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All you need are a few pantry staples to create the perfect seasoning for pork chops! With my tried-and-true Pork Chop Seasoning Recipe, you'll never have to serve bland pork again. It's simple, delicious, and ideal for any pork chop recipe!
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Seasoning for Pork Chops
Pork chops are a cut of meat that I always turn to when I'm not certain what to make for dinner. They're easy to cook, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile. With their mild flavor and ample surface area for seasonings, they're the ideal canvas for any flavors you can imagine!
But with all that potential, I must admit: I often find myself returning to the same spice blend. It's simply unbeatable! With its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and earthy flavors and room for customization, this homemade pork chop seasoning usually wins out.
And the best part is, you can use this versatile spice mix as a seasoning for all of your favorite pork chop recipes! I love it for grilling pork chops, but it's also fantastic for baking, frying, or even air frying pork chops. With this pork chop seasoning, you're guaranteed a flavorful and delicious meal!
Pork Chops Seasoning Ingredients
- Sweet paprika: Adds a sweet, mild flavor that complements pork chops well.
- Onion powder: Enhances the flavor of this seasoning with its sharp, savory-and-sweet taste.
- Garlic powder: Aromatic and strong-flavored garlic powder adds the perfect garlicky kick to this seasoning recipe.
- Crushed red pepper: This will give your seasoning a spicy kick. Use more or less depending on your taste preferences!
- Black pepper: The sharp and earthy taste of black pepper is a must!
- Brown sugar: Helps to caramelize the pork chops while also adding a note of sweetness.
- Sea salt: I always use Maldon sea salt flakes. If you don't have access to sea salt, use kosher salt instead! I do not recommend using table salt.
Optional spices for pork chops:
- Dried thyme: Subtle and earthy, great for pork chops!
- Dried oregano: Offers a subtle and pleasant slightly bitter taste.
- Cayenne pepper: A great alternative to red pepper flakes for spice!
- Chili powder: Adds a kick of smoky heat to your seasoning mix.
- Smoked paprika: Smoked paprika rather than sweet will add a nice smoky depth of flavor.
- Flour: Used to create a crispy coating, ideal for frying or air frying.
How to Season Pork Chops
- Mix the seasonings together in a small dish.
- Pat the seasoning onto all sides of the pork so each chop is well-coated.
- Cook immediately, or let it rest to allow the flavors to be absorbed!
Looking to take your pork chops to the next level? See my guide on seasoning with salt - it will change how you cook meat!
Pork Chop Rub Tips
- Adjust the flavors to your liking by adding more salt, pepper, or other spices.
- For a crispy, toasty coating, add 4 tablespoons of flour!
- I highly recommend searing the pork after applying this seasoning blend to enhance the spices' flavors and melt the sugar into the meat.
- For an exciting twist, add a tablespoon of Chinese five-spice, perfect for stir-fries or serving over rice.
- Don't forget to store the leftovers! I enjoy using this spice mix on burgers, vegetables, and even garlic toast. That's right - you can use it for more than just pork chops!
Pork Chop Seasoning Recipe FAQ
Pork, being naturally mild, pairs wonderfully with sweet and earthy flavors. I recommend a blend of paprika, onion and garlic powders, salt, pepper, and brown sugar, with a touch of sugar to enhance the pork's flavor.
Season the pork beforehand with salt, pepper, and robust seasonings like chili powder and paprika. Including brown sugar is also beneficial, as it caramelizes beautifully on the grill. For a crispy exterior, incorporate flour into the rub.
The key is cooking them to the perfect internal temperature. Pork can easily become tough and dry if overcooked. Use an instant-read thermometer to remove the pork from heat as soon as it reaches 165°F. Let it rest before serving sliced. Follow my Pork Temperature Chart for more info!
How to Store Leftover Pork Chop Rub
Thanks to using only dry ingredients, you can store the leftover pork chop dry rub in a jar, bag, or airtight container in your pantry indefinitely. It's shelf-stable and ideal for various recipes!
Easy Seasoning Blends
If you enjoyed the recipe, leave a comment and a rating below!
Isabel's Favorite Pork Chop Seasoning
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Paprika
- 2 Tablespoons Onion powder
- 2 Tablespoons Garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons Crushed red pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Black pepper
- ½ Tablespoon Sea salt
- ¼ cup Brown sugar
Instructions
- Mix the seasonings together in a small dish.3 Tablespoons Paprika,2 Tablespoons Onion powder,2 Tablespoons Garlic powder,2 Tablespoons Crushed red pepper,1 Tablespoon Black pepper,½ Tablespoon Sea salt,¼ cup Brown sugar
- Pat on to all sides of the pork, making sure it's well covered.
- Cook immediately, or let rest to absorb the flavors!
Notes
- Tailor the seasoning by adding extra salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
- Add 4 tablespoons of flour for a crispy coating.
- Sear the pork after seasoning for enhanced spice flavors and melted sugar.
- Add a tablespoon of Chinese five-spice for a unique flavor, ideal for stir-fries or rice dishes!
- Store any leftover spice mix in your pantry for use on burgers, vegetables, and garlic toast, not just pork chops!
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