Porchetta Pork Chops Recipe (2024)

By Melissa Clark

Porchetta Pork Chops Recipe (1)

Total Time
20 minutes
Rating
5(2,793)
Notes
Read community notes

Here's a more manageable version of the traditional Italian recipe for whole roast pig seasoned with a garlic, rosemary and fennel. This one comes together so quickly, you can make it on a whim.

Featured in: This Little Piggy Took a Shortcut

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Ingredients

Yield:2 servings

  • 2bone-in pork chops, 1¼ to 1½ inches thick
  • 1teaspoon coarse kosher salt, plus a pinch
  • 1lemon
  • 2garlic cloves, minced
  • 2tablespoons chopped rosemary
  • Large pinch red pepper flakes
  • ½teaspoon fennel seeds, lightly crushed
  • 2tablespoons chopped fennel fronds, more for garnish
  • 2tablespoons olive oil

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)

480 calories; 32 grams fat; 8 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 17 grams monounsaturated fat; 4 grams polyunsaturated fat; 6 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 1 gram sugars; 42 grams protein; 617 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Porchetta Pork Chops Recipe (2)

Preparation

Make the recipe with us

  1. Step

    1

    Heat oven to 350 degrees. Pat pork chops dry and, using a very sharp paring knife, cut a large pocket into the fat-covered edge of each chop. Season chops all over with 1 teaspoon salt, including inside pockets.

  2. Finely grate zest from lemon and put in a small bowl. Cut lemon lengthwise in quarters for serving.

  3. Step

    3

    Using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a knife, mash garlic with a pinch of salt until you get a paste. Add to the bowl with the lemon zest and stir in rosemary, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, 2 tablespoons fennel fronds and 1 tablespoon olive oil.

  4. Step

    4

    Divide filling between pork chops, stuffing some inside pockets and rubbing the rest on the outside.

  5. Step

    5

    Heat a large ovenproof skillet over high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sear pork chops on one side for 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Gently turn over chops and cook for another minute, then transfer skillet to oven. Cook until meat is just done, about 5 to 10 minutes longer (internal temperature should read 135 degrees on a meat thermometer). Transfer pork chops to a plate, tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fennel fronds and lemon wedges.

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2,793

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Cooking Notes

Terry

We accompanied this with Mark Bittman's asparagus and mushrooms to great effect. I added a teaspoonful of Fallot dijon mustard and two diced anchovies to the filling. This added a tremendous depth of flavor to the filling. Also, I used a covered skillet in the oven and added a bit of white wine to keep the pork very moist. My guests raved.

Terry J

This has become my default recipe when doing a mid-week pork chop or pork loin dinner. With pork loin I butterfly the meat, rub a light layer of garlic-herb paste on the cut side of the roast, then re-roll and tie with string. Rub remaining paste on the outside and roast until 135 degrees in the thickest section of roast. Delicious.

Vanessa C.

Great flavors and easy. But follow suggested cooking times closely. I was afraid the pork would be undercooked so cooked slightly longer in each stage, and they came out a little dry. Next time I'll follow the instructions exactly.

aks

I found the flavors somewhat harsh; not sure I'll make this again. Also, Melissa Clark's estimate of 20 minutes for making this dish is risible. Just the cooking requires at least 11 minutes, not including the resting, according to the instructions. Then there's zesting a lemon, chopping fennel fronds and rosemary, and mashing garlic. Rinsing the chops and cutting the pockets. That's a lot to do in 9 minutes.

JoanC

Beware if your chops aren't as thick as the ones Melissa is working with - adjust cooking times or you'll wind up with dry meat, which I did and as others have noted. Maybe 3 minutes to sear and no more than 5 minutes in the oven. I found the herb mixture to be so intensely rosemary-ish that I think it needs adjusting, and I love rosemary. Also, these set off my smoke alarm, another beware!

StilettosintheKitchen

This was outstanding. We prefer thyme to rosemary so we used half the amount of rosemary and made up the difference with thyme. We made a pan sauce with 1/2 c of dry white wine, and a knob of butter to make a shiny sauce while the chops rested. A side of roasted butternut squash and zucchini rounded things out. Can see this stuffing being used in chicken breasts or even thick salmon fillets with appropriated herb stuffings.

Stephen

Made these the other night and they were great. I didn't have any pork chops, so I used 11/2" cut pork tenderloin and I can't see how they could have been any better. I also didn't have any fresh fennel in the house, but the cracked fennel seed seem to do its job. Due try...it's not a porchetta, in the traditional sense, but it is a fabulous and easy Wednesday night dinner.

This was terrific--thanks for a great recipe.

