Southern Comfort Fried Pork Chops with Creamy Gravy
Indulge in the rich flavors of the South with this hearty recipe for Fried Pork Chops with Creamy Gravy. This dish brings back memories of family dinners and gathering around the table. Using tender, bone-in rib chops, this recipe combines a savory seasoning blend with a crispy exterior and a deliciously creamy gravy. Perfectly paired with fluffy mashed potatoes, this down-home comfort food is both satisfying and nostalgic, allowing you to savor the juicy, flavorful meat while smothering it in a velvety gravy or enjoying it straight from the bone.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Chops
4 ((bone-in rib chops, not too thick))
Seasoning Salt or Salt and Pepper
to taste ((for seasoning))
Flour
1/4 cup ((plus 2 tablespoons reserved for gravy))
Seasoning Salt
2 teaspoons ((for seasoning mixture))
Dry Mustard
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
to taste ((for seasoning mixture))
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon
Butter
2 tablespoons ((more if needed for gravy))
Oil
1 teaspoon ((for frying))
Milk or Cream
2 cups
Instructions
1
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork chops. Generously season both sides of the chops with seasoning salt or a mix of salt and pepper.
2
In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup of flour with 2 teaspoons of seasoned salt, 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard, freshly ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. For gravy, set aside 2 tablespoons of this seasoned flour to use later.
3
Coat the pork chops evenly with the remaining flour mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.
4
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter along with 1 teaspoon of oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
5
For those not preparing gravy, add the coated chops to the skillet and cook them until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per side. Once done, drain them on paper towels and serve immediately.
6
If making gravy, place the floured chops in the hot skillet and brown on each side, about 3-5 minutes per side until nicely golden. Once browned, remove the chops and set them on paper towels to drain, keeping them warm under foil.
7
Lower the heat to medium. Check the pan to ensure you have about 2 tablespoons of drippings remaining; add more butter or oil if necessary.
8
Add the reserved 2 tablespoons of seasoned flour to the drippings in the skillet to make a roux. Stir until it becomes smooth and dark brown, about 2-3 minutes.
9
Carefully pour in the 2 cups of milk or cream, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, then stir frequently until the gravy reaches your desired thickness. Taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary.
10
Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy. Simmer until the chops are heated through and tender. If the chops are already fully cooked and hot, simply ladle the gravy over them before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Comfort Fried Pork Chops with Creamy Gravy?
It is a hearty, Southern-style dish featuring bone-in rib chops that are seasoned, fried to a golden brown, and smothered in a rich, velvety gravy.
How many pork chops are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 bone-in rib chops that are not too thick.
What type of pork chops are best for this dish?
Bone-in rib chops are recommended because they are flavorful and juicy, though you should ensure they are not too thick for even frying.
How do I prepare the pork chops before cooking?
Start by trimming any excess fat from the pork chops and then generously season both sides with seasoning salt or a mix of salt and pepper.
What ingredients are in the seasoned flour mixture?
The flour mixture consists of 1/4 cup of flour, 2 teaspoons of seasoned salt, 1/2 teaspoon of dry mustard, freshly ground black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
Should I save any of the flour for the gravy?
Yes, you should set aside 2 tablespoons of the seasoned flour mixture specifically to make the gravy later.
How do I coat the pork chops?
Coat the pork chops evenly with the flour mixture, pressing it gently into the meat to help it adhere.
What fats are used to fry the pork chops?
The recipe uses a combination of 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of oil.
How long do I fry the pork chops?
Fry the chops for approximately 3-5 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
What should I do if I am not making the gravy?
If you are skiping the gravy, simply drain the cooked chops on paper towels after frying and serve them immediately.
How do I keep the chops warm if I am making gravy?
After browning the chops, remove them from the skillet, place them on paper towels to drain, and keep them warm under a piece of foil.
How do I start making the gravy roux?
Lower the heat to medium and ensure the pan has about 2 tablespoons of drippings, adding more butter or oil if necessary.
What is the process for cooking the roux?
Add the 2 tablespoons of reserved seasoned flour to the drippings and stir for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and dark brown.
What liquid is used for the creamy gravy?
You can use 2 cups of milk or cream to create the gravy.
How do I prevent lumps in the gravy?
To prevent lumps, pour the milk or cream in carefully while stirring constantly.
How do I reach the desired gravy thickness?
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and stir frequently until it thickens to your liking.
Can I adjust the taste of the gravy?
Yes, you should taste the gravy once it has thickened and adjust the seasonings as necessary.
How do I finish the dish once the gravy is ready?
Return the pork chops to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy, and simmer until they are heated through and tender.
What is an alternative way to serve the gravy?
If the pork chops are already hot and fully cooked, you can simply ladle the gravy over them right before serving.
What side dish is recommended with this recipe?
This dish is perfectly paired with fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy gravy.
What makes this recipe 'Southern Comfort' food?
The combination of bone-in fried meat, a seasoned flour crust, and a rich milk-based gravy are staples of traditional Southern comfort cooking.
Is dry mustard necessary for the recipe?
The dry mustard adds a subtle depth of flavor to the breading, but you can adjust it to suit your personal taste.
Can I use different seasonings in the flour?
Absolutely; you can adjust the seasoning salt, pepper, and paprika levels to your preference.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients including the pork chops, flour, milk, and various spices.
What heat setting is used for frying?
The pork chops should be fried over medium-high heat until the butter and oil shimmer.
What is the purpose of adding oil to the butter?
Adding a teaspoon of oil to the butter helps prevent the butter from burning at the higher temperatures needed for frying.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family dinners.
How should I drain the pork chops?
Always drain the fried pork chops on paper towels to remove any excess oil before serving or adding to the gravy.
Can I use cream instead of milk?
Yes, using cream will result in a richer, thicker, and more decadent gravy compared to milk.
What temperature should the pork chops be when finished?
The pork chops should be cooked through and golden brown, ensuring the meat is tender and heated through by the end of the simmering process.