Savory Chicago Pork Chop Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions
Experience a taste of Chicago with these deliciously savory pork chop sandwiches, featuring juicy boneless pork chops layered with sweet, caramelized onions, all served on a toasted bun. This recipe brings home the beloved street food flavors of Chicago in a simple yet satisfying lunch or snack option. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, these pork chop sandwiches are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
vegetable oil
1/4 cup (plus more if needed for cooking)
yellow onions
2 large (halved and thinly sliced)
salt
1 teaspoon (divided)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (divided)
boneless pork chops
6 (1/2-inch thick)
hamburger buns or kaiser rolls
6 (toasted)
Instructions
1
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the thinly sliced onions. Season them with half of the salt and half of the black pepper. Stir to combine and cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and deeply browned, approximately 15 minutes.
2
While the onions are cooking, preheat your broiler on high. Once the onions are caramelized, transfer them to a bowl and set aside.
3
Season the boneless pork chops with the remaining salt and pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated. If needed, add a little more vegetable oil to the skillet and increase the heat to medium-high.
4
Place the seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C).
5
While the pork chops are cooking, prepare the hamburger buns or kaiser rolls. Place them under the broiler on a baking sheet, cut side up, and toast until lightly browned, watching closely to avoid burning.
6
Assemble the sandwiches by placing one cooked pork chop on each toasted bun, and top with an equal portion of the caramelized onions. Serve immediately while the chops are hot and juicy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Chicago Pork Chop Sandwich?
It is a savory sandwich featuring juicy boneless pork chops and sweet caramelized onions served on a toasted bun, inspired by Chicago street food.
What cut of pork is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 boneless pork chops that are approximately 1/2-inch thick.
How do I cook the onions for this sandwich?
Thinly slice 2 large yellow onions and cook them in vegetable oil with salt and pepper for about 15 minutes until soft and deeply browned.
What is the safe internal temperature for the pork chops?
The pork chops should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).
How long does it take to cook the pork chops?
The pork chops typically take about 3 to 4 minutes per side in a hot skillet until they are golden brown.
What kind of buns should I use?
You can use either standard hamburger buns or kaiser rolls for these sandwiches.
How do I toast the buns?
Place the buns cut side up on a baking sheet and toast them under a high broiler until they are lightly browned.
What type of oil is used for frying?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, plus more if needed for cooking the pork.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe requires 2 large yellow onions, halved and thinly sliced.
When should I season the pork?
Season the pork chops with the remaining salt and pepper after you have finished caramelizing the onions and before placing them in the skillet.
Can I use bone-in pork chops?
While the recipe specifies boneless chops for a sandwich format, you could use bone-in, though boneless is easier to eat on a bun.
How do I prevent the buns from burning?
Watch the buns closely while they are under the broiler, as they can go from toasted to burnt very quickly.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 6 individual pork chop sandwiches.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is a perfect option for a simple yet satisfying lunch or a snack at a gathering.
How should I prepare the onions?
The onions should be halved and then thinly sliced to ensure even caramelization.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The seasonings are simple: just 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper, divided between the onions and the meat.
Should I cook the onions and pork together?
No, cook the onions first, transfer them to a bowl, and then cook the pork chops in the skillet.
What heat level should I use for the onions?
The onions should be cooked over medium heat to allow them to soften and brown without burning.
What heat level is used for the pork chops?
Increase the heat to medium-high when cooking the pork chops to get a good golden brown sear.
Is this a traditional Chicago recipe?
It is inspired by the beloved street food flavors found in Chicago.
Can I use red onions instead of yellow?
Yellow onions are preferred for their sweetness when caramelized, but red onions can be used if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How should I assemble the sandwich?
Place one cooked pork chop on each toasted bun and top it with an equal portion of the caramelized onions.
Should I serve these sandwiches hot?
Yes, for the best taste and texture, serve them immediately while the pork is hot and juicy.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: vegetable oil, yellow onions, salt, pepper, pork chops, and buns.
How much oil is needed for the onions?
Use 1/4 cup of vegetable oil to start the onion caramelization process.
What if the skillet is too dry after the onions?
You can add a little more vegetable oil to the skillet before adding the pork chops if needed.
Are the buns toasted on both sides?
The recipe suggests toasting them cut side up until the interior is lightly browned.
Can I use thicker pork chops?
You can, but you will need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F.
Is this recipe good for sharing?
Absolutely, these sandwiches are ideal for sharing with friends and family at gatherings.
What gives the onions their flavor?
The combination of slow cooking in oil and seasoning with salt and pepper brings out their natural sweetness.