Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal?
Look no further than pork shoulder chops!
These cuts of meat are slightly fattier than pork loin chops, making them perfect for slow cooking or grilling.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, cooking pork shoulder chops is a breeze.
With a few simple steps, you can create a mouth-watering meal that will impress your family and friends.
In this article, we’ll explore different ways to cook pork shoulder chops in New Zealand, from marinating and grilling to braising and baking.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook Pork Shoulder Chops NZ?
There are several ways to cook pork shoulder chops in New Zealand, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are some of the most popular methods:
Choosing The Right Pork Shoulder Chops
When it comes to pork shoulder chops, it can be confusing to know which ones to choose. The first thing to keep in mind is that pork shoulder chops may also be labeled as pork steaks or shoulder chops. If you’re unsure about the labeling, it’s best to visit your local butcher and ask for pork shoulder chops. They can cut the meat to your desired thickness and ensure that you’re getting a high-quality product.
When selecting pork shoulder chops, it’s important to look for a good quality product. Look for cuts that are well-marbled with fat, which will help keep the meat moist and flavorful during cooking. You should also look for cuts that are a deep, reddish-pink color, which indicates freshness.
When it comes to size, it’s best to look for cuts that are between 1 and 2 inches thick. Thicker cuts will take longer to cook and may be tougher, while thinner cuts may dry out quickly. You should also look for cuts that are similar in size and thickness, which will ensure even cooking.
When cooking pork shoulder chops, there are several methods to choose from, including grilling, roasting, and braising. Grilling is a great option if you want a quick and easy meal with a smoky flavor. Roasting is ideal if you want a tender and juicy cut of meat with a crispy exterior. Braising is perfect for tougher cuts of meat, as it involves cooking the meat slowly in liquid until it becomes tender and flavorful.
Marinating The Pork Shoulder Chops
Marinating pork shoulder chops is a great way to infuse them with flavor and tenderize the meat. To make a simple marinade, combine 3 tablespoons of tamarind paste (or substitute for lemon) with 1 cup of flavorful lager (Czech pils, Munich helles, dunkel, bock), along with other seasonings like garlic, brown sugar, onion powder or shallots, salt, and black pepper. As a general rule of thumb, you need about 1/2 cup of marinade per pound of meat.
To marinate the pork shoulder chops, place them in a bowl or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the meat is evenly coated in the marinade and then cover the bowl or seal the bag. Leave the pork in the marinade for at least 2 hours but not longer than 24 hours, as meat can start to break down the protein and become mushy. You can make your marinade up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Add your meat at least 2 hours prior to cooking.
When you’re ready to cook the pork shoulder chops, preheat your grill on medium heat and scrape the grill grates to make sure they are clean. Clean grates will stick much less. Cook the pork chops for a total of 10-15 minutes or until moderately charred and cooked to your desired doneness. Turning the pork chops several times every couple of minutes cooks them quicker and more evenly vs leaving them set on each side for 5-8 minutes, only turning once. It also helps keep your attention on cooking which is important considering the flare-up nature of the pork chops.
Grilling Pork Shoulder Chops To Perfection
Grilling pork shoulder chops is a great way to infuse them with smoky flavors and achieve a juicy and tender texture. To start, prepare a marinade by mixing oil, garlic, soy sauce, onion powder, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Add the pork chops to the marinade and coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and let the pork marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
Once the pork chops are marinated, preheat your grill to medium heat. Clean the grill grates to ensure they are free of debris. Scrape off any excess marinade from the pork chops and place them on the grill. Cook the pork chops for 6-10 minutes per side or until nicely charred and cooked through. Turning the pork chops several times every couple of minutes will help cook them quicker and more evenly.
It’s important to keep an eye on the pork chops while grilling as they are prone to flare-ups. You can also move them to indirect heat or lower the temperature to medium if needed. The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145 degrees Fahrenheit for food safety purposes, but you can cook them up to 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit for a well-done texture.
