Pork neck chops are a delicious and flavorful cut of meat that are perfect for grilling or pan frying. They are a popular choice in German cuisine and can be found in many restaurants and events.
The neck of the pig is especially strong, which makes for juicy and tender meat. In this article, we will explore different methods for cooking pork neck chops, including marinating, searing, and roasting.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these tips will help you create a mouth-watering dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. So, let’s get started!
How To Cook Pork Neck Chops?
Marinating is a great way to infuse flavor into pork neck chops. To marinate, mix your desired marinade and apply it all over the pork neck chops. Cover and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes before cooking. Before cooking, bring the chops to room temperature on the counter.
To sear pork neck chops, heat a heavy-bottomed pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of cooking oil. Scrape off the marinade from the chops and working in batches of two, sear the pork neck chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side (depending on how thick they are). The juices should run clear before you stop searing.
After searing, transfer the cooked neck chops to a warm plate to rest. Loosely cover with foil to keep them warm. Pan-seared pork chops are food safe at 145 F internal temperature, however about 160 F is absolutely fine – they will not be dry.
Another method for cooking pork neck chops is roasting. Start by washing and drying the steaks and then sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Mix all other ingredients well and arrange the steaks in an oven dish. Pour the mixture over the steaks and let them season for 1 hour in the refrigerator. Cover them with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour in a highly heated oven. Then remove the foil and bake until done. Turn the chops over twice to keep them from going dry. Roast the steaks in the oven until the sauce in the oven dish thickens and caramelizes.
For grilling pork neck chops, start by getting your griddle pan on high heat and let it get screaming hot. Lay the steaks out on a chopping board and drizzle a little olive oil over each one. Sprinkle over garlic, sage, salt, ground black pepper, and lemon zest. Cut the lemon in two and squeeze one of the halves over them as well. Rub this marinade into both sides of each steak with your fingers so they are evenly oiled and seasoned.
Place the steaks on your griddle or in a hot frying-pan (they make a bit of smoke, so get your fan on!). Make sure you don’t have too many in the pan at one time – there should be a gap between the steaks and they shouldn’t be touching each other at all, so if your pan isn’t big enough, cook in batches.
Turn the steaks over after two minutes, then turn every minute until they’ve had 8 minutes cooking time in total. Squeeze the other half of the lemon over the cooked steaks and let them sizzle for a moment, then lift them out of the pan with tongs to a plate to rest for a minute before serving.
Choosing And Preparing Pork Neck Chops
When it comes to choosing pork neck chops, look for thick, bone-in cuts with a good amount of marbling. The marbling will ensure the chops stay juicy and flavorful during cooking. Before cooking, remove any excess fat or gristle from the chops.
Marinating is a great way to add flavor to pork neck chops. There are many marinade options available, including Vietnamese marinade and sweet and spicy marinade. Marinate the chops for 30-60 minutes before cooking to infuse them with flavor.
To sear pork neck chops, use a heavy-bottomed pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in the pan and sear the chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until the juices run clear. Let the chops rest for a few minutes before serving.
Roasting is another option for cooking pork neck chops. Season the chops with salt, black pepper, and white pepper before arranging them in an oven dish. Pour a mixture of other ingredients over the chops and let them season for an hour in the refrigerator. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in a highly heated oven for an hour before removing the foil and continuing to bake until done.
Grilling is yet another way to cook pork neck chops. Drizzle olive oil over each chop and season with garlic, sage, salt, ground black pepper, and lemon zest. Grill on high heat for 8 minutes total, turning every minute until cooked through.
Remember to always bring pork neck chops to room temperature before cooking and let them rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and keep them juicy.
Marinating Pork Neck Chops For Maximum Flavor
Marinating pork neck chops is an excellent way to add flavor to your dish. The marinade can be made using a variety of ingredients, such as oil, paprika, steak and chop seasoning, salt, pepper, and meat tenderizer. You can also add minced garlic to the marinade for an extra boost of flavor.
