Your Toaster Oven is About to Get Tastier: The CopyCat Tovala Pork Chop Recipe
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In the video above I'm using the Tovala Smart Oven. This is an easy pork chop recipe. This is not your ordinary Toaster oven, it also uses steam to cook. Using my Tovala Oven or a conventional oven you can get this amazing one dish meal. Baking a pork chop is one of the simple dishes that you can make for an easy lunch or dinner. It also doesn't take very much time to cook.
Baked pork chops are a delicious and simple dish to make at home. Pork chops are a versatile cut of meat that can be seasoned and prepared in many different ways. Baking pork chops in the oven is an easy and foolproof way to cook them, ensuring that they are cooked through and juicy. In this article, we will walk you through how to make baked pork chops step-by-step.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops, about 1 inch thick
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions:
Tenderizing a pork chop can make it more flavorful and juicy, as it breaks down the tough fibers and connective tissue in the meat. Here are a few methods for tenderizing a pork chop:
- Use a meat mallet: Pound the pork chop with a meat mallet on both sides until it is flattened to your desired thickness. This will help to break down the muscle fibers and make the meat more tender.
- Marinate the pork chop: Marinating the pork chop in an acidic or enzymatic marinade can help to tenderize the meat. Acidic ingredients like vinegar, citrus juice, or wine can help to break down the tough fibers, while enzymes in ingredients like pineapple or papaya can help to tenderize the meat. Marinate the pork chop in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight before cooking.
- Brine the pork chop: Brining the pork chop in a saltwater solution can help to tenderize the meat and make it more flavorful. To make a brine, combine 1/4 cup of salt with 4 cups of water and stir until the salt is dissolved. Add the pork chop to the brine and let it soak in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours before cooking.
- Score the pork chop: Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the pork chop in a crosshatch pattern. This will help to break down the muscle fibers and make the meat more tender.
- Cook the pork chop low and slow: Cooking the pork chop at a low temperature for a longer period of time can help to break down the tough fibers and make the meat more tender. Try cooking the pork chop in a slow cooker or braising it in a flavorful liquid for a few hours.
Remember, the key to a tender pork chop is not to overcook it. Cook the pork chop until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius), then remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and make the pork chop more tender and juicy.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
- Take your pork chops out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will help them cook more evenly.
- Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper. Be generous with the seasoning, as this will help flavor the meat.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried oregano. This will be the seasoning mixture for the pork chops. (This is optional)
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the pork chops, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the pork chops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are browned.
- Once the pork chops are browned, transfer them to a baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake the pork chops for 25-30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius). To ensure that the pork chops are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Once the pork chops are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute and make the pork chops more tender.
- Serve the pork chops hot, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges if desired.
Tips:
- If your pork chops are thicker than 1 inch, you may need to bake them for a few extra minutes to ensure that they are fully cooked.
- You can also use boneless pork chops for this recipe, but they may cook a little faster than bone-in chops.
- Feel free to customize the seasoning mixture to your liking. You can add more or less of any of the spices listed, or even add other spices like cumin or chili powder.
- For a crispier crust, you can remove the aluminum foil from the baking dish for the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
- Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Pork chops are a versatile protein that can be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a delicious and balanced meal. Here are some side dishes that go well with pork chops:
- Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or brussels sprouts make a great side dish for pork chops. Simply toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven until they are tender and caramelized.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with pork chops. You can also try adding some garlic, cheese, or herbs to your mashed potatoes for extra flavor.
- Rice pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf with fragrant herbs like thyme or rosemary is a great complement to savory pork chops. You can also add some dried fruit, nuts, or vegetables to your rice pilaf for added texture and flavor.
- Grilled vegetables: Grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers are a healthy and flavorful side dish for pork chops. Simply brush the vegetables with olive oil and grill them until they are tender and lightly charred.
- Salad: A fresh salad with crisp greens, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing is a great way to balance out the richness of pork chops. You can try adding some nuts, cheese, or fruit to your salad for extra flavor and texture.
- Baked beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans are a classic side dish that pairs well with pork chops. You can make your own baked beans from scratch, or use canned beans and doctor them up with some bacon, onion, and spices.
- Corn on the cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a simple and delicious side dish that pairs well with pork chops. You can slather the corn with butter and herbs for extra flavor.
- Sauteed spinach: Nutrient-packed spinach sauteed with garlic and olive oil is a healthy and flavorful side dish for pork chops. You can also try adding some pine nuts, raisins, or feta cheese to your spinach for added texture and flavor.
Remember, the key to a great side dish is to balance the flavors and textures of your meal. Try to incorporate a mix of vegetables, grains, and salads into your meal to create a balanced and satisfying plate.
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