How to Cook Stuffed Pork Chops

Stuffed pork chops is a great dish that can be prepared in different variations. As the pork itself is mild in flavor, you can experiment with a wide range of stuffing that can make the meat flavorful. Even though, it is easy to prepare this dish, you must have a basic understanding about the right method of cooking stuffed pork chops. If you cook it for too long, it will get dry and tough, and under cooking pork is not healthy.

Cooking Stuffed Pork Chops

So, pork chops are stuffed with your favorite filling and are cooked for a stipulated time. Even though, it sounds easy, there are certain technicalities, that have to be followed, so as to cook stuffed pork chops perfectly.

• If you are looking for a shortcut for making stuffed pork chops, you may get the ready-made ones that are available in the supermarket. All you have to do is to cook them and serve.
• You may also bring fresh or frozen (thaw before use) pork chops, fill the stuffing and bake them. Even the stuffing can be ready-made or prepared at home.
• In case, you want to start with fresh or frozen pork chops, get those with a thickness of more than two inches. Those with bones are found to be more juicy and flavorful. If there is excess fat, then, you may trim some.
• You may also brine the pork chops, before filling the stuffing. But, make sure to limit the brining time to a maximum of two to three hours.
• Cut small pockets in the pork chops and fill them with the stuffing of your choice. Push the filling to the farthest end of the pocket and secure the opening with two to three toothpicks inserted through the edges.
• Now, the pork chops is ready for cooking. You may sprinkle some salt and ground pepper over the stuffed pork chops. Even thyme, paprika, etc, can add up to the flavor of pork chops.
• Once done, you can start cooking these stuffed pork chops. You may either go for roasting the chops on a skillet, or else you may resort to grilling or baking.
• Whatever, may be the mode of cooking, you have to make sure that pork chops are properly done. The cooking time may vary with the type of cooking. Apart from cooking temperature and time, even the internal temperature of meat has to be taken into consideration, while, cooking pork chops.
• As far as pork is concerned, the meat has to be cooked, till its internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use an instant-read meat thermometer for checking this temperature. Make sure to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of meat, where there is no bone, fat or gristle.
• In case, you want to cook stuffed pork chops in skillet (with some oil or butter), make sure that each side is cooked for at least eight to ten minutes. In case of grilling, brush the chops with oil and cook each side for around six to eight minutes, or till the meat is done.
• Baking is one of the common methods used for cooking stuffed pork chops. One of the common queries is how long does one bake stuffed pork chops. All you have to do is to place the stuffed pork chops on a cooking rack that is kept on a roasting pan. You may also add less than half cup of water into the roasting pan (water should not touch the rack). Now, cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes, in the oven that is preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once done, remove the foil and bake for another 45 minutes. Make sure to measure the internal temperature, before removing the chops from the oven.
• Some people like browning pork chops, before baking them. In such case, fry them on a skillet with one or two tablespoons of oil. Make sure that both sides are cooked for around three to four minutes, over medium heat. Once done, bake them for ten minutes, in the oven that is preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

You may resort to any of the above said methods to cook stuffed pork chops. But, the main point to note is that, it has to be done properly, so as not to spoil the dish. Cook for the recommended time and make sure to check the internal temperature of the meat.