Hatfield pork chops are a premium cut of pork that come from Hatfield Quality Meats. Hatfield is a family-owned company that has been producing high-quality pork products since 1895 in Hatfield, Pennsylvania. Their pork chops are known for their exceptional flavor, juiciness and tenderness.
Where does Hatfield get their pork from?
All of the pork used for Hatfield products comes from family farms in the United States. Hatfield has partnerships with over 500 family farms across the country to source their pork. These farms are required to follow Hatfield’s strict standards for animal care and housing. The pigs are raised in barns with access to fresh air and sunlight and are fed a vegetarian diet free of animal by-products. This high-quality care results in pigs that produce flavorful and tender pork.
What cut of pork is used for Hatfield pork chops?
Hatfield uses the center cut from premium pork loins to make their boneless pork chops. This section of the loin is the most tender part of the pig and contains a large muscle called the longissimus dorsi. When sliced into chops, this muscle provides a generous portion of meat that is both lean and remarkably tender when cooked correctly.
How thick are Hatfield pork chops?
Hatfield pork chops are cut thicker than typical grocery store pork chops. They are available in 1-inch and 1 1⁄2-inch thicknesses. The thicker cut allows the interior of the chops to remain juicy and flavorful when cooking while the exterior develops a delicious sear.
Are Hatfield pork chops enhanced?
No, Hatfield pork chops contain no artificial ingredients or enhancement solutions. They are 100% natural pork with no water, phosphates, salt, or preservatives added. The incredible flavor and moisture of Hatfield chops comes directly from the high-quality pork used and their artisanal butchering process.
What is the marbling like on Hatfield pork chops?
Hatfield pork contains ample marbling throughout the loin area used for chops. Marbling refers to thin streaks of fat interspersed within the lean meat. The abundant marbling results in pork chops that are remarkably flavorful and juicy when cooked. The marbling melts during cooking, keeping the meat succulent. Leaner pork can become dry and bland, but that is never an issue with well-marbled Hatfield chops.
How should you cook Hatfield pork chops?
The best cooking methods for Hatfield pork chops are pan searing, grilling, broiling, and roasting. The thick cut and rich marbling allow the chops to hold up exceptionally well to high heat cooking methods. Pan searing over high heat will give you a delicious sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Grilling over direct medium-high heat also works wonderfully. The chops can be cooked directly over the flames for top browning or moved to indirect heat to finish cooking. Broiling is great for getting an all-over crispy exterior. Roasting in the oven at 375°F allows the chops to slowly cook in their own rendered fat, becoming fall-apart tender.
What is the optimal internal temperature for Hatfield pork chops?
Cook Hatfield pork chops to an internal temperature of 145°F with a meat thermometer for the best results. This temperature ensures any potential bacteria are eliminated while preventing overcooking that can lead to dry, tough meat. The juicy marbling in Hatfield chops keeps them moist and tender when cooked to a slightly lower temp than the old standard of 160°F for pork. Let the chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute through the meat.
What are some good seasoning options for Hatfield pork chops?
Here are some tasty seasoning options for Hatfield pork chops:
- Brown sugar and chili powder rub
- Smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
- Maple syrup and Dijon mustard marinade
- Italian herb seasoning blend
- Spicy Cajun seasoning
- Fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme
- Lemon, oregano, garlic, and olive oil
The rich flavor of Hatfield pork pairs well with both sweet and savory seasonings. Let the meat shine by not over-seasoning. A simple salt and pepper crust is all you need to bring out the pork’s succulence.
What are some flavorful sauces and glazes for grilled Hatfield pork chops?
Drizzling or brushing your grilled pork chops with a sauce or glaze adds another layer of flavor. Here are some tasty options:
- BBQ sauce – sweet, tangy, and sticky goodness
- Peach jalapeño glaze – sweet peaches with a kick of heat
- Chipotle maple glaze – smoky and subtly sweet
- Sweet and sour sauce – pineapple juice, vinegar, and brown sugar
- Teriyaki glaze – salty, sweet, and umami deliciousness
- Honey mustard glaze – sweet honey balanced by zesty Dijon
- Cherry cola glaze – sweetened with cola and accented with tart cherries
Apply the glaze during the last few minutes of grilling to allow it to caramelize but not burn. You want a nice sticky coating on the exterior of the chops.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Hatfield pork chops?
Here are some classic side pairings that complement the flavors of Hatfield pork chops beautifully:
- Roasted potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes are a perfect match for juicy pork chops. Try mini potatoes or wedges.
- Rice pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf with herbs is a nice neutral base for the pork.
- Roasted vegetables – Root veggies like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts caramelize deliciously next to pork chops in the oven.
