Southern Buttermilk Fried Pork Chops
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of the South with these perfectly fried pork chops, reminiscent of grandma's kitchen. Marinated in rich buttermilk, these chops are incredibly tender and flavor-infused. Coated in a seasoned flour mix and fried until golden brown, each bite melts in your mouth. Using heart-smart Enova oil makes this comfort food a little easier on the waistline while retaining all the deliciousness. Serve these savory chops nestled between slices of soft white bread for a delightful sandwich that takes your taste buds back to simpler times. Whether it's a family dinner or a cozy meal for one, these pork chops are sure to bring warmth and joy to any table.
4
Servings
350
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
center-cut pork chops
4 (cut approximately 1/2 inch thick)
buttermilk
1/2 cup (for marinating)
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (for coating)
cooking oil (Enova)
enough for frying (heat to medium-high)
seasoning salt
to taste (for seasoning)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (for coating)
Instructions
1
Start by seasoning both sides of the center-cut pork chops lightly with your choice of seasoning salt. Popular options include Garlic & Pepper Seasoning, Lawry's, or Old Bay.
2
Place the seasoned pork chops into a ziplock bag, then pour in the buttermilk. Squeeze out as much air as possible prior to sealing the bag. Gently massage the bag to ensure every chop is generously coated with buttermilk. Let the bag sit in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
3
In a pie plate, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt, adjusting the quantities to suit your taste.
4
In a large, heavy frying pan, heat enough Enova oil on medium-high heat until it reaches a depth of slightly less than 1/2 inch in the pan.
5
Remove the pork chops from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and coat each chop thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Set each coated chop aside on a plate.
6
Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the coated pork chops to the pan and let them cook uncovered for about 2 minutes until golden brown. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking uncovered, allowing the sides to brown and red juices to begin accumulating.
7
Using tongs, turn the pork chops over gently, cover the pan with a lid, and adjust the heat slightly lower. Cook until the other side is also browned and cooked through.
8
To finish, transfer the fried pork chops to a sheet of crinkled foil. Loosely wrap them in the foil and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each chop remains moist and flavorful.
Nutrition Information
20
Fat
30
Carbs
20
Protein
1
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Southern Buttermilk Fried Pork Chops?
They are tender pork chops marinated in buttermilk, coated in seasoned flour, and fried until golden brown.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How long should the pork chops be marinated?
The pork chops should be marinated in buttermilk for at least 4 hours, though overnight is preferred for the best flavor.
What thickness should the pork chops be?
The center-cut pork chops should be approximately 1/2 inch thick.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
Each serving contains 350 calories.
What kind of oil is recommended for frying?
The recipe suggests using Enova oil for a heart-smart option, but other cooking oils can be used.
What seasonings are suggested for the pork chops?
Popular options include Garlic & Pepper Seasoning, Lawry's, or Old Bay seasoning salt.
How much protein is in a serving of these pork chops?
Each serving provides 20 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 30 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 20 grams of fat.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Yes, there is 1 gram of fiber per serving.
What is the first step in preparing the pork chops?
Start by seasoning both sides of the pork chops lightly with seasoning salt.
How do I marinate the pork chops?
Place seasoned chops in a ziplock bag with buttermilk, squeeze out air, massage to coat, and refrigerate.
What goes into the seasoned flour mixture?
The coating consists of 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of seasoning salt.
How deep should the oil be in the frying pan?
The oil should reach a depth of slightly less than 1/2 inch in a large, heavy frying pan.
What is the initial frying temperature?
Heat the oil on medium-high heat until it is shimmering before adding the pork chops.
How long do I fry the first side of the pork chops?
Fry the coated chops uncovered for about 2 minutes until they are golden brown.
When do I reduce the heat during frying?
Reduce the heat to medium-low after the first 2 minutes of browning.
Should I cover the pan while cooking?
The pan should be covered with a lid after you turn the pork chops over to finish cooking.
Why should I rest the pork chops in foil?
Resting the chops for 5 minutes in foil allows the juices to redistribute, keeping them moist and flavorful.
How much buttermilk is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of buttermilk for marinating.
What is a recommended serving suggestion?
These chops are delicious served between slices of soft white bread as a sandwich.
Can I use different types of seasoning salt?
Yes, you can adjust the type and quantity of seasoning salt to suit your personal taste.
What type of pork chop cut is best?
Center-cut pork chops are specified for this recipe.
What is the purpose of the buttermilk marinade?
The buttermilk makes the pork chops incredibly tender and helps infuse them with flavor.
How much flour is used for the coating?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Do I need to remove excess buttermilk before flouring?
Yes, allow the excess buttermilk to drip off before coating each chop in the flour mixture.
How long is the resting period?
The pork chops should rest for about 5 minutes after being transferred to foil.
What tool should I use to turn the pork chops?
It is recommended to use tongs to gently turn the pork chops over in the pan.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as easy and is suitable for family dinners.