How to Cook Pork Chops on a Griddle: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking pork chops on a griddle is a great way to add some delicious flavor to the dish. However, without the right tools and techniques, it can be difficult to get the perfect pork chop. So, if you’re looking to make some great pork chop recipes, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to master pork chops on a griddle.

Table of Contents

What You’ll Need for Perfect Pork Chops

Before you start, make sure you have the right supplies on hand. To get started, gather the following items:

Griddle
Pork chops
Non-stick cooking spray
Tongs or a spatula
Salt and pepper
Oil or butter

Additionally, make sure your griddle is clean and free of debris. Any food left on the surface can affect the flavor of your pork chops.

It’s also important to preheat your griddle before adding the pork chops. This will help ensure that the pork chops cook evenly and don’t stick to the surface. Heat the griddle to medium-high heat and wait until it’s hot before adding the pork chops.

Prepping the Pork Chops

Before you start cooking, season your pork chops generously with salt and pepper. Make sure to cover both sides of the chop and press the seasoning lightly into the chops. If you like, you can also add other seasonings such as garlic, onion powder, or herbs.

Once the pork chops are seasoned, add a tablespoon of oil or butter to the griddle. You can also use a non-stick cooking spray to reduce the amount of fat needed. The fat will help give your pork chops flavor and prevent them from sticking. Make sure to spread the oil evenly on the griddle with a paper towel.

Once the griddle is hot, place the pork chops on the griddle and cook for about 4 minutes on each side. You can check the internal temperature of the pork chops with a meat thermometer to make sure they are cooked through. The internal temperature should be at least 145°F for pork chops.

Heating Up the Griddle

Once the griddle is oiled, turn the heat up to medium-high and allow it to heat up for about 5 minutes. This will allow the griddle to reach an optimal cooking temperature that will ensure perfect pork chops every time.

To test if the griddle is hot enough, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If the water sizzles and evaporates quickly, the griddle is ready to use. If the water sits on the surface, the griddle needs to be heated for a few more minutes.

Placing the Pork Chops on the Griddle

Add your pork chops to the griddle. Make sure to leave enough space in between each chop so they don’t stick together. You may need to cook them in batches if your griddle isn’t big enough.

Cooking Tips and Techniques

As your pork chops are cooking, make sure to manage the heat as needed. If you find that your pork chops are cooking too quickly and browning on the outside before cooking through, you can lower the heat to medium. If you find that your pork chops aren’t cooking fast enough, you can increase the heat to medium-high.

You should also use tongs or a spatula to periodically flip your pork chops over as they cook. This will help ensure even cooking on both sides. Make sure not to flip too often though, as this can make the chops dry out.

Flip and Check for Doneness

When your pork chops are finished cooking, use a meat thermometer to check if they have reached the recommended safe internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). If they have, they are ready to be removed from the griddle.

Serving Suggestions

Once your pork chops are cooked, let them rest for about 5 minutes so that the juices can settle. The pork chops can be served on their own or paired with a side dish such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your pork chops are dry or tough when cooked, here are some possible causes:

Not enough fat: Make sure you are adding enough fat (oil or butter) to the griddle.
Too high heat: If you find that your pork chops are cooking too quickly and browning on the outside before cooking through, lower the heat.
Flipping too often: Make sure not to flip your pork chops too often as this can make them dry out.

Conclusion

Cooking pork chops on a griddle is a great way to add flavor and texture to your dish. With the right tools and techniques, you can easily achieve pork chop perfection every time. Follow this step-by-step guide and you’ll be sure to make delicious pork chops with ease!