Pork chops are like canvases for culinary creativity. Like most meat dishes, you can grill, bake, cook, or pan-sear them. The tender and flavorful masterpiece is encased in a crispy, golden brown exterior with a caramelized crust and a moist interior. Overall, the final seasoned piece tantalizes the taste buds. However, due to the seasoning options available, finding the best can be tricky. Not only this, but how to season pork chops effectively. In this article, we will show you the best herbs and spices to season your pork chops and reveal some other secrets.
How to Season Pork Chops
One of the mistakes people make with pork chop seasoning is overcomplicating it. But as you’ll soon find out, the perfection is in the simplicity. Follow these steps to season your pork chops:
Defrost and Pat Dry
Wet meats have a sticky surface, which helps adhesion. As a result, the flavor penetrates better as the surface moisture dissolves the seasoning. That said, the first step to season wet meat is to pat dry with paper towels. The reason is that excess moisture can reduce the quality of your seasoning. At the end of the day, it depends on your preferences. Take a look at the pros of seasoning wet and dry meat below:
Wet meat seasoning pros
- Marination
- Flavor penetration
- Adhesion
Dry meat seasoning pros
- Crispiness and better browning
- Better sear
- Rub coating
Apply the Seasoning
Start by sprinkling both sides of the pork chops with your seasoning. We recommend you use your hands to sprinkle it from 8-10 inches above for even distribution. Avoid rubbing the seasoning into the meat or it may clump. Nonetheless, you can press it with your palm.
Rest, Coat, and Marinate
After seasoning the pork chop, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Brush the sides lightly with olive or vegetable oil to give it a beautiful sear. Afterward, marinate the pork chops for a few hours if you have enough time.
Grill or Cook
Preheat your grill to 400 degrees F and place the pork chops over the indirect heat for up to 12 minutes. Then, flip once. Move the chops over to the direct heat side before they are done to give it an exterior crust. This process should take only a minute or two. To create a perfect sear for cooking, preheat the pan and lock in the juices. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F or 63°C. Cook and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Best Seasoning for Pork Chops
Smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder are some of the best seasonings for pork chops. Likewise, black sugar, onion powder, and cayenne pepper for the following reasons:
- Smoked paprika is popular for seasoning pork chops. The reason is that it adds a rich and smoky flavor and enhances the overall taste.
- Salt is arguably the most fundamental seasoning. It balances other spices and brings out the pork’s flavors. Salt further contributes to the chop’s tenderness and juiciness.
- Black pepper: Black pepper with smoked paprika adds mild heat. Some chefs use it with the sweetness of black sugar to provide pungency.
- Garlic powder: Garlic adds complex flavor to the pork chop. Most importantly, it complements other spices and gives a savory quality to the meat.
- Black sugar: Sugar adds sweetness. The caramelization during cooking creates a delicious surface glaze and enhances the overall flavor.
- Onion powder: Like garlic, onion complements other spices and adds depth to the taste. The final result is a sweet and savory taste without dealing with the texture of a fresh onion.
- Cayenne pepper: This pepper adds heat and spiciness. Although it has a subtle kick, it won’t overpower other flavors.
Despite the advantages, buying the ingredients separately can be a hassle. But what if you can buy a single product with all the ingredients in one place? Now that you know how to apply your pork chop seasoning, let us suggest a few products to buy.
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Complete Bougie BBQ Collection Price $177.10 on Virginia Boys Kitchens
The complete Bougie BBQ Collection contains 16 pork seasonings. As a result, it will last through numerous uses. Meanwhile, besides being used for pork chops, it is suitable for popcorn, pizza, and beyond. The products include salt & sugar free steak seasoning and blackened BBQ rub. Most importantly, the collection is packed by hand in California and contains no filler. Likewise, they are all-natural and contain no GMOs.
