How to Season Pork Chops

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: March 6, 2023

Pork chops are high quality cuts of meat. To give them the culinary respect they deserve, season them well and cook them minimally. For best results, use chops that are about 3/4-inch thick, with the bone and some fat attached.

Ingredients

Basic Ingredients

2 boneless pork loin chops
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. (1.5 to 3g) salt
1/2 tsp. (1.5g) black pepper
1 1/2 tsp. (7ml) olive oil

Spice Rub Ingredients

2 boneless pork loin chops
1/8 tsp. (1.5g) garlic salt
1/4 (0.45g) teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 tsp. (0.6g) ground cumin
1/4 tsp. (1g) brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. (7ml) olive oil

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Lightly Seasoning Pork Chops

1
Remove your pork chops from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking. You will ensure even cooking and a nice crust.
2
Pat the pork chops dry.

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3
Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and salt on one side of the chops. Sprinkle enough so that it is well covered. Pork chops benefit from quite a bit of seasoning.
4
Turn the pork chops over. Repeat on the second side.
5
Heat a pan on high heat. Then, add your oil and turn it down to medium heat.
6
Place your pork chops in the pan with a pair of tongs. Let them sear on one side until there’s a golden crust. Then, turn them.
7
Use a meat thermometer for the perfect doneness. When inserted into the center, it should read 135 °F (57.2 °C) (57 Celsius).
8
Allow the chops to rest on a cutting board, covered in foil, for 10 minutes. They will continue to cook and reach the 145-degree (63 Celsius) recommended temperature while remaining moist.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Spice Rubbing Pork Chops

1
Remove the chops from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.
2
Sprinkle both sides of the chops with garlic salt.
3
Mix the remainder of the spices and sugar in a bowl. Remember that you can adjust your spices to include almost any spice you like. Look for Tuscan, barbecue, Spanish and Indian spice rubs, as they pair well with pork.
4
Rub the spice mixture liberally on one side of the pork. Turn it over and rub the opposite side.
5
Heat up your skillet to high heat. Add your olive oil, and then turn it down to medium heat. Swirl the oil.
6
Place your chops in the skillet. Cook on one side for two minutes, or until golden brown.
7
Turn the pork chops over with tongs and cook for about four more minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 135 °F (57.2 °C) (57 Celsius). Once it does, rest it for 10 minutes on the cutting board.
- The pork will continue to cook and reach the preferred internal temperature of 145 degrees (63 Celsius).
8
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

When should you season pork chops?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

For the best results, season the chops before cooking them. This will help bring out their flavor. You can even brine the chops (soak them in a solution of water, salt, and other seasonings) to make them juicier and more tender.
Question

Do you season pork chops on both sides?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Yes. Your chops will be more flavorful if you season them all over. If you’re using dry seasoning, sprinkle it on from a few inches above to distribute it evenly over the whole surface of the pork chop on both sides. If you’re using sauce, brush it on both sides of the chop.
Question

How do you season pork chops to tenderize them?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Use a marinade, which is a sauce that contains an acid, such as lemon or lime juice. Let your chops soak in the marinade for at least 45 minutes, or for several hours if possible.