Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food: Classic Fried Pork Chops! This mouthwatering dish is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that will transport you straight to your grandmother's kitchen. With a crispy golden coating and juicy, tender meat, these pork chops are sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion feast, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into our easy-to-follow guide and discover the secrets to achieving the perfect fried pork chops that will leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier coating.
- Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and black pepper.
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each pork chop first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat completely with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan to 350°F (175°C), ensuring about 1/4 inch of oil covers the bottom of the pan.
- Carefully place breaded pork chops into the hot oil, cooking 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove pork chops and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Let pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Bring to Room Temperature: For evenly cooked pork chops, remove them from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more uniformly.
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: Make sure to pat the pork chops dry with paper towels before seasoning. This removes excess moisture, which is key to achieving a crispy coating.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Season both sides of the pork chops well to enhance their flavor.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: Use three shallow dishes for the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. This makes the breading process easier and more efficient.
- Press for Even Coating: When coating the pork chops with breadcrumbs, press gently to ensure they adhere well, creating a deliciously crispy crust.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to check that the oil is at 350°F (175°C) before adding the pork chops. This temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect golden brown exterior.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the pork chops in batches if necessary to avoid lowering the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the fried pork chops to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking. This step helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- Pair with Delicious Sides: Serve your pork chops hot with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