Because my chops were boneless, I brined them in a combo of apple juice and salt for several hours, then followed the directions to the letter. Perfect results--this was a winner. I served it with Onion and Fennel Risotto (from this site; link below) and some broccoli from our garden--a hit of a meal!

http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1016978-caramelized-onion-and-fennel-...

Mark

"Dry brined" chops in refrig after stuffing and rubbing, then brought to room temp before cooking. I agree with the many comments that timing here seems chancy. The thick chops cooked too much on seared side; not enough on flip side in oven. And it's almost impossible to use an instant read thermometer with two thin "halves" of a stuffed chop. Searing 3 mins per side on high heat then finishing in oven might work better

David

This is truly a winner! For sure, get 1 ½ inch thick pork chops. I didn't salt as there was enough salt with the garlic mortar salting. Did everything as described and it was superb! Served it with Sauteed Sliced Fresh Fennel Bulbs in a white wine & chicken broth reduction. I'll make this recipe again... and again.

lucia

I brined the chops for six hours before continuing with the recipe. I would not recommend rubbing the chops with the herb stuffing as the garlic bits burn during the sear and add a bitter taste. Chps turned out tender, juicy and very flavorful.

DGL

This was great though I may cut down on the salt next time. I served it with rice and... fennel! I cut up the fennel bulb in thin slices and near the end of the frying time, added the fennel slices to the skillet that then went into the oven. Wow! It was a great accompaniment for these delicious pork chops.

Janne

Being a meat professional I love porchetta from Ariccia. This recipe "noblifies" the original. After having lifted the pork chops from the pan I'd sprinkle in some inexpensive fresh white wine from Ariccia and half a lemon's juice to finalize the gravy. The wine has an appley top note.

Tonia

I took the tips of a few others and added two mashed anchovies and some Dijon to the oil/garlic/herb paste. My chops were only around 1" thick and cooked 3 min on each side in a cast iron skillet for perfection. I removed the chops to plate and added some cherry tomatoes I cooked down with some garlic, red pepper flakes, a splash of sherry vinegar and a pinch of sugar. Cooked in 375 degree oven until they burst and everything caramelized and then poured on top of the chops. Absolutely delicious!

Janet

Have to agree with those who warn about overcooking. My chops were dry (but not tough). I think a lower oven temp would work better.

Betsey

Made these for Easter dinner. Quick and easy, but looked and tasted like they came from a fine dining restaurant. I was tempted to make a pan sauce with the drippings in the pan, but didn't - I will next time!

Lori

This is now a go to recipe-fabulous. Yes, it’s tricky getting the timing right to keep the chops juicy. The first time I did this, I overcooked them; the second time, I got it right. Very intensely flavorful! I see the comments with different adjustments, which seem also good. We still love it as is.

Jesseca

This was not a favourite at our house. I think it would be good in a pork loin. Here it was overpowering. Too much of everything.

ok but dry

Too much rosemary and omitted fennel. Set off smoke & carbon alarms BIG TIME. Probably not worth it.

RR

Each time I prepare this way of cooking chops, they get rave reviews. And it's true: this is a delicious way to cook pork chops. Thank you, Melissa!!

Maria

My daughter made this for four of us with 3 good-sized chops. We upped all the spices, especially garlic, but had to use dried rosemary (1 Tbsp). She paired it with fondant potatoes, and it was as though she had fixed us a restaurant meal--so elegant!

Rachel

YUM. Thank you. Made a sauce with some Pinot I had in the fridge wine + homemade chicken stock.

fiddlebbb

The flavors of the herbs are delicious. I used pretty thick bone in chops. I’d sear on medium, not too hot, to lessen the smoke alarm possibility. 4 mins side one and 2 minutes side 2. Then 8 minutes in the oven- turned out perfect, except for the sear on first side of meat. I love the idea of adding mustard and anchovy to the paste. Will definitely try this next time.

anne

I made this with 1&1/2 inch chops and didn’t make a pocket in the meat, just rubbed the filling on the chops after browning and before putting them in the oven. Also, followed one poster and put cherry tomatoes and a splash of vinegar in the cast iron pan I used to brown and roast the chops. That became a tasty sauce while the chops rested. This turned out very good and will be a regular addition to my menus.

Okee

Instead of fennel fronds I used parsley and thought it was very good.I am also inclined to think that searing both sides the same length of time might be a good idea. The half of the pork that was seared longer was definitely more cooked than the half that was seared for only a minute.Should warn folks that the flavor of fennel is not universally liked. My teenage son and I loved the resulting chop. My wife who usually eats everything did not care for the fennel in the pork.

Chicago Lauren

Delicious! Used the mortar with the rind, crushed garlic, fennel, rosemary, and chile flakes to make the paste. But i used dried rosemary. Would make again.

