Southern Fried Pork Chops

These Southern Fried Pork Chops are dipped in a mix of spices and flour, then fried in corn oil until they’re crispy golden brown. They offer a crunchy exterior with a tender, juicy middle, making for a delicious and satisfying dish.

Table of Contents

1. How to Make Southern Fried Pork Chops
2. Frequently Asked Questions
3. How to Store and Reheat Southern Fried Pork Chops Leftovers
4. Print and Save This Southern Fried Pork Chops Recipe for Later!
5. Southern Fried Pork Chops

View more

 

Today, we’re diving into a dish that’s a true jewel in our soul food crown: Crispy Southern Fried Pork Chops. Now, when we talk about soul food, we’re embracing more than just flavors; we’re celebrating a rich culinary heritage that’s steeped in history and heart. These pork chops? They’re a perfect example of that legacy – simple ingredients, cooked with soul, resulting in flavors that speak directly to our hearts.

Imagine this: pork chops, seasoned generously and fried until they’re wearing a coat of golden crispiness, while staying unbelievably tender and juicy inside. This is the kind of cooking that tells a story of resilience, creativity, and community – the very essence of soul food.

But wait, let’s make it a meal! Picture these pork chops alongside some super creamy, cheesy soul food style mac and cheese, the kind that’s so rich and gooey, it’s practically a hug on a plate. Add some collard greens, simmered to perfection, and a piece of sweet, crumbly cornbread. Now, that’s not just a meal, cousins, that’s a celebration of our heritage on a plate.

So let’s keep this tradition alive, cousins. Let’s fry up these pork chops and serve them with all the fixings. It’s more than just delicious; it’s a way to connect with our roots, to share the stories and flavors that define our soul food heritage.

How to Make Southern Fried Pork Chops

Shopping List

• Bone-In Pork Chops (1.5 pounds): Look for chops that are about 1-inch thick. The bone helps keep the meat juicy and adds flavor during cooking.
• All-Purpose Flour (3/4 cup): A pantry staple, used for coating the pork chops. It gives them that desirable crispy crust when fried.
• Rosamae Seasonings Granny’s Secret Fried Chicken Seasoning (2 1/2 teaspoons): This blend of spices adds a rich, savory flavor to the pork chops. It’s a mix of herbs and spices that can elevate the taste of the meat.
• Rosamae Seasonings Seasoning Salt (1 1/2 teaspoons, divided): A seasoned salt adds more depth than regular salt and enhances the overall flavor of the pork chops.
• Corn Oil (for frying): Corn oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying. It also has a neutral taste, which won’t overpower the seasoning on the pork chops.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you keep breading on southern fried pork chops?

• Drying the Pork Chops: Start by patting the pork chops dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of a good breading!
• Season the Meat First: Season the chops before dredging them in flour. This helps the flour stick better.
• Dredge Properly: Coat the pork chops evenly in flour, then shake off the excess. Too much flour can cause the breading to fall off.
• Let Them Set: After breading, let the pork chops rest on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This step helps the breading adhere to the meat.
• Fry at the Right Temperature: Heat the oil to a medium-high temperature (around 350°F) and maintain it. If the oil is too hot, the breading will burn; if it’s too cool, the breading can become soggy and fall off.

How to make pork chops tender when frying?

• Choose the Right Cut: Thicker, bone-in pork chops tend to be more tender when fried.
• Don’t Overcook: Pork chops become tough when overcooked. Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F, then let them rest.
• Use Moderate Heat: Frying on a medium-high heat allows the pork chops to cook evenly and become tender.
• Marinating: A marinade can help tenderize the meat. Even a simple brine (saltwater solution) can make a significant difference.

How do you cook pork chops so they are tender, not tough?

• Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 145°F. Overcooked pork chops become tough.
• Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it tender.
• Cook at Room Temperature: Let the pork chops sit out for about 30 minutes before cooking. Cooking them straight from the fridge can result in uneven cooking.

Should you soak pork chops in milk before frying?

• Soaking pork chops in milk is an optional step, but it can help in tenderizing and adding flavor to the meat. The lactic acid and enzymes in milk work to break down the proteins, making the pork chops more tender.
• If you choose to soak them, do it for at least an hour before cooking. After soaking, pat them dry before seasoning and breading.

How to Store and Reheat Southern Fried Pork Chops Leftovers

Storing Leftover Southern Fried Pork Chops:

1. Cool Down: Allow the pork chops to cool to room temperature. You don’t want to put hot food directly in the fridge as it can raise the temperature inside and potentially spoil other food.
2. Airtight Container: Place the cooled pork chops in an airtight container. If you don’t have a container large enough, you can also wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps to keep them from drying out.
3. Refrigerate: Put the container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, fried pork chops can last for 3 to 4 days.

Reheating Leftover Southern Fried Pork Chops

1. Cool Down: Allow the pork chops to cool to room temperature. You don’t want to put hot food directly in the fridge as it can raise the temperature inside and potentially spoil other food.
2. Airtight Container: Place the cooled pork chops in an airtight container. If you don’t have a container large enough, you can also wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps to keep them from drying out.
3. Refrigerate: Put the container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, fried pork chops can last for 3 to 4 days.

Reheating Leftover Southern Fried Pork Chops

Oven Method (Recommended)

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the pork chops on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This setup allows the heat to circulate around the pork chops, helping them reheat evenly.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. The time may vary depending on the thickness of the chops.

Air Fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.
• Place the pork chops in the basket, ensuring they’re not overlapping.
• Reheat for about 3-4 minutes, then check if they’re warmed through. If not, continue heating in 1-minute increments.

Microwave:

• While this is the quickest method, it may not retain the crispiness of the pork chops.
• Place the pork chops on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
• Microwave on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds.

Sides to serve with these Southern Fried Pork Chops:

• Soulful Cabbage & Collard Greens
• Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
• Southern Green Beans with Smoked Turkey
• Southern Sweet Cornbread
• Southern Potato Salad Recipe

Print and Save This Southern Fried Pork Chops Recipe for Later!

Don’t forget to tag and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, subscribe to I Heart Recipes on YouTube, and check out I Heart Soulfood, Super Soul Food with Cousin Rosie and A Cousin Rosie Holiday with many recipes you can’t find anywhere else.