- Creamy polenta – Soft, creamy polenta is comforting contrast to the richness of the pork.
- Glazed carrots – Sweet glazed carrots balance the savory chops.
- Garlic green beans – Bright, crisp green beans sauteed with garlic.
- Dinner rolls – Fluffy dinner rolls are great for sopping up any pork juices.
- Garden salad – A simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette is always a good choice.
What wine pairs well with Hatfield pork chops?
Here are some excellent wine options to pair with juicy, flavorful Hatfield pork chops:
- Chardonnay – A buttery California Chardonnay has enough weight and oak to stand up to the pork.
- Sauvignon Blanc – The bright acidity of Sauvignon Blanc balances the richness of the meat.
- Rosé – A food-friendly dry rosé has fruity flavors that complement the pork.
- Pinot Noir – The light tannins and cherry notes of Pinot Noir work nicely with pork.
- Beaujolais – Beaujolais is a light, fruit-forward red that pairs beautifully with pork.
- Riesling – Sweeter Rieslings match well with spicy seasoned pork chops.
Lighter reds, whites, and rosés tend to be the best pairings for pork. The chops are flavorful enough on their own that they don’t need an overly bold wine.
How should you store leftover Hatfield pork chops?
To safely store leftover Hatfield pork chops:
- Allow cooked pork chops to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Place the storage container on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, where it is coldest.
- Cooked pork chops will last 3-4 days stored properly in the refrigerator.
- You can also wrap individual chops well in plastic wrap or foil and freeze them in a sealed freezer bag. They will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.
- Always label the storage container or bag with the date to track freshness.
Can you reheat Hatfield pork chops?
Yes, leftover Hatfield pork chops can absolutely be reheated with excellent results. The best reheating methods are:
- Oven – Bake in a 375°F oven wrapped in foil until warmed through, about 15 minutes.
- Skillet – Quickly sear the chops in a hot skillet to reheat and brown.
- Microwave – Microwave individual chops wrapped in a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Simmer – Gently simmer chops in sauce or broth to reheat without drying them out.
Avoid overheating the pork or it will become tough. Reheat only until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. The chops can also be served cold in sandwiches or salads.
What are some quick and easy recipes using Hatfield pork chops?
Here are some quick, delicious ways to use Hatfield pork chops for fast weeknight meals:
Balsamic Glazed Pork Chops
- Sear chops in an oiled skillet then drizzle with balsamic glaze and cook 2 more minutes per side.
- Serve with sauteed spinach and quinoa or rice pilaf.
Pork Chop Lettuce Wraps
- Stir fry chopped pork chops with hoisin, ginger, and veggies like water chestnuts and bamboo shoots.
- Serve in lettuce leaves garnished with peanuts and green onions.
Pork Chop Salad
- Top mixed greens with sliced seared pork chops, blue cheese, pecans, and balsamic vinaigrette.
Pork Chop Quesadillas
- Chop pork chops and sauté with taco seasoning and peppers and onion.
- Fill tortillas with the pork mix and Monterey jack cheese then grill the quesadillas until crispy.
Pork Chop Piccata
- Dredge chops in flour then pan fry. Make a quick pan sauce with chicken broth, lemon juice, capers and butter.
- Serve over angel hair pasta.
Hatfield pork chops are so flavorful, you don’t need elaborate recipes. A simple preparation is all you need to enjoy these premium chops to their fullest.
Where can you buy Hatfield pork chops?
There are a few ways to get your hands on delicious Hatfield pork chops:
- Grocery Stores – Hatfield products are carried at select grocery store chains like Wegmans, Publix, Kroger, and more. Check your local store.
- Butcher Shops – Many independent butcher shops stock Hatfield pork.
- Online – Hatfield pork chops can be ordered online and shipped right to your door.
- Hatfield Factory Stores – You can visit one of Hatfield’s factory stores in Pennsylvania for their full line of products.
Hatfield pork chops are worth seeking out for their unbeatable flavor and texture when cooked right. With their generous marbling, even beginner cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results at home.
Conclusion
Hatfield pork chops are simply one of the best pork chops you can buy. Their heritage breed pork raised humanely on family farms coupled with master butchery results in a pork chop that is tender, juicy, and packed with pork flavor in every bite. Their thickness allows you to achieve a perfect sear and cook while keeping the interior moist and succulent. Season and cook Hatfield chops simply to let their exceptional quality really shine. Just a sprinkling of salt and pepper is all you need to enjoy these special pork chops. They are so versatile – grill, pan fry, bake, or broil them for a satisfying homemade meal any night of the week. Treat yourself to the premium eating experience of Hatfield pork chops!