Description
Ina Garten’s succulent baked pork chops elevate weeknight dinner with Mediterranean-inspired herbs and garlic. Juicy, tender meat marries perfectly seasoned flavors, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can easily create at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (¾-inch thick, about 2 ¼ pounds)
Coating:
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 5 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Ignite the oven to a scorching 450 degrees Fahrenheit (232 degrees Celsius), creating the ideal thermal environment for transforming ordinary pork chops into a crispy culinary masterpiece.
- Craft a flavor-packed crust by combining Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs, extra virgin olive oil, finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, aromatic Italian herb blend, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper inside a large resealable plastic bag. Vigorously massage the bag to ensure uniform distribution of ingredients.
- Enhance the pork chops’ coating potential by lightly misting them with cool water, which acts as a natural adhesive for the crispy exterior. Gently transfer the moistened chops into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, engaging in a thorough tumbling motion to achieve complete and even coverage.
- Strategically position a sturdy wire cooling rack atop a rimmed baking sheet, creating an elevated cooking surface that promotes optimal air circulation. Meticulously arrange the breaded pork chops, maintaining generous spacing between each piece to guarantee maximum crispiness.
- Sprinkle any remaining breadcrumb mixture over the chops, amplifying the potential for a golden, crunchy exterior. Carefully slide the prepared baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the transformation to begin.
- Monitor the cooking process, targeting an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius), which typically requires 15 to 20 minutes of roasting time. The exact duration will depend on the thickness of the pork chops.
- Extract the perfectly cooked pork chops from the oven and permit them to rest for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the internal juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges to introduce a bright, citrusy accent that cuts through the rich, crispy coating.
Notes
- Ditch boring dinners and transform pork chops into a crispy, golden masterpiece that rivals restaurant-quality meals.
- Panko breadcrumbs deliver an unbeatable light and crunchy texture that elevates this simple protein to gourmet status.
- Moisture is key – a quick water spritz helps breadcrumbs cling perfectly, guaranteeing maximum crunch in every single bite.
- Wire rack baking allows hot air to dance around the meat, creating an evenly crisp exterior without soggy bottoms.
- Meat thermometer magic ensures perfectly cooked pork, preventing dryness and delivering juicy, tender results every single time.
- Parmesan cheese brings savory depth, creating a mouthwatering golden crust that makes these pork chops irresistibly delicious.
- Resting meat after cooking allows precious juices to redistribute, intensifying flavor and keeping each bite succulent and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg