When it comes to cooking pork chops, there are two main methods – cooking them low and slow or cooking them over high heat. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll look at the differences between low and slow and high heat pork chop cooking to help you decide which is best for your needs.
What is low and slow cooking?
Low and slow cooking involves cooking pork chops or any meat at a low temperature (usually 225-250°F) for an extended period of time. This allows the connective tissue in the meat to break down, making the pork chops incredibly tender.
The main benefits of the low and slow cooking method are:
- Very tender, fall-off-the-bone pork chops
- Maximum flavor infusion into the meat
- More forgiveness if you accidentally overcook the chops
Low and slow cooking usually takes at least an hour, but can take upwards of 4-6 hours for thick cut bone-in pork chops. This method requires patience, but delivers delicious results.
What is high heat cooking?
High heat cooking involves cooking pork chops over high heat, usually in a grill pan, skillet or under the broiler. The chops are cooked for a much shorter time, usually around 6-10 minutes per side depending on thickness.
The benefits of high heat cooking include:
- A nice sear on the outside of the chops
- Much quicker cooking time
- Can develop a beautiful crust
The high heat helps create browning through the Maillard reaction. This adds tons of flavor. But high heat cooking requires closer monitoring to avoid overcooking. The window between perfectly seared and overcooked is small.
Comparing Cooking Methods
Here is a direct comparison of cooking pork chops low and slow versus using high heat:
Method | Low and Slow | High Heat |
---|---|---|
Oven Temperature | 225-250°F | 400°F+ |
Cook Time | 1-4 hours | 6-12 minutes per side |
Result | Very tender, fall-off-the-bone | Browned exterior with slightly firmer meat |
Flavor | Deeply seasoned throughout | Sear provides tons of flavor |
Difficulty | Very forgiving | Requires close monitoring |
As you can see, each method has tradeoffs. Low and slow cooking takes longer but delivers very tender pork chops with concentrated flavor. High heat cooking is faster but requires close watching to avoid overcooking.
Should you brine pork chops?
Brining is a technique where meat is soaked in a saltwater solution before cooking. This helps keep the chops juicy and enhances flavor. The salt in the brine seasons the meat all the way through.
Brining is highly recommended for lean pork chops cooked using either high heat or low and slow methods. It helps compensate for the lack of fat and prevents the chops from drying out.
A basic brine is 1 cup salt dissolved per 1 gallon of water. You can add spices and herbs to the brine for extra flavor. Soak the pork chops for 1-2 hours before cooking. Rinse off the brine and pat the chops dry before cooking.
Choosing the right pork chops
The cut and thickness of pork chop you choose can impact the cooking method:
Bone-in vs boneless – Bone-in chops hold up better to low and slow cooking. The bone helps keep moisture in the meat. Boneless chops are quick cooking and more suitable for high heat searing.
Chop thickness – Thin chops (1/2 inch) cook quickly over high heat. Thick chops (1 inch+) are perfect for low and slow cooking where the long cook time tenderizes the meat.
Shoulder vs loin – Shoulder chops have more connective tissue and fat so they respond well to low and slow cooking. Loin chops are leaner so they likely need a quick sear and lower oven temp.
Pick chops suited for your desired cooking method and time available to achieve the best results.
Steps for low and slow cooked pork chops
Here is a simple process for cooking tender, flavorful pork chops using the low and slow method:
- Trim excess fat – Leave about 1⁄8 inch of fat cap.
- Generously season all sides – Use a rub or herbs, salt and pepper.
- Let sit 20-30 minutes – Allow seasonings to penetrate.
- Preheat oven to 225-250°F.
- Sear chops (optional) – In an oven-safe skillet to develop flavor.
- Cook 1-4 hours – Depending on size/thickness.
- Rest 5 minutes – Allows juices to redistribute.
For bone-in chops or extra tender meat, aim for the longer end of the cook time range. Check periodically and cook until chops reach 140-145°F internally.
Steps for high heat cooked pork chops
Here are the steps for cooking juicy, seared pork chops on the stovetop or grill using high heat:
- Pat chops dry – Excess moisture prevents browning.
- Season generously with salt – For flavor and moisture.
- Preheat skillet or grill to medium-high.
- Add thin coating of oil – To prevent sticking.
- Cook 4-6 minutes per side – Until browned and 145°F internally.
- Rest 5 minutes – Allows juices to redistribute.
Avoid moving the chops too much while they cook. You want a nice sear to develop. Don’t overcrowd the pan either. Cook in batches for even browning.
Convection oven method
If you have a convection oven, you can get the benefits of both methods. High heat for browning then low for tenderness:
- Sear chops in a skillet – Just until browned, 1-2 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a wire rack on a baking sheet.
- Cook at 225-250°F in convection mode – Until 140-145°F internal temp.
- Rest then serve.
The initial sear provides flavor, while the convection oven tenderizes the meat.
Conclusion
While both cooking methods produce delicious pork chops, low and slow cooking results in the most tender texture and infuses the meat with tons of flavor. For optimal juicy, tender chops, cooking low and slow is ideal. Use a low oven temp (225-250°F) and allow 1-4 hours depending on thickness.
High heat cooking delivers a tasty crust in much less time but doesn’t break down connective tissue as effectively. It works best for quick cooking thin chops. Make sure to not overcook them.
Brining is highly recommended before cooking pork chops, especially lean loin chops. It helps keep the meat tender and juicy.
Carefully follow the steps outlined above for low and slow or high heat pork chop cooking. Choose the right cut and thickness of chop for the cooking method. With the proper technique, you’ll enjoy mouthwatering, flavorful pork chops cooked to perfection.