What are Pork Chops?

Pork chops are a cut of meat along the pig, or hog, that runs from the pig's hip to its shoulder, along the upper portion of the body. Pork chops are considered one of the most popular cuts of meat from a pig and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be prepared a number of different ways and can be sliced thin or cooked thick.

The most popular of pork chops are probably the center loin chops that have the bone left in. These are very similar in type of to the T-bone steak in beef. These pork chops come from the same portion of the pig that T-bones come from in beef animals. However, they are usually referred to simply as pork chops. In the Midwestern United States, a thicker cut may be referred to as an Iowa chop, a reference to the country's number one pork producing state.

Pork chops lend themselves to being prepared in a number of different ways. For convenience, frying on a stove top is probably the most popular. For taste, grilling tends to bring out some of the best flavors. Pork chops can also be be baked. The cooking preference is largely an individual choice, based on the circumstances and need.

Cooking time on all varieties of pork chops is very similar. They should be cooked over low-medium or medium heat, which should keep the outside from becoming burned while the center of the meat is cooked. It should be noted that it does not matter whether the bone is in or out, the cooking time is not affected. The only factor that affects cooking time is the thickness of the pork chop. All pork chops should be cooked until the outside is a golden brown and the liquid coming from the meat is clear. Cooking at a moderate heat will also help keep the pork chops from drying out.

Along with the cooking methods, there are a variety of recipes and spices that can be used for pork chops. Some prefer nothing but a little bit of salt and butter on their chops. Others may prefer a certain type of gravy or other types of spices to make the chops complete. While the perfect pork chops recipe depends on one's own point of view, there are plenty of resources available on the Internet to aid in coming up with that perfect pork chop meal.