Stop Overcooking Pork Chops: How to Cook Them Right

by Omaha Steaks
Last updated Nov 13, 2024

America, you’re overcooking your pork! There’s so much fear out there about pork cooking temperatures that the beauty and juiciness of pork chops have nearly been forgotten. Generations of eaters have been served dry, tasteless pucks of pork, and it just doesn’t have to be that way. Learn how pork should look when properly done, the safe pork internal temperature, and these five simple methods to cook pork chops.

Pan-sear
Grill
Bake
Air fry
Broil

Omaha Steaks Boneless Pork Chops

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Omaha Steaks Butcher's Cut Boneless Pork Chops 4 Pieces 8 oz Per Piece

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Omaha Steaks Polynesian Pork Chops 8 Pieces 6 oz Per Piece

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How to Know When Pork is Done

The FDA-recommended safe cooking temperature for pork is 145°F. Not 160°F or 165°F.

Many, many years ago, there was a fear of undercooked pork due to the food-borne disease trichinosis, but the risk has been eliminated from all USDA-inspected pork for decades. Unfortunately, the higher, drier temperature of 160°F is stuck in our minds and culture.

Pork chops cooked to 160°F or higher are going to be dry and flavorless, especially if you’re grilling them and not using a sauce.

How Should Pork Look When Done?

High-quality pork chops, like Omaha Steaks Boneless Pork Chops, taste amazing when cooked properly and should be moist and slightly pink in the center. The easiest and most accurate way to ensure this is to use a digital meat thermometer when cooking. You can safely stop cooking your pork when it reaches 140°F and allow it to rest for 5–6 minutes before serving. The meat will continue to carryover-cook to 145°F after you remove it from the heat source.

Boneless vs. Bone-in Pork Chop

A boneless pork chop is lean, easy to prepare, and cooks quicker than a bone-in pork chop. However, the longer cooking time of the bone-in pork chop allows you to create a good, crispy sear without overcooking the meat. Also, the bone gives the pork a richer flavor. Whether you choose bone-in or boneless, nailing the ideal pork temperature is essential for a juicy, delicious pork chop.

How to Cook Boneless Pork Chops

Pork chops are naturally lean. That’s why it’s important to choose extra-thick, extra-meaty center-cut pork chops, like our Boneless Pork Chops, for maximum flavor and juiciness. Our master butchers precisely cut center-cut pork loins into boneless, thick chops. Then each pork chop is vacuum-sealed and individually flash-frozen for your convenience and to preserve the natural flavors and juiciness. Cook our 6 oz. boneless pork chops using the directions below. Depending on the thickness of your pork chop, add additional cooking time as necessary.

Step 1: Thaw Pork Chops

For best results, completely thaw your pork chop before cooking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or, for faster thawing, use the quick-thaw method. Simply place the desired number of vacuum-sealed pork chops in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes or until fully thawed.

Step 2: Season or Marinade Pork Chops

Remove thawed pork chops from vacuum-sealed packaging and pat dry to remove any moisture. Lightly oil both sides and season with a blend of coarse sea salt and black pepper, Omaha Steaks Seasoning, or your favorite seasoning blends.

Pork chops are mild-flavored with savory and sweet undertones, lending themselves well to a variety of seasonings and marinades. Enhance the natural flavors of the pork with an herbaceous dry rub, a savory seasoning blend, or a flavorful marinade. Try one of these recipes:

Step 3: Cook Using Your Desired Method

How to Pan-Sear Boneless Pork Chops

Preheat a non-stick sauté pan to medium-high heat and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil per serving. When your pan is hot, sear your pork chops for 4-5 minutes per side. Add additional cooking time as needed until the internal temperature reaches 140°F; don’t forget to sear the edges. Rest for 5–6 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Carryover cooking will raise the internal temperature to a safe 145°F.

For a delicious twist on the traditional pan-fried pork chop with a delicious crispy breading, try our Pork Milanese recipe.

How to Grill Omaha Steaks Boneless Pork Chops

Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium heat. Place seasoned pork chops directly over the heat source and grill for 4–7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the meat and the heat of the grill. Remove at 140°F internal temperature and rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with this simple grilled pineapple salsa for a tropical flavor explosion.

How to Bake Boneless Pork Chops

Enjoy perfectly baked, juicy pork chops in around 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place seasoned pork chops on a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes, then flip and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes.

How to Cook Pork Chops in The Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Season pork chops and place on air fryer rack, leaving 1” between portions for proper air flow and circulation. Cook Omaha Steaks 6 oz. boneless pork chops for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. Remove at 140°F internal temperature and let them rest for 5–6 minutes before slicing. Final internal temperature after resting should be 145° F.

How to Broil Boneless Pork Chops

Preheat broiler to high. Place pork chops on a broiler pan on the center rack of the oven. Broil for 4–7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature is 140°. Rest for 5–6 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and carryover cooking to reach a safe 145° internal temperature.

Step 4: Rest 5–6 minutes

It’s tempting to slice right into your perfectly cooked pork chop, but it’s worth the wait for a tender, juicy bite. Cutting the meat too early will release all the flavorful juices onto the cutting board instead of keeping them in the meat, where they belong.

Rest your pork under tented foil for 5–6 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. During resting, the pork chop will continue to carryover cook and increase the internal temperature by around 5°. Pork is safe to consume when the final internal temperature reaches 145°F.

While you wait, add the finishing touches to your meal. Whip up a quick side salad or heat up an easy Omaha Steaks vegetable side dish for a complete meal. Call the family to the table for a perfectly cooked, incredibly juicy pork chop meal they will love.