Salt and Pepper Pork Chops
User Reviews
4.4
-
Prep Time
10 mins
-
Cook Time
10 mins
-
Marinating
30 mins
-
Total Time
50 mins
-
Servings
4 Servings
-
Calories
284 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Asian
Salt and Pepper Pork Chops
Description
Salt and Pepper Pork Chops are made by marinating chops in egg white and salt, then coating them in cornstarch before deep-frying in hot oil at 350°F to 375°F. This method yields a distinctive crispy crust that contrasts with the chop's tender meat. The preparation includes scoring the fat edge to help it render evenly. After frying, the chops are placed on a wire rack to drain, avoiding soggy bottoms from steam trapped by paper towels.
The reserved frying oil is used to cook a mixture of minced garlic, sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, salt, and pepper briefly, creating a fragrant, spicy garnish that enhances the dish's complexity. The vibrant topping balances the richness of the pork and adds fresh heat.
This dish is ideal for serving as a hearty main course accompanied by simple sides that allow the pork chops' crunch and aromatic seasoning to stand out. The recipe emphasizes careful frying temperature, batch cooking to avoid overcrowding, and proper draining to preserve crispness.
Notes highlight the importance of managing frying temperature and batch size to maintain oil heat, and draining the chops on a wire rack rather than paper to prevent sogginess from steam.
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops bone-in, about ½-inch thick
- 1 egg white
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ¾ cup cornstarch
- canola oil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 head garlic peeled and minced
- 2 pieces jalapeño cut thinly
- 2 green onions chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine egg white and ½ teaspoon of the salt. Whisk well until frothy.
- Rinse the pork chops and pat dry. With a sharp knife, make a few small cuts around the band of fat.
- Coat pork chops with the egg white and marinate in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Add cornstarch and toss to fully coat pork chops. Let stand for about 10 minutes.
- In a large pan over medium heat, heat about 3-inches deep of oil to 350 F to 375 F. Add pork chops and deep-fry, turning as needed, for about 5 to 7 minutes or until golden, crisp and cooked through.
- With a slotted spoon, remove pork chops from pan and drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the frying oil.
- In a wide pan over medium heat, heat the reserved 2 tablespoons reserved oil.
- Add garlic and cook, stirring regularly, until lightly browned.
- Add jalapenos, green onions, the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and pepper. Cook, stirring regularly, for about 30 seconds.
- Add deep-fried pork chops and toss for about 30-40 seconds or until heated through. Serve hot.
Notes
- Maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F for proper frying; adjust heat as needed.
- Fry chops in batches to avoid overcrowding and temperature drops in the oil.
- Drain fried pork chops on a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep the crust crisp; avoid paper towels to prevent steaming.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 284 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 284kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 76mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 943mg | 39% |
| Potassium | 480mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 60IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 25mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
You'll Also Love
