How Long to Cook Pork?

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Are you a first-time cook wanting to find out how long to cook specific cuts of meat? Then you’ve come to the right place — here, we share all you need to know to achieve perfectly cooked pork every single time. Read on to find out how long to cook pork and to get the correct cooking times for each one.

Table of Contents

Cooking Pork Loin Chops

The most commonly used cut of meat is the classic pork chop which can be used to create your favorite pork chop recipes. Thicker chops will be naturally juicy and are versatile enough to be cooked in a wide range of ways such as frying, grilling, and even broiling. If you want truly tender pork chops, then opt for thick, boneless pork chops that you can easily turn into a meal.

All you need to do is drench your pork chops in egg, some parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. You can then place them in the air fryer at 400 degrees F for easy pan-fried pork chops that everyone will love!

How to Get Juicy Loin Chops

Whether you’re working with boneless or bone-in pork chops, there are a few quick things you can do to guarantee the best results.

Purchasing the Right Kind of Pork

Whenever you make your way to the grocery store to buy your meat, the most important thing is to check the thickness of the pork chop. Remember that thick chops are the best — choose one that’s at least an inch thick. This is because pork chops tend to dry out when they’re baked but whether you use boneless or bone-in chops, you can get great results.

Getting the Ideal Temperature

Cook times will vary greatly on the kind of pork chop you use, the thickness of your meat, and the oven temperature. As long as you don’t overcook your chops, it will stay juicy and tender. Checking for the best temperature of your meat using an instant-read thermometer is the secret to avoiding overcooked pork chops.

You can check for the doneness of your pork chops during the last minutes of your bake time. Be sure to insert the probe thermometer around the thickest part of your pork chop and remove it from your oven once it reaches the ideal temperature of 135 to 140 degrees F.

Rest Your Meat Before Serving

Giving your meat rest before cutting into it and then serving it is an absolute must. Once your meat is done cooking, allow it to rest between 5-10 minutes — during this time, it will enter a process called “carryover cooking”. The meat will rise to a safe internal temperature of 145 degrees F, which results in juicy and tender meat and is ready for consumption according to USDA guidelines.

Best Pork Loin Recipe

Below, we share the best way to cook bone-in chops that anyone can cook — these thick and boneless chops are seasoned using a tasty dry rub made from simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Dry Rub

2 tbsp. brown sugar
½ tsp. garlic powder
½ tsp. onion powder
¼ tsp. ground black pepper
½ tsp. sea salt
½ tsp. Italian seasoning
1 tsp. paprika

Pork

4 boneless chops about 1 inch in thickness
2 tbsp. olive oil

Instructions

Start by working with a preheated, 375-degree F oven. Line your sheet pan using aluminum foil to keep it clean.
Mix all your spice rub ingredients inside a small bowl. Pat and dry your pork chops with a paper towel.
Drizzle your pork with olive oil and season using your rub, ensuring that both sides are evenly coated for a nice crust.
Place your pork chops into the roasting pan you prepared.
Bake your pork chops in your oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until your pork reaches the safe temperature of 145 degrees F. Use an instant read thermometer to get an accurate reading of its temperature.
Be sure to let your meat rest as instructed above to allow its temperature to rise as needed.

FAQs

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to making tender pork loin.

What Should I Serve with My Pork Chops?

If you want a complete meal along with your delicious roast recipe for pork chops, you can try serving it with a quick and easy salad or you can try these side dishes:

Roasted sweet potatoes
Sauteed green beans
Garlic butter pasta
Lentil salad
Mashed potatoes
Grilled asparagus

How Do I Make My Pork Chops Ahead of Time?

Be sure to season your pork chops and store them inside an airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge overnight. Once you’re ready to cook your meat, take it out 30 minutes before baking time to allow it to reach room temperature before going inside the oven.

How Do I Reheat My Pork Chops?

To get started, preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. Place your pork chops inside an oven-safe container and use a few tablespoons of chicken broth to add extra flavor. Cover them with aluminum foil and reheat your pork until it becomes warm which should take around 10 to 12 minutes. Alternatively, you can also warm your pork inside your microwave at a high temperature in 30-second intervals to let the pork cook.

How Do I Check My Meat’s Temperature?

Use a meat thermometer to get an accurate reading of the temperature of your pork to ensure that it’s thoroughly cooked and up to USDA’s safety standards when cooking pork chops.

Cooking Pork Butt

When you want the most succulent boneless pork shoulder roast, this cut is the best and most flavorful option for you. When prepared using everyday ingredients you may already have in your pantry, and smoked in medium-high heat, you’ll get the best results. Allow it to reach a temperature of 225 degrees F to get tender meat and to help it render fat and eliminate connective tissues.

However, remember that boneless pork butt will cook faster than bone-in cuts, so be sure to cut them into a smaller roast to allow even cooking. You can even prepare a slow cooker pork roast to make scrumptious pork sandwiches.

Cooking Pork Belly

When you want to cook pork belly, be sure to use a combination of a lower temperature to help tenderize your meat, and then blast it with high temperatures to crisp up the skin. When using a gas grill, maintain a temperature of 356 degrees F for 2 hours then switch it up to 400 degrees F for another 30 minutes.