Parmesan fried pork chops are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the savory flavors of Parmesan cheese with the crispy texture of breaded pork chops. This recipe is easy to follow and results in juicy, flavorful pork chops with a golden, crispy crust. Here’s how to make Parmesan fried pork chops from scratch.
Ingredients:
- Pork Chops: 4 boneless, about 1/2 inch thick
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup
- Eggs: 2 large
- Milk: 2 tablespoons
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup, plain or Italian seasoned
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Dried Italian Herbs: 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Vegetable Oil: For frying
Instructions:
. Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Season Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Set Up Breading Station:
- Flour Mixture: Place the flour in a shallow dish.
- Egg Mixture: In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and dried Italian herbs (if using).
3. Bread the Pork Chops:
- Coat with Flour: Dredge each pork chop in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip in Egg: Dip the floured pork chop into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Press the pork chop into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is well coated on all sides. Repeat with the remaining pork chops.
4. Fry the Pork Chops:
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a breadcrumb sizzles when dropped in.
- Fry Pork Chops: Carefully place the breaded pork chops in the hot oil. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the Parmesan fried pork chops hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. They pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables.
Tips for Success:
- Even Cooking: Ensure the pork chops are an even thickness to promote even cooking. You can pound them to a uniform thickness if needed.
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is key to achieving a crispy crust without burning the breadcrumbs. If you have a thermometer, aim for around 350°F (175°C).
- Oven Finish: If your pork chops are browning too quickly on the outside but not fully cooked inside, you can finish them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes after frying.
Parmesan fried pork chops are a delightful, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy crust and juicy, tender pork in this satisfying meal!