To marinate the pork neck chops, mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl and add the pork chops. Make sure all parts of the meat are well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Before cooking, bring the pork neck chops to room temperature on the counter. Scrape off any excess marinade from the pork chops before cooking to prevent burning and sticking to the pan.
One way to cook marinated pork neck chops is by searing them in a heavy-bottomed pan or cast iron skillet. Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil over medium-high heat and sear the pork neck chops for about 3-4 minutes on each side (depending on how thick they are). The juices should run clear before you stop searing. After searing, transfer the cooked neck chops to a warm plate to rest.
Another method for cooking marinated pork neck chops is by roasting them in the oven. Season the chops with salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Mix all other ingredients well and arrange the steaks in an oven dish. Pour the mixture over the steaks and let them season for 1 hour in the refrigerator. Cover them with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour in a highly heated oven. Then remove the foil and bake until done.
Finally, you can also grill marinated pork neck chops for added flavor. Drizzle a little olive oil over each steak and sprinkle garlic, sage, salt, ground black pepper, and lemon zest over them. Rub this marinade into both sides of each steak with your fingers so they are evenly oiled and seasoned. Place the steaks on your griddle or in a hot frying-pan and cook for 8 minutes total, turning every minute until done.
Searing Pork Neck Chops For A Crispy Exterior
If you’re looking for a crispy exterior on your pork neck chops, searing is the way to go. To start, pat the pork chops dry with a paper towel and season them generously on all sides with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes. Add a tablespoon of cooking oil to the pan and wait until it shimmers before adding the pork neck chops. Working in batches of two, sear the chops for about 3-4 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms.
To ensure that the chops are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 145 F and the juices run clear. If you prefer your pork neck chops more well-done, continue searing up to 165 F.
Once seared, transfer the cooked chops to a warm plate and loosely tent with foil to keep them warm while you finish cooking the rest of the batch. For an extra crispy exterior, you can stack the pork chops with tongs and sear the fat caps on the edges until crisp for about a minute.
Searing is a great way to add texture and flavor to your pork neck chops. Just be sure to monitor the temperature carefully to prevent overcooking and drying out the meat.
Roasting Pork Neck Chops For Tender, Juicy Meat
Roasting is another great way to cook pork neck chops for tender, juicy meat. To start, preheat your oven to a high temperature of 400F/200C. Begin by washing and drying the pork neck chops, then sprinkle them with salt and black pepper.
Next, mix all other ingredients well and arrange the chops in an oven dish. Pour the mixture over the chops and let them season for 1 hour in the refrigerator. Cover them with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour in a highly heated oven. After an hour, take off the foil and continue baking until the meat is golden brown and the juices have evaporated.
To ensure that your pork neck chops are cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The internal temperature of the pork should be at least 145F/63C for food safety purposes. Once cooked, remove the pork neck chops from the oven and transfer them to a plate. Cover them with aluminum foil and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Roasting pork neck chops is a great way to achieve tender, juicy meat that is full of flavor. With a little bit of preparation and patience, you can create a delicious meal that your family and friends will love.
Serving Suggestions For Pork Neck Chops
Now that you know how to cook pork neck chops, it’s time to think about what to serve them with. Pork chops can be paired with a variety of sides, from classic mashed potatoes to more adventurous dishes like maple-bacon Brussels sprouts.
One classic pairing for pork chops is applesauce. Homemade applesauce is easy to make and complements the savory flavors of the pork perfectly. Another great option is roasted root vegetables, seasoned with thyme and honey for a sweet and savory dish.
If you’re looking for something a little more indulgent, try twice-baked potato rounds or from-scratch green bean casserole. Both dishes are sure to please any crowd and add a touch of comfort to your meal.
For a lighter side, consider lemon roasted asparagus or a refreshing iceberg wedge salad drizzled with ranch dressing. These dishes provide a bright and zesty contrast to the rich flavors of the pork neck chops.
No matter what you decide to serve with your pork neck chops, be sure to choose sides that complement the flavors of the dish and provide a balanced meal. With these serving suggestions, your pork neck chops will be elevated to a whole new level of deliciousness.