not overly spicy, kiss of heat.

Why are my pan fried pork chops tough? ›

Undercooked pork carries the risk of food-borne illness, and overcooked pork can be dried-out, tough, and chewy. Cook your chop until it's around 135 degrees, and then transfer it to a cutting board—the residual heat will bring it to the USDA's recommended 145 degrees.

How do you keep thin pork chops from getting tough? ›

Use a Marinade or Dry Rub: Marinating the pork chops or using a dry rub can add flavor and moisture. Acidic ingredients like lemon juice can also tenderize the meat. Rest After Cooking: Once cooked, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes.

Why do you flour pork chops before frying? ›

Dredging the pork chops in a flour mixture prior to pan frying helps develop a nice little golden crust on the outside of the chops, and helps seal in some of their moisture. To prepare the dredging mixture, in a shallow dish combine some self-rising flour with a bit of salt and pepper.

Are pork chops healthier than chicken? ›

Out of the three, chicken is the healthiest, because it is a lean protein source that doesn't contain saturated fat – the bad kind of fat that raises blood cholesterol. But the pork comes in at a fast second. But keep in mind that the cut of the meat and trimming away excess fat and skin makes all the difference.

How unhealthy are pork chops? ›

Pork chops are an easy-to-cook lean red meat. They offer important nutrients like protein, selenium, zinc, and iron that support everyday body functions and can be helpful in losing weight. Because pork chops are considered red meat, you should be mindful of how frequently you eat them.

Are pork chops healthier than bacon? ›

However, the exact fat content depends on how much of the external fat was trimmed before cooking. That said, all types of pork chops are typically considered relatively lean and healthy cuts of meat, especially when compared to rich pork cuts like bacon and pork “butt” shoulder.

How long does it take for pork chops to get tender? ›

Cover the baking dish and place in oven until the internal temperature of chops reads 145. This should take approximately 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Allow pork chops to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Optional - If a glaze is desired for pork chops coat with sauce of choice prior to placing in the oven.

Does pork get softer the longer it cooks? ›

Pork shoulder might start out as a fatty, tough cut of meat, but cook it low and slow for a few hours and it will be transformed into tender, juicy shreds that fall apart with the touch of your fork.

Is it better to cook pork chops slow or fast? ›

Slow cooking is probably my favorite way to cook pork chops. It's an easy and foolproof way to make pork chops that are fork tender, which is the way I like them.

Does slow cooking pork make it more tender? ›

The Benefits of Cooking 'Slow-and-Low'

There are so many benefits to this cooking method. Not only does it make the meat far juicier and more tender but it also works with all kinds of meats. No matter your preference, this cooking method works well with whole cuts of pork, beef, lamb, and even veal.

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