Once the pork chops are cooked to your desired doneness, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make it even more tender. You can serve grilled pork shoulder chops as is or use them in sandwiches or over rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
By following these steps, you can grill perfect pork shoulder chops every time. Experiment with different marinades and seasonings to create your own unique flavor profile.
Braising Pork Shoulder Chops For Tender Results
Braising is a moist heat cooking method that is perfect for pork shoulder chops. This method involves searing the chops on both sides to enhance their color and flavor, and then slowly cooking them in liquid until they become fork-tender. To braise pork shoulder chops, follow these steps:
1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Heat some oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid over high heat.
3. Season your pork shoulder chops with salt and pepper.
4. In batches, cook your pork shoulder chops until they are browned on both sides, flipping them once. This should take about 5 minutes per batch.
5. Layer your pork shoulder chops in the pot and add vinegar, 1 cup of water, sugar, and garlic.
6. Cover the pot with its lid and transfer it to the oven.
7. Braise your pork shoulder chops until the cooking liquid is reduced by three-quarters and the chops are tender. This should take about 40 minutes.
8. Sprinkle some parsley over your pork shoulder chops and serve them with their pan juices.
Braising is an excellent way to turn tough cuts of meat like pork shoulder chops into flavorful and tender dishes that your whole family will love. Plus, you can easily customize the flavors of your braised pork shoulder chops by using different liquids and seasonings in the cooking process. Give this method a try and enjoy deliciously tender pork shoulder chops every time!
Baking Pork Shoulder Chops For A Delicious Meal
Baking pork shoulder chops is a simple and easy way to create a delicious and flavorful meal. To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F. Make sure that the meat is clean and dry before cooking. Drizzle olive oil over the pork chops and rub it all over the meat. Season both sides of the pork with your favorite seasoning or barbecue rub.
Place the seasoned pork chops into an oiled baking dish or roaster pan, then top them off with chopped onions. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the pork chops from the oven and uncover them.
Pour your favorite barbecue sauce over the pork chops, making sure that all of the chops are nicely covered. Leave the pork chops uncovered and place them back in the oven for an additional 15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature at the thickest portion of the meat must be at least 145°F.
If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, you can sear the chops in a regular skillet and then move them to an oven-safe baking dish to finish roasting. You could also make them in an air fryer. To make a complete pork chop sheet pan dinner, toss some diced root vegetables with a bit of olive oil and roast them on a lightly oiled sheet pan for about 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer the seared pork chops to the sheet pan and continue to roast until the pork is done and the vegetables are tender.
When your pork shoulder chops are done, take them out of the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. Baked pork shoulder chops make a delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today for a mouthwatering meal that your family will love!
Serving Suggestions And Tips For Pork Shoulder Chops.
Pork shoulder chops are a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions and tips to help you make the most out of your pork shoulder chops:
1. Grilling: Pork shoulder chops are perfect for grilling, as they are well-marbled and juicy. Rub them down with your favorite spices and grill them over medium heat for five to seven minutes on each side. Serve with grilled vegetables or a simple green salad.
2. Creamy sauce: For a comforting and filling dinner, try making a creamy sauce with mushrooms and onions to serve with your pork shoulder chops. This one-pan meal takes only 25 minutes to make and is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
3. Pan-frying: Another way to cook pork shoulder chops is by pan-frying them in a cast iron skillet. Sear them until they’re crusty on the outside and juicy on the inside, then make a creamy mushroom and onion gravy to serve on top.
4. Baking: To ensure that your pork shoulder chops are tender and juicy every time, try baking them in the oven. Season them with savory spices and bake them low and slow until they’re cooked to perfection.
5. Serving suggestions: Pork shoulder chops can be served alongside rice, cauliflower rice, steamed broccoli, boiled corn on the cob, or creamy slow cooker cabbage for a complete dinner. They also pair well with marinated mustard greens or other grilled vegetables.
Remember to let your pork shoulder chops rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. With these serving suggestions and tips, you can enjoy delicious and flavorful pork shoulder chops in a variety of ways.