Center Cut Pork Chop

Sus scrofa domesticus (loin cut) Pork, Chop

Center Cut Pork Chop Pork, Chop

At a Glance

  • Category Pork, Chop

The Forktionary Angle

"Elevating the classic pork chop to perfection, focusing on tenderness, juiciness, and preventing dryness."

Definition

A lean, tender cut of pork from the loin, prized for its bone-in or boneless versatility and quick cooking time, often grilled, pan-fried, or baked.

Cooking Time (1-inch thick) ~6-10 minutes
Leanest Pork Cut One of the leanest
Recommended Internal Temp 145°F (63°C)

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Center Cut Pork Chop are:

Mild savory slightly sweet. Can be very juicy if cooked properly but prone to drying out

Chef’s Secret

To prevent center cut pork chops from drying out, brine them for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in a simple salt and sugar solution before cooking. This helps retain moisture and adds flavor.

Best Substitutes

Loin chop

very similar
Ratio 1:1

Rib chop

slightly more fat
Ratio 1:1

Boneless pork loin

can be cut into chops, for weight
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for chops that are pinkish-red, with some marbling and a thin fat cap. Avoid pale or watery pork.

Recipes Using Center Cut Pork Chop

Preparation Taste Mood Easy North American

Barbecue Pork Skillet

This incredibly quick and easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into juicy, flavorful pork chops that taste like they've been slow-cooked for hours! Perfect for a weeknight meal, this recipe is adaptable – try it on the stovetop or even on the grill for smoky deliciousness. Get ready for tender, fall-apart pork chops bursting with barbecue flavor in just 15 minutes!

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Preparation Stove Top Main Ingredient Valentines Day

Asian Stir Fry Pork And Noodles

This vibrant Asian stir-fry is packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes! Tender pork, crisp-tender vegetables, and your choice of noodles (vermicelli or rice noodles work perfectly) come together in a savory hoisin sauce. For easier slicing, try partially freezing the pork before prepping. A delicious and satisfying weeknight dinner!

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Cuisine Course Russian Meat

Russian Pork Chops And Potatoes In Sour Cream Sauce

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Russia with this creamy and decadent pork chop and potato recipe! Tender pork chops simmered in a rich sour cream sauce with perfectly cooked potatoes – a classic dish that's sure to become a family favorite. Easy to follow instructions make this a perfect weeknight meal.

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Pork Chops 30 Minutes Or Less Beginner Cook American

Apple Ginger Pork Chops By Guy Fieri

Fire up your taste buds with Guy Fieri's incredible Apple Ginger Pork Chops! Inspired by his Food Network Oktoberfest episode, this recipe delivers a mouthwatering blend of sweet, spicy, and savory. Juicy pork chops are marinated in a vibrant apple cider vinegar mixture, then pan-seared to perfection and baked to tender deliciousness. A delightful apple and onion relish adds the perfect finishing touch. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Course Number Of Servings Meat Main Dish

Baked Bacon Wrapped Center Cut Pork Chops

Elevate your weeknight dinner with these juicy, bacon-wrapped pork chops! This recipe features tender center-cut pork chops, perfectly wrapped in crispy bacon and baked to perfection with sweet apples and savory onions. The apples add an unexpected sweetness that complements the pork beautifully, creating a flavor explosion in your mouth. No marinating required (though recommended!), this easy recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner for two or easily scaled up for a crowd. Get ready for incredibly flavorful and tender pork chops that will leave you wanting more!

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Preparation Pork Equipment Main Ingredient

Fried Pork Chops And Gravy

Elevate your weeknight dinner with these crispy, juicy oven-fried pork chops! This recipe builds on a classic, adding a flavorful marinade and a perfectly thickened gravy. Impress your family and friends with this restaurant-quality meal – easy enough for a busy weeknight, yet elegant enough for a special occasion. Prep time excludes marinating.

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Equipment Low Sodium Preparation High Protein

Bbq Lime Pork Chops

Savor the explosion of flavors in these juicy BBQ Lime Pork Chops! Tender pork chops are marinated in a zesty lime and smoky BBQ sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that's both easy and incredibly delicious. A hint of lime keeps the meat unbelievably moist, while the BBQ adds a sweet and smoky depth. For a fiery kick, simply add a teaspoon of chili powder to the marinade! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue.

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Number Of Servings Free Of Something Weeknight Time To Make

Baked Pork Chops With Caraway Seeds And Cabbage

Juicy baked pork chops infused with warm caraway seeds and tender cabbage—a delicious and healthy recipe inspired by nutritionist Melissa Diane Smith! This easy-to-follow recipe delivers a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to savor the delightful combination of savory pork, aromatic caraway, and sweet cabbage.

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High In Something Dietary Easy High In Something

Basil Pork Chops

Juicy and flavorful basil pork chops, a reader-submitted recipe! These tender pork chops are infused with the aromatic freshness of basil, creating a simple yet elegant meal. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Low Carb Low Calorie Dietary Low Fat

Ancho Pork Chops And Peppers

Elevate your weeknight dinner with these flavorful Ancho Pork Chops! This Mexican-inspired recipe, adapted from a Cooking Light favorite, uses smoky ancho chili powder to transform ordinary pork chops into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 20 minutes. The tender pork is perfectly complemented by a vibrant sauté of bell peppers and onions, finished with a bright lime zest. Serve with rice and beans for a complete and satisfying experience.

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Easy Meat Equipment Main Ingredient

Balsamic Citrus Pork Chops

Juicy, flavorful pork chops are ready in under 30 minutes with this easy skillet recipe! Perfectly balanced sweet and tangy balsamic citrus glaze coats tender, thick-cut pork chops. A simple weeknight dinner that's impressive enough for company. This recipe works with any thickness of pork chop; adjust cooking time as needed.

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60 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient Main Dish Preparation

Asian Pork Chops And Baby Bok Choy Nuwave Flavorwave Ovens

Quick & easy Asian-inspired pork chops and baby bok choy, perfectly cooked in your Nuwave Flavorwave oven! This recipe delivers tender, juicy pork with a flavorful glaze and vibrant bok choy in just 38 minutes. Impress your family with this delicious and healthy weeknight meal.

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