Pork chops, with their tender meat and flavorful profile, are a delight when freshly cooked. When it comes to reheating them, one must tread with care to ensure they retain their moisture and delectable taste.
As someone who deeply appreciates the nuances of food preparation and presentation, I understand the importance of reviving leftovers to their former glory.
I feel obliged to share three simple yet effective methods to reheat pork chops, ensuring that they remain succulent and flavorful, almost as if they were freshly prepared. You can be sure these tips will save you a lot of time you would spend on experimenting.
Three Simple Ways to Reheat:
- Microwave
- Skillet/On the Stove
- Oven
“Take note that you need to heat pork chops with an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees F as recommended by USDA. Therefore, it is recommended to use a food thermometer for accurate temperature.”
Things that you need for this tutorial:
- Paper towels
- Microwave-safe dish
- Oil
- Plate
- Kitchen Tongs
- Casserole Baking Dish
- Water or broth
- Mittens
- Skillet
- Aluminum foil
The quickest way to reheat is to use a microwave:
Pork chops are rich in protein and are ideal for our active kids to eat. I usually cook a huge batch beforehand and serve it when needed. Here is how to reheat them using the microwave and retain the flavor.
Step 1
In a microwave-safe pan, place the pork chops not too close together. It is best to arrange them in one layer to make sure the microwave can heat the batch evenly. Do not forget to cover the pork chops with a clean and damp paper towel.
Paper towels permit steam to escape and help even heating. Doing so will prevent splatters and keep your microwave clean.
Step 2
Make sure to heat the pork chops using moderate power. I usually set the microwave around 60 percent power, enough to keep the meat tender after the reheat. Using full power will result in dry and chewy pork chops because you heat up the meat too quick.
Step 3
Heat the pork chops for half a minute. How would you know if you did it right? Touch one and check. If the chop feels warm upon your touch right at the center and the edges, I am sure you heated it just enough.
Reheating them using the skillet/on the stove:
When your pork chops are juicy and tender, that means a perfect dinner. A reason why I need to be careful when reheating leftovers so I can still serve them the same way. Remember that reheating them too quick will make them tough and dry. One of the simplest ways to reheat and keep them moist as ever is with the use of a skillet.
Here is how!
Step 1
Heat oil in a skillet. I use vegetable or olive oil for my chops, but you can choose your own kind of oil. I would also suggest using a heavy-bottom cast iron skillet because it would stay firm and safe on the stovetop while heating the meat.
Step 2
When the oil is already hot, place the chops slowly to keep oil from splattering and preventing you from burn accidents. I recommend using tongs in picking up each meat and placing it flat in one layer on the skillet. Do not reheat too many in one batch.
Step 3
Scorch the meat for three minutes just enough to make it crunchy and warm to the bite. Do this on each side. Lower the heat slightly, and cover. Covering the skillet will create steam and add on moisture to the meat thus preventing it from being dry.
Reheating using the oven
Do you know that the best way to reheat pork chops is through the oven? With the correct settings, the oven is capable of heating food low and slow. Doing so, the oven heats the meat evenly from all sides and is far from drying and overcooking the food.
Step 1
Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees F. I also like to warm my pan in advance, so the reheating is faster. While doing so, get your leftovers from the fridge and place it in a glass baking ware.
It would be best to use the right size of your baking pan suitable for the number of pork chops you need to reheat. You can use any baking dish that you please as well. Unlike the microwave and skillet method, placing the pork chops in the baking pan closer together is better. Hence, no need to worry if they look crowded inside.
Step 2
Then, put a tablespoon of water (sometimes I use broth) on each pork chop before covering the pan tightly with a foil or the dish cover. The water will add on to the moisture inside while reheating, preventing the meat to get dry and hard. Another way is to put the liquid first in the casserole dish before placing them inside.
