Porchetta Pork Chops Recipe (2024)

By Melissa Clark

Porchetta Pork Chops Recipe (1)

Total Time
20 minutes
Rating
5(2,772)
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.

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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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2,772

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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.

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.

Barbara

Disappointed. Spices are too strong. Throw them on the grill instead.

me

Used this as a guide for cooking chops used Greek seasoning

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Porchetta Pork Chops Recipe (2024)

FAQs

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

Because pork chops are such a lean cut, they are relatively quick-cooking and prone to overcooking. When they're cooked for even a few minutes too long, whether it's in the oven or on the stovetop or grill, they're quick to dry out, and — you guessed it — become tough, chewy, and less than appealing.

How long to cook pork chops in the oven at 350 degrees? ›

Baking pork chops at 350 degrees F will generally take 20 to 30 minutes.

What temperature do you cook porchetta in the oven? ›

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place fat-side up on a wire rack in a roasting pan. Roast for one hour, until the fat is crisp. Reduce heat down to 325º F (160°C) and cook until the internal temperature reaches 168° F (75°C), about 60 to 80 minutes longer; test in several spots to be sure of your measurement.

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

If you've never been a fan of pork chops, it's likely because you've eaten overcooked meat. Start with pan-searing them to get a crisp exterior and finish them off in the oven to guarantee a non-rubbery chop.

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

Try a Marinade or Brine. A marinade or brine can introduce more moisture or lots of flavor into your meat before you cook it. A marinade is a sauce that introduces extra flavor to your pork, depending on the aromatics or herbs you choose to include. A brine pulls more moisture into the meat, which keeps your pork juicy ...

What tenderizes pork chops? ›

Marinate the Pork Chops

Mild tenderizing is accomplished through the use of acidic ingredients. Lemon juice, flavored vinegar, red wine, and coffee are all recommended as marinade ingredients that can soften the meat a little.

How to make pork soft and tender? ›

To tenderize pork before cooking it, try breaking up the tough muscle by hitting it with a meat mallet evenly across the surface of the meat. Then, if you want your pork to be extra tender, you can marinate it in a tenderizing marinade made with acids, like citrus juices, vinegar, or wine.

Does salting pork chops make them tender? ›

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.

Is it better to bake pork chops covered or uncovered? ›

Some baked pork chop recipes do require that the pan is covered with either foil or a lid. It creates steam and ensures that the meat is tender and juicy. Those recipes typically require a long cook time and may add vegetables to the pan, and some uncover the chops to finish browning them at a higher temperature.

Is it better to bake pork chops at 350 or 400? ›

If you pick boneless just make sure you watch the pork chops so they don't overcook. I find that boneless pork chops can cook quicker and become dry easier. I suggest you cook them around the 375 degree temperature or even 400 for a crispier skin.

Should you flip pork chops in the oven? ›

After 10 minutes, flip the pork chops to ensure even cooking. Continue baking until there is no longer any pink and the juices run clear. Note that for some marinades, the juices will always have some tint of color due to the color of the marinade.

Why is my porchetta not crispy? ›

The skin wasn't dry enough. Make sure to pat the pork completely dry before rubbing in the salt and oil as excess moisture will stop it from crisping up. It's important to score the skin if you want it really crisp. You'll need a sharp knife for this, or ask your butcher to do it for you.

What is the difference between porchetta and porketta? ›

In the Upper Midwest porchetta, more often spelled "porketta", was also introduced by Italian immigrants to the iron ranges of Minnesota and Michigan. Porketta remains a popular local dish in towns such as Hibbing, Minnesota, with distributors such as Fraboni Sausage.

What temperature is porketta done at? ›

Bake in the preheated oven until pork is slightly pink in the center, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).

How to make pork extremely tender? ›

How do you make pork soft and tender? Soak your pork in a salt-based brine before cooking it using your desired method. Pork chops need to soak between 12–24 hours, an entire pork tenderloin needs to soak for 6–12 hours, and an entire pork loin requires 2–4 days of soaking.

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.

Is it better to cover pork chops in the oven? ›

Some baked pork chop recipes do require that the pan is covered with either foil or a lid. It creates steam and ensures that the meat is tender and juicy. Those recipes typically require a long cook time and may add vegetables to the pan, and some uncover the chops to finish browning them at a higher temperature.

How do you keep pork chops from being chewy? ›

To prevent pork chops from becoming tough while cooking, it's essential to avoid overcooking them. Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare, or 160°F (71°C) for medium, and then remove them from the heat.

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