Imagine a dinner recipe that sounds crazy but tastes absolutely incredible - welcome to Hunk of Meat Monday's Pepsi Pork Chops! This unexpected culinary magic transforms ordinary pork chops into a ridiculously tender, flavor-packed meal that will have your family begging for seconds. By using an unlikely secret ingredient - Pepsi - you'll create a dish that's simultaneously sweet, savory, and mind-blowingly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1 can of Pepsi
- 1 packet of onion soup mix
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature, ensuring more even cooking.
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning and seasoning adherence.
- Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and black pepper, creating a flavorful base for the recipe.
- Preheat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat to create a perfect searing environment for the pork chops.
- Add a small amount of oil to the hot pan and carefully place the seasoned pork chops, allowing them to sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of onion soup mix evenly over the pork chops, coating them with the savory seasoning blend.
- Pour the entire can of Pepsi into the skillet, allowing the liquid to partially cover the pork chops and create a flavorful braising liquid.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the pork chops simmer in the Pepsi for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Optional: Reduce the remaining Pepsi and onion soup mixture in the pan to create a quick pan sauce by simmering on high heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve the Pepsi pork chops hot, drizzling the reduced sauce over the top if desired, and pair with your favorite side dishes.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork chops sit at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Pat Those Chops Dry: Use paper towels to remove moisture, which helps achieve that gorgeous golden-brown sear.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook pork chops in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and proper browning.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops.
- Let Them Rest: Always allow your pork chops to rest 5 minutes after cooking to lock in those delicious juices.
- Experiment with Pepsi Varieties: Try different Pepsi types like Diet or Pepsi Zero for unique flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
