These Milk Brined Southern Fried Pork Chops are extra tender and so full of flavor with the perfect amount of gravy sustaining crispiness.
Pork chops are a southern table staple. If you call yourself a country cook, you have got to know how to fry bone-in pork chop well. I emphasis bone-in because that’s where you’ll find that good fat and gristle that adds flavor to the meat while cooking. Plus, the country girl in me loves the taste of the fat. Nothing lean for me when it comes to pork chops.
Marinating the pork chops in milk make them very juicy and tender. To save time prepare the applesauce ahead of time and serve it at room temperature.
Let’s make milk brined southern fried pork chops
Mix spiced together in a spice grinder then divide in half. Sprinkle the chops on both sides with part of one-half of the spices. In a baking dish add the chops and cover with the milk. Soak for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
In a shallow dish, add the flour, panko crumbs, and the other half of the spices and blend well. Set aside. Remove chops from the milk and coat with the flour mixture on both sides. Set on a clean tray to rest for about 10-15 minutes.
In the meantime, heat about 3 cups of cooking oil such as canola oil or lard in a cast-iron skillet over low to medium heat. Once the oil is about 300-325 degrees add the chops in batches to fry until the temperature is 145 degrees and golden brown on the outside; about 4-6 minutes per side depending on the thickness. Drain excess oil on a wire rack over a sheet pan or on paper towels.
How milk brine help tenderize pork chops
The purpose of brining is to allow flavor into the meat and to tenderize it. So whatever you put into the brine will permeate and add flavor. What’s special about milk as brine is the slight sweetness that it gives. Buttermilk gives a tangier taste that has its place but for me, milk is just perfect. I add my spices directly onto the chops before soaking them for at least an hour.
Why do you put pork chops in milk?
FAQ
What is the secret to moist pork chops?
What should I soak my pork chops in?
How do you moisten dry pork chops?
Should you soak pork chops in milk before cooking?
Today, many home cooks still swear by soaking pork chops in milk before cooking them, as it is said to result in tender, juicy meat. Soaking pork chops in milk is still a common practice among professional chefs today. The reason for this is that milk helps to tenderize the meat and also adds a bit of flavor.
Why is pork not recommended to eat?
This is not true, some cuts like sirloin and pork rump steak, for example, are very healthy, even healthier than beef and chicken. Only the fattest cuts like bacon and crackling should be avoided.
Should you soak pork in milk?
Pork chops are a hardy cut of meat, so they must be cooked carefully to avoid becoming chewy. Soaking the pork in milk is an excellent method to enhance the meat’s tenderness and ensure that it is done correctly. The milk aids in the breakdown of tough protein fibers, making the meat more delicate and easier to cook.
Can you cook pork chops in milk?
Soaking the pork in milk is an excellent method to enhance the meat’s tenderness and ensure that it is done correctly. The milk aids in the breakdown of tough protein fibers, making the meat more delicate and easier to cook. How long does it take to tenderize pork chops in milk?