Ryan McGee

This is a simple dish that plates up classy. Definitely getting a place in the rotation.

Donna

Delicious!!! I made it according to the recipe and wouldn't change a thing.

John

Too much salt in the recipe for my taste. You don’t need to salt the pockets cut into the chops.

Craig

With a bone-in chop like this, the edge of the chop can dry out while the deeper portion near the bone is just right. I adapted the recipe to use pork tenderloin rather than a bone in chop and it was great! You can butterfly the tenderloin and then tie it, or make small but deep slits to introduce the flavoring mix. I also found the garlic paste to be too strong for my taste and used garlic slivers instead that infused the meat nicely but then could be removed or not, depending on preference.

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Porchetta Pork Chops Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to moist pork chops? ›

A longer brine will bring more moisture into the pork, but a quick brine will still be helpful if you're in a rush to get dinner started. A thick pork chop (1 ½” to 2”) can brine for longer, but avoid brining for more than 8 hours to prevent toughness. After brining, rinse pork chops and pat dry to remove excess salt.

What is the best way to cook a pork chop so it's tender? ›

How to Make Tender Pork Chops
  1. Opt for Thick-Cut Bone-In Pork Chops. Thin-cut pork chops won't sear properly in the time it takes to cook them through. ...
  2. Skip the Brine, but Season Liberally. ...
  3. Let the Pork Chops Rest. ...
  4. Sear Pork Chops Over Medium-High Heat. ...
  5. Baste the Pork Chops. ...
  6. Let the Pork Chops Rest, Again. ...
  7. Serve.
Feb 14, 2018

Do pork chops get more tender the longer you cook them? ›

15 mins on a grill flipping both sides until the juice seeps out the surface of meat, then take off grill, rest for 1-2 minutes then enjoy ! No more so than any other meat. Tender cuts, like tenderloins and chops, don't need to be cooked for a long time. In fact too long will toughen them.

How long do you cook pork chops on 350 in the oven? ›

Bake pork chops that are about 1¼-inch thick at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 14 to 17 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the best way to cook pork chops so they are not dry? ›

For juicy, flavorful pork chops, try brining the chops before grilling or broiling — two high-heat cooking methods that can quickly dry out lean pork chops. Brines are essentially salty, sugary water solutions; they'll keep the meat moist, while adding flavor.

What seasoning is good on pork chops? ›

Best Seasoning for Pork Chops

Thyme and sage add herby and floral notes complementing pork's flavor exceptionally well. There's also a combination of smoked paprika, pepper, and a little bit of cayenne pepper, which all give your pork chops a lovely, not overly spicy, kiss of heat.

Is it better to bake or pan fry pork chops? ›

While there are a number of ways to cook pork chops for dinner, baking is arguably the easiest path to perfection. The hands-off cooking method cooks pork chops gently and evenly without the need for extra fat, resulting in juicy, healthier pork chops that pair well with practically any side dish.

What should I soak my pork chops in? ›

Mix milk with first amount of salt (2 teaspoons) and allow pork chops to soak in this mixture for as long as you'd like, about an hour to maybe four works well. Overnight soaking will result in too much moisture & your breading will fall off. Remove pork chops from brine, and set aside.

Does soaking pork chops in salt water make them tender? ›

A brine is essentially just salt and water. It helps prevent moisture loss during cooking, and the salt also helps tenderize the meat from the inside out. If you want an extra juicy piece of pork, brine it before cooking. You can make an effective brine just with salt and water, but additional seasonings do help.

What tenderizes pork chops? ›

Why it works:
  1. Acid from the balsamic vinegar tenderizes the pork.
  2. Salt from the soy sauce flavors the pork.
  3. Sweetness from the honey balances out the acid and salt.
  4. Worcestershire sauce adds a wonderful layer of unami flavor.
  5. Olive oil helps give the pork a nice crust on the outside.
Feb 4, 2022

Should I rinse pork chops before cooking? ›

Washing beef, pork, lamb, or veal before cooking it is not recommended. Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils, and surfaces. We call this cross-contamination. Some consumers think they are removing bacteria and making their meat or poultry safe.

Why are my pork chops never tender? ›

You either cook them hot and fast or slow and low to get them tender. The average Joe is cooking their pork chops way too long too hot drying them out making them tough.

How do you add moisture to pork chops? ›

Brining pork chops is one of the best ways way to guarantee a juicy cooked pork chop. Even a quick 30-minute brine (or up to four hours) makes a big difference. It's not strictly necessary — you can still use this method to make great pork chops even without brining — but if you have some extra time, I recommend it.

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