Pork Chop Seasoning
Say no to boring dinners with my spicy, slightly sweet pork chop seasoning blend. Plus, this versatile mix can ramp up the flavor on more than just pork. Enjoy a quick way to spice up potatoes, roasted vegetables, dips, sauces, and even popcorn.
Why is it that restaurant food is usually so much better than what we make at home? I’ll let you in on a little secret. Restaurants use a lot of fat, whether it’s olive oil, butter, or something else. They also know how to make good seasoning mixes (although loaded with salt).
The time I’ve worked in restaurants has taught me a few things. You can take the same basic ingredients, switch out the spices, and you have an entirely different meal. So if you’re suffering from food boredom because you’ve got the same meat, potatoes, and veg, then give them new life with exciting spice mixes.
Why Make Your Own Seasoning Blends
Homemade spice blends let you control the salt, sweetness, and heat. You can also make as little or as much as you need, so it doesn’t go stale before you use it up.
Another benefit is that you know exactly what’s in the bottle, no additives, fillers, etc. And did I mention you can make it your own by playing with the measurements?
How to Season Pork Chops
- Mix the seasonings in a bowl and store them in a glass jar away from heat and light.
- Pat the pork chops dry and salt to taste. The standard recommendation is ¾-1 teaspoon per pound. Half a teaspoon of salt per pound will work fine if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Sprinkle them liberally with the seasoning blend and rub to coat. If you have time, let them dry brine, uncovered, in the fridge for 8-24 hours.
- Cook as desired: fried, baked, smoked, air fried, or grilled. Enjoy!!!
Storage Instructions
Glass jars will keep spices fresher longer than plastic. They should be fine for at least 6 months as long as they’re in a cool, dark place. Above the stove may be convenient, but it’s not good for your seasonings.
Dried spices and herbs don’t usually go bad; they just lose their potency. So if it has been on the shelf longer than 6 months and has lost some of its flavor, just use more.
Tips for Juicier Pork Chops
- Feel free to wet-brine your pork before seasoning for even juicier results.
- Pat the meat dry before seasoning.
- Allow the chops to come to room temperature for around 30 minutes for more even cooking.
- Leave the fat on and score it so it renders better for juicier results.
- Letting meat rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking is essential.
Versatile Ways to Use Pork Seasoning
A sprinkle of your favorite savory seasoning blend on roasted vegetables or popcorn for a flavor twist. Or swap out the spices on seasoned fries and oven-roasted potatoes.
For a fast dipping sauce, mix a cup of Greek yogurt with a tablespoon of seasoning, taste, and add more if desired.
Mixing a little oil with the desired amount of seasoning makes a quick marinade. Plus, you can make plant-based eating easier by marinating mushrooms, cauliflower, or tofu, and then roasting them.
More Superb Seasoning Blends to Enjoy
- Creole Seasoning
- Blackened Seasoning
- Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Jamaican Jerk Spices
- Italian Seasoning
By Imma
This blog post was originally published in June 2021 and has been updated with additional tips and delicious photos.
Pork Chop Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon (7g) black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (14g) garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon (10g) onion powder
- 2 teaspoons (4g) dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons (4g) dried oregano
- ¼ cup (50g) dark brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 tablespoon (8-9g) chili powder
- ½-1 teaspoon (1-3g) cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons (18g) smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons (6g) ground cumin
Instructions
- Mix the spices in a medium-sized mixing bowl until fully combined.
- Use immediately or store in a glass spice jar and use as needed.
Tips & Notes:
- Slathering pork with Dijon mustard before adding the seasonings adds more flavor and helps the spices stick to the meat.
- Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.