Products in the collection
- Argentine Chimichurri & Steak Seasoning
- Brazilian Steakhouse BBQ Blend
- Chef's Kiss Spicy BBQ Mix
- Chop House Choice BBQ Seasoning
- Deep Cuts Blackening & BBQ Rub
- Everything But The BBQ Seasoning
- Extra Spicy Bayou Boil BBQ Seasoning
- Fancy AF BBQ Rub
- Great Lakes Fish Fry & BBQ Seasoning
- Herbed Maple & Spice BBQ Seasoning
- Perfect Poultry BBQ Rub
- New Zealand Land & Game BBQ Rub
- Salt & Sugar Free Steak Seasoning
- South Pacific Pineapple BBQ Rub
- Spicy Black Truffle BBQ Rub
- Zesty Mediterranean Lemon Pepper BBQ Rub
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BBQ Pit Master Price $28.60 on Virginia Boys Kitchens
BBQ Pit Master seasoning is available in a set of 4. The cans have a magnetic base, which makes them easy to store on a shelf, grill, or oven. There are seasonings and rubs for smoked pork, steak, prime cut, and gourmet BBQ. Whether you’re a newbie or a professional, the product is a must-have for adding rich flavor, color, and texture to your pork chops.
Products in the collection
- Ultimate Gourmet BBQ Seasoning
- Smoked Prime Cut Seasoning
- Hickory Smoked Pork Seasoning
- Montreal Steak Seasoning
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BBQ Bucket & Pit Master Gift Set $57 on Virginia Boys Kitchens
Eight gourmet seasonings, rubs, and salts are the perfect gift idea for your favorite BBQ lover. The product comes with a gift bow. Hence, you don’t need to worry about extra wrapping costs. They are crafted in small batches and contain everything you need for a premium pork chop.
Products in the collection
- Montreal Steak Seasoning: Garlic, Crushed Black Pepper, Coriander Seed, Dried Chili Peppers, California Sea Salt, Paprika.
- Taste of Cajun Seasoning: Oregano, Thyme, Black Pepper, Ground Celery Seed, Red Pepper, Paprika, California Sea Salt, Onion and Garlic.
- Hickory Smoked Pork Seasoning: California Sea Salt, Hickory Smoke Powder, Spanish Paprika, Cayenne, Cane Sugar, Garlic.
- BBQ Sea Salt: California Sea Salt, Garlic, Thyme, Oregano, Black Pepper, Cumin Seed, Cinnamon, Allspice, Ginger, Red Pepper, Nutmeg, Sage, Onion, Paprika, Sugar, Salt, Jalapeno.
- Chipotle Sea Salt: California Sea Salt, Dried Chipotle Peppers.
- Ultimate Gourmet BBQ Seasoning: California Salt, Garlic, Black Pepper, Ancho Chili, Red Bell Pepper, Oregano, Thyme, Ground Celery Seeds, Red Pepper, Paprika, Onion, Parsley.
- Smoked Prime Cut Seasoning & Rub: Smoked Salt, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Sugar, Celery Seed Powder, Salt, Black Pepper Ground and Arrowroot Powder.
- Garlic Pepper Rub: California Salt, Garlic, Black Pepper, Red Bell Pepper, Parsley.
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Home Cooking & Entertaining Gift Set $27.50 on Virginia Boys Kitchen
The Home Cooking & Entertainment seasoning is another gift idea for someone who cooks a lot. It contains seasonings for smoked pork, extra fancy veggies, French onion, and farmhouse-perfect protein. With this, you can transform your simple plates into mouth-watering delicacies.
Products in the collection
- Extra Fancy Veggie Seasoning
- Hickory Smoked Pork Seasoning
- Farmhouse Perfect Protein Seasoning
- French Onion Seasoning
FAQs
- What should you season pork chops with?
Paprika, salt, pepper, and sugar are some of the best pork chop seasoning ingredients. Not to worry, all the products above contain these ingredients and more.
- What makes pork so delicious?
Pork has a rich flavor and juicy texture. The fat content and the fact that you can prepare it in various ways further give it different flavor profiles.
- What herbs and spices go with pork chops?
Try thyme, garlic, mustard seed, and rosemary.
Conclusion
Pork chops are delicious. The right seasonings take the appeal up a notch and leave you relishing every bite. Homemade seasonings are great. However, keeping a tab on everything can be a hassle. Hence, we recommend you buy any of the products above and keep all your seasonings in one place.
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