That is why when it comes to quick, easy and yummy then Shake and Bake Pork Chops should be number one on the list. This recipe contains the tasty breading of fried pork chops but eliminates the grease and many undesirable calories of frying. If you are a professional chef, or just starting your culinary journey, this Shake and Bake Pork Chop recipe will make dinner a piece of cake.
In this article, you will find out how to cook Shake and Bake Pork Chops with a step by step guide, important tips that will help you get it right, advantages, disadvantages, and FAQs to ensure your pork chops come out crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Ingredients for Shake n Bake Pork Chops
4 pork chop bone-in or you can use boneless pork chop (of 1-inch thickness).
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko to make the meat more crispy)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
Organic herbs 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme, you can add java or cumin.
To make croutons, you will need special ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter),
1 egg (for coating)
Optional: Extra Grated Parmesan cheese so it is flavorful
How to Make Shake and Bake Pork Chops: Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Firstly, let’s set the oven on preheat and adjust it to 400°F (200°C). If you are baking using the convection oven then you should lower the temperature to about 375 degrees. Preheat the baking sheet for about 10 minutes and grease it to avoid sticking of pork chops or use a parchment paper.
Step 2: The Shake and Bake Coating has to be also prepared.
In a medium bowl mix together the breadcrumbs, garlic powders, onion powders, paprika, salt, black pepper, dried herbs if using. mix in the olive oil or melted butter for the breadcrumb and toss the ingredients about until the breadcrumbs are coated. This step is most important for making a crispy crust for the pork chops.
Step 3: Prepare the Pork Chops
One must pat the pork chops dry using paper towels. This will give the coating something to ‘hold onto’ rather than the chops simply becoming too soft and moist. Seasoning the pork chops gently with salt and pepper, is the next step.
Step 4: Coat the Pork Chops
In another bowl whisk the egg, but do not beat it fiercely. Take each pork chop, coat it with the beaten egg until it’s well coated then coat it in the breadcrumb. Make sure to press down firmly on the chicken to allow the breadcrumbed layer a perfect adhesion. Repeat for all pork chops.
Step 5: Bake the Pork Chops
Put the breaded pork chops on the baking sheet which has been prepared while doing the cooking. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20-25, until internal temperature of the pork chop reaches 160 degrees F, turn over the chops halfway through baking. Ideally the pork chops must be crispy brown on the outside while tender on the inside. To make sure they’re cooked to perfection but still moist they are cooked at 145°F inside the smoker.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
When you take the pork chops out of the oven let them cool for approximately 5 minutes before serving. This time enables the juices to circulate round the pork chops hence enabling them to have herbs and spices implemented on them.
Shake and Bake Pork Chops: Hyped or Heavily Beneficial?
Closely similar to all kinds of cooking techniques, the Shake and Bake Pork Chops also have associated with them certain benefits and drawbacks. Below you will find a list of pros and cons to consider when you are choosing an next meal using this method.
Pros:
Quick and Easy: Shake and Bake pork chops are also very easy to prepare and can be cooked during weeknights easily. They take less than 30 minutes of preparation time and can be served immediately.
Healthier Than Frying: This way of preparing pork chops means you will have used little oil and therefore, little fat as compared to frying. It’s perfect for those families who would like to cut down on unhealthy food options.
Crispy and Flavorful: The layer of breadcrumb makes the pork chops have a little crust on the outside and the spices and herbs used in seasoning make it to have the deep juicy flavor.
Customizable: If you don’t like the given spices, you can easily change the recipe by adding different spices, or use flavored breadcrumbs. For example adding Parmesan or cayenne pepper the chops can be further flavoured.
Less Mess: One good thing is since you are baking you do not have the problems of frying in hot oil.
Cons:
Less Moisture: It is also important not to overcook pork chops with the help of baking can dry it up. This must, however, be prevented by observing cooking time and temperature in preparing the food.
Less Traditional Flavor: At the same time, lovers of the specific taste from the fat, which is obtained while frying food, might also find that Shake and Bake does not have such taste.
Requires Oven: Not convenient when you have no wish to use the oven, for example, in hot summer.
The Frequently Asked Questions about Shake and Bake Pork Chops
- Can one cook with the Shake and Bake mix that is bought from stores?
Of course, in the event that you do not have the time then I recommend using a packet of Shake ‘N Bake. However, preparing breadcrumbs and seasoning blend on your own lets you set the pace on the type of seasonings and ingredients to use, free from preservatives or added sugar.
- How Do I Avoid Drying Up My Pork Chops While Cooking Them?
The best advice to serve and eat pork chops that are juicy is not to overcook them. Bake at 400°F for not greater than 25 minutes, and that you recalculate with a meal thermometer that the potatoes should achieve 145°F. Allow them to stand for 5 minutes after this stage in order to capture the juices.
- Are It Possible to Apply Bone-In Pork Chops for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Pork chops that have bones inside compare to the boneless in that they have more moisture content and flavor that is better. They will still take a little more cooking time than the normal ones due to their thickness though.
- Can pork chops be cooked with Shake and bake inside an air fryer?
Of course, air-frying is also helpful if you aim to spend even less time in the kitchen. Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook the pork chops for 12 to 15 minutes turning halves through the cooking process. They will be ready crispy and tasty.
- Is it Posible to Use Shake and Bake Pork Chops Gluten?]
Yes you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs – The instructions for the preparation are similar to above. Some of the products can be bought at stores, however, it is also possible to make them at home, for example, gluten-free bread, which must be tosted and graterd into crumbs.
- Can this pork chop mix be frozen: shake and bake pork chops
Yes! To freeze, just put the pork chops in a dish, coat them in bread crumb mixture, and arrange them on a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for couple of hours and then put them into a freezer bag to serve next time. To bake the pork chops, thaw them in the refrigere for about 12 hours before cooking them..
- What are the best vegetables to serve with Shake and Bake Pork Chops?
The options are endless! You might serve Shake and Bake Pork Chops with the traditional side dishes such mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables or salad. If you’re trying to avoid carbs, then serve them alongside cauliflower mash or steamed beans.
Conclusion
This Shake and Bake Pork Chop recipe should be on your list for weekdays dinner or any time you want pork chops that is crunchy on the outside but tender and juicy in the inside without frying. They can prepare and cook them easily, and since there are very few ingredients used, they can easily adjust the portion size depending on how many people they want to serve the pork chops to, it is a healthier version of fried pork chops, and they are very easy to prepare, thus appropriate for any family or single person to prepare. Beside this, the recipes require less preparation and washing up means you can get more time eating your tasty dish.