Step 3
Place the dish in the oven and reheat for about half an hour. While heating, the glass dish protects the meat and the tight cover holds the moisture inside. The steam reheats the pork chops inside. Remove the dish from the oven using mitts and slowly peel the cover to prevent yourself from getting hurt.
How to reheat pork chops that are already chewy and dry?
I tried using the three methods of reheating but did not save the poor meat at all. It only ended up tougher like rubber, and there was no way the kids would like them.
Cutting them into small pieces and reheating them using the skillet method works. Just add on a small amount of fat to add to keep it from drying out. Doing so will also retain the flavor of the meat. If this will not work for you, try mixing the cutlets into vegetable stir-fry recipes, and it will do great.
How to reheat breaded pork chops?
Although you need a little twist, reheating breaded pork chops using the skillet is possible. In the process, just before the chops reheat thoroughly, flip them several times to crisp the bread coating in the oil. On the other hand, when using the oven and microwave, open the foil or lid a few minutes before the set time ends allowing the heat from the oven to crisp the coating. Make sure to apply safety precautions to prevent accidents.
What is flash reheating?
This method requires you to reheat room temperature food at high temperatures using either the microwave or oven. The reheating is set to reheat in a short amount of time just allowing the pork chops to heating fast without starting to be cooked. This is only applicable to small portions of food, sliced meats or cutlets. Hence, pork chops are suitable for this method as well.
Do you know how to do it?
Wrap your pork chops loosely in aluminum foil. If you plan to heat a large batch, you need to wrap it individually. As you heat the meat, the foil will hold the moisture inside. After you wrap them, place them in the oven and reheat at about 10 minutes.
With flash reheating, it is necessary to ensure that the internal temperature of the meat is at least 165 degrees F before eating.
Reheat them with rice
Well, simple me. Since I love rice, brown or not, I cook them all the time. For me, the easiest way to reheat a pork chop is to place it on top of my rice while cooking (just in time when the rice absorbed almost all of the water). The steam created while cooking the rice will keep your pork chops moist.
I apply this method with other food that needs reheating. If you do not like to place the chops right on top of the rice, you can place it inside a steamer. Rice cookers usually come with steamers when you buy one.
FAQ
Can I reheat pork chops in an air fryer?
Yes, you can reheat pork chops in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the pork chops in a single layer in the basket, and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even reheating. The air fryer can help maintain the texture, but make sure not to overcook them, as this may cause the meat to become dry.
How long can I store leftover pork chops in the refrigerator?
Properly stored, leftover pork chops will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to wrap them tightly in aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or place them in an airtight container to prevent contamination and maintain freshness.
Can I freeze leftover pork chops?
Yes, you can freeze leftover pork chops. Wrap each pork chop individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Properly stored, frozen pork chops can last up to 3 months. Remember to thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure safe consumption.
How do I properly thaw frozen pork chops?
The safest way to thaw frozen pork chops is in the refrigerator. Place the frozen pork chops in a single layer on a plate or in a container, and allow them to thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours. You can also use the defrost function on your microwave for quicker thawing, but this method may cause some parts of the meat to cook unevenly. Be sure to cook or reheat thawed pork chops immediately to ensure food safety.
Is it safe to reheat pork chops more than once?
It is generally not recommended to reheat pork chops more than once, as doing so can lead to a significant loss of quality and texture. Additionally, reheating food multiple times can increase the risk of harmful bacteria growth. To avoid this issue, only reheat the portion of pork chops you plan to consume, and store the remaining leftovers in the refrigerator for future use.
Wrapping Up
Reheating dishes, particularly those as delicate as pork chops, requires a meticulous approach to ensure the preservation of their original taste and texture.
Through the exploration of three distinct reheating methods, these results will help you ensure optimal results. It is imperative to understand that the essence of culinary excellence is not only in the initial preparation but also in the careful revival of dishes.
With this knowledge, one can confidently approach the task of reheating these, ensuring they remain a gastronomic delight even after their first serving.
