Crispy Southern-Style Fried Pork Chops
Take your taste buds on a delightful journey with these Crispy Southern-Style Fried Pork Chops! This recipe combines my Granny’s traditional frying technique with a few modern twists for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The secret lies not just in the light coating of flour, but in the generous sprinkle of salt that penetrates the meat, resulting in juicy chops with a crispy exterior. Ideal for a comforting family dinner, these pork chops are versatile enough to be served with your favorite sides. Get ready to fry up a classic dish that evokes the warm, home-cooked meals of yesteryear.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork chops
4-6 (any thickness, washed)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
flour
enough to coat (for dredging)
oil or Crisco
enough to fill bottom of the pan (for frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the pork chops under cool running water to ensure they are clean.
2
Generously sprinkle salt on both sides of each pork chop, allowing it to penetrate the meat for enhanced flavor.
3
Place the salted chops on paper towels and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This step helps the meat absorb the salt and draws out excess moisture.
4
In a large frying pan, pour enough oil or Crisco to cover the bottom of the pan, about 1/4 inch deep. Heat the pan over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
5
While the oil heats, coat each pork chop lightly with flour, ensuring they are evenly coated on both sides. Shake off any excess flour.
6
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the pork chops, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
7
After browning, reduce the burner to medium heat to cook the chops through, which should take an additional 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your chops.
8
Check the internal temperature of the pork chops, which should reach at least 145°F (63°C). Remove the chops from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Crispy Southern-Style Fried Pork Chops.
What are the main ingredients required?
The main ingredients are pork chops, salt, flour, and oil or Crisco.
How many pork chops does this recipe use?
This recipe is designed for 4-6 pork chops.
Should the pork chops be washed?
Yes, begin by washing the pork chops under cool running water to ensure they are clean.
How do I season the pork chops?
Generously sprinkle salt on both sides of each pork chop to allow it to penetrate the meat.
How long should the pork chops sit with salt?
The salted pork chops should sit on paper towels for about 15 minutes.
Why is it important to let the pork sit on paper towels?
This step helps the meat absorb the salt and draws out excess moisture for better frying.
How much oil or Crisco should be used?
Use enough to cover the bottom of the frying pan about 1/4 inch deep.
What is the ideal heat setting for the oil?
Start by heating the pan over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
How should the pork chops be coated?
Coat each chop lightly with flour, ensuring they are evenly covered on both sides.
What should I do after flouring the chops?
Make sure to shake off any excess flour before placing them into the hot oil.
How long do I fry the chops on medium-high heat?
Fry the chops for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
Should I change the temperature while cooking?
Yes, after browning, reduce the burner to medium heat to cook the chops through.
How long do the chops cook on medium heat?
They should cook for an additional 4-5 minutes per side, depending on their thickness.
What is the safe internal temperature for pork chops?
The internal temperature should reach at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius).
Is resting the meat necessary?
Yes, remove the chops from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
What makes this recipe unique?
It combines a traditional Granny's frying technique with modern twists for a perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Can I use thick-cut pork chops?
Yes, the recipe works for pork chops of any thickness, though cooking times may vary.
What is the secret to the crispy exterior?
The secret lies in the light flour coating and drawing out moisture with salt before frying.
What kind of oil is best for frying these?
You can use either standard cooking oil or Crisco to fill the bottom of the pan.
What happens if I overcrowd the pan?
Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking; ensure there is enough space between the chops.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting family dinner classic that evokes home-cooked meals.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pork, southern cooking, comfort food, family recipe, and easy weeknight dinner.
What does 'shimmering oil' look like?
The oil is hot enough when it looks thin and moves easily in the pan but hasn't reached the point of smoking.
Do I need an egg wash?
No, this recipe uses a simple flour dredging technique without egg.
Can I use different seasonings?
While the recipe focuses on salt and flour, you can adapt it to your taste buds.
How deep is the flour coating?
The coating should be light; excess should be shaken off to prevent a gummy texture.
What color should the finished pork chops be?
The finished pork chops should be golden brown.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy weeknight dinner.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 4 main ingredients: pork chops, salt, flour, and oil/Crisco.