There are two primary cuts of bone-in pork chops — rib cut and center cut. Rib cut pork chops include a rib bone and a medallion of lean loin meat. There is also usually some fat that helps connect the meat to the bone.
Note: There are endless regional and cultural variations on how to butcher. Cuts you find may vary in name and specifics.
Youve bought a delicious looking piece of pork, now what is that cut of pork and how do you cook it? Use this complete guide to pork cuts to tell a pork blade chop from a pork loin chop, a shoulder from a butt (tricked you, those are the same!), and how to cook different cuts of pork to their best advantage.
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When buying pork, look for firm, pink flesh. Damp meat, pale meat, and soft meat all come from a factory-farmed pig. Consider seeking out pastured pork or organic pork for the best results.
Bone-In vs. Boneless Pork Chops
Today, I will discuss the difference between boneless and bone-in pork chops. There are subtle flavor and textural differences, but the type of pork chop you buy comes down to personal preference and how you intend to use it. Some people prefer the convenience of a boneless pork chop, while others prefer the fuller flavor of a bone-in pork chop. So, whether you buy boneless or bone-in pork chops, there is no wrong choice, but knowing how to tell one from the other is still important.
The two most common types of bone-in pork chops you’ll see are rib chops and center-cut chops. The less common blade chop is another type of bone-in chop that comes from the shoulder end of the loin. You may also see sirloin chops, but these typically have more bone than meat and are tough unless braised.
Pork Rib Chops
The rib chop is what most of us envision when we think of pork chops. It contains the curved rib bone, which you’ll see along the side of this cut. This is the same bone that makes up a rack of mouthwatering baby back ribs.
Pork rib chops are less expensive than center-cut or boneless pork chops, but they also contain the least amount of meat overall. Because of the bone, a rib chop appears larger than a boneless chop, but it may contain a fair amount of fat.
Center-Cut Pork Chops
You can identify a center-cut pork chop, also called a loin chop or center loin chop, by the T-shaped bone that runs down the middle of it. On one side of this bone, there is lighter loin meat; on the other, you’ll see darker tenderloin meat. Center-cut pork chops tend to be more expensive than other bone-in chops, but they’re also larger. They yield more meat with a relatively small amount of gristly fat.
Pros of Bone in Pork Chops
- The bone and fat in these cuts provide extra flavor and juiciness, which can prevent chops from getting dry.
- The bone makes an eye-appealing presentation.
- This type of cut with the bone left in is typically less expensive.
Cons of Bone in Pork Chops
- The bone and higher fat content mean each chop has less edible meat. However, what you get may be more flavorful!
- If you prefer your meat cuts leaner or don’t like to do the work to cut around the fat, this may discourage you from a bone-in option.
- Bone-in chops take a little longer to cook.
Boneless Pork Chops
Boneless pork chops are the same as a rib chop or center-cut chop, but the bone has been cut away. They’re ultra-lean, as much of the fat has been removed so some feel they are less flavorful than bone-in pork chops.
Whether you buy boneless or bone-in pork chops, any pork chop cooked to a perfect, juicy medium (145°F) is pretty much guaranteed to be melt-in-your-mouth good!
Pros of Boneless Pork Chops
- Boneless chops are ready to go right out of the package.
- There’s no waste on a boneless pork chop, and you don’t have to pay for the weight of the bone or fat.
- Because a butcher has trimmed away the fat and bone, the pieces are leaner and require less work.
Cons of Boneless Pork Chops
- Boneless chops can dry out without the bone and fat to impart moisture. You can avoid this with a quick cooking method like grilling, pan searing, or broiling.
- A boneless pork chop can be incredibly flavorful with the right recipe and technique. However, some believe they have less flavor than the bone-in version, which is likely due to a lack of bone and fat.
Cooking Pork Chops
Use these tips for delicious, flavorful pork chops.
To prevent your pork chops from drying out, marinate or brine them to get more moisture into the meat before cooking. Even a quick 30-minute marinade can help.
Season well before cooking. Since pork chops are very mild on their own, salting them before cooking will bring out the pork’s natural flavor.
Let your pork chops reach room temperature before cooking. This will reduce overall cooking time and help prevent dryness.
Pick a method that cooks your chops quickly, like grilling, pan-searing, or broiling. The faster the chops cook, the less moisture you’ll lose. To get a nice crust on the outside, you can sear your chops over high heat and then let them finish in the oven.
Cook all pork chops to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F. Always insert the probe at the thickest part of the meat and ensure it’s not touching the bone.
Let meat rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This lets the juices re-absorb into the meat, keeping it tender and moist. If you cut into your chops too soon, the juices will run out instead of staying inside.
Pork chops are affordable, easy to cook, and crowd-pleasing. There’s no end of options for what you can whip up with these tasty chops.
Written by Vicki Hayman, MS, University of Wyoming Extension Nutrition and Food Safety Educator
Sources:
Extension Educator: Vicki Hayman – (307) 746-3531
Unlock the Secrets to Perfect Pork Chops | Pro Tips Revealed
FAQ
What is the best cut of bone-in pork chops?
Which pork cut has at bone-in it?
What are the different names for pork chops?
What’s the difference between a pork chop and a pork loin chop?
What are the different types of bone-in pork chops?
The two most common types of bone-in pork chops you’ll see are rib chops (above left) and center-cut chops (above middle). The blade chop, while less common, is another type of bone-in chop that comes from the shoulder end of the loin. You may also see sirloin chops, but these typically have more bone than meat and are tough unless braised.
What type of meat is good for bones?
However, the type of meat that is best for the bones depends on the cooking method and cut of the meat. Lean meats such as chicken and fish are good options for bone health. Additionally, lean red meats such as beef and pork can also be beneficial for bones if cooked using healthy methods such as grilling or roasting.
What does a bone-in Pork Chop look like?
What it looks like: Lean meat, very little connective tissue or fat, no bones. What it tastes like: The absence of bones to provide protection from overcooking and the lack of fat present usually around these bones means that these chops are less flavorful than their bone-in counterparts.
How to cook bone in pork chops?
Cast iron skillet: A cast iron skillet is the best choice for cooking bone-in pork chops because it can withstand high temperatures, distributes heat evenly, and helps create a crispy crust on the outside of the meat. Meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is essential to cook pork chops properly.