ADVERTISEMENT
Here’s what you’ll need to make Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops:
- Three Shallow Dishes – For breading station (flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumb mixture).
- Large Skillet – For cooking the pork chops.
- Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin – For pounding the pork chops (optional, for even thickness).
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate measurement of ingredients.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Pork Chops
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to finish cooking the chops in the oven. You can also cook them entirely on the stovetop if preferred.
- Pound the Pork Chops (Optional): If your pork chops are uneven in thickness, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to an even 1-inch thickness. This helps them cook more evenly.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
- Prepare the Flour: In one shallow dish, place the flour and season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a second shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third shallow dish, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder if using.
3. Bread the Pork Chops
- Dredge in Flour: Coat each pork chop in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip in Egg Mixture: Next, dip the floured pork chop into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat with Parmesan Breadcrumbs: Finally, coat the pork chop in the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the meat.
4. Cook the Pork Chops
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Pork Chops: Add the breaded pork chops to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the pork should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Finish in the Oven (Optional): If you prefer to cook the chops more thoroughly without over-browning the crust, transfer them to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.
5. Serve
- Rest and Serve: Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
Tips and Tricks
- Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated cheese.
- Ensure Even Cooking: Pounding the pork chops to an even thickness ensures that they cook uniformly and stay juicy.
- Add Flavor: Experiment with different herbs and spices in the breadcrumb mixture to customize the flavor to your liking.
How to Store Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
Variations on the Recipe
- Herb-Crusted Pork Chops: Add chopped fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
- Spicy Parmesan Pork Chops: Mix in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a spicy kick.
- Stuffed Pork Chops: Stuff the pork chops with a mixture of spinach and cheese before breading and cooking for an added layer of flavor.
- Read more on next page
ADVERTISEMENT
