Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl until the salt and sugar are dissolved.Ģ.

Here’s a simple brine recipe you can use:ġ. It results in a more tender and juicy pork chop, as the added moisture prevents the meat from becoming dry and tough.īesides salt, you can also add other ingredients to your brine, such as sugar, herbs, and spices, to add flavor to the pork chops. This allows it to absorb more water and retain moisture during cooking. Use just the right amount of these ingredients to achieve the perfect level of tenderness.īrining involves soaking the pork chops in a solution of salt and water. The salt in the solution helps to break down the muscle fibers in the meat. High doses of tenderizing enzymes can produce mushy meat.Too much acid can actually toughen the pork chops by denaturing their proteins. Cook the pork chops using your preferred method, such as grilling, baking, or pan-frying. When you’re ready to cook them, remove the pork chops from the marinade and discard any remaining liquid.Ĥ. You can also marinate them for several hours or overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.ģ. Marinate the pork chops for at least 30 minutes. Place them in a plastic bag or container with your desired marinade mixture.Ģ. Both are excellent tenderizing ingredients.ġ. Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, while papaya contains the enzyme papain. Tenderizing enzymes can be found in the juices of several fruits, such as pineapple and papaya. These chemicals break down the meat’s protein on a molecular level, which results in a more tender and juicy pork chop.Īcids such as citrus juices, vinegars, and wines are commonly used in many pork marinade recipes.Īcidic dairy products such as yogurt and buttermilkcan make great marinade bases for juicy, delicious pork chops as well. This method involves soaking the meat in an acidic liquid or tenderizing enzyme. Marinating is also a great way to tenderize pork chops.

It won’t flatten the chops like the others, but it will tenderize them. Poke the meat all over with a fork, making small holes to help break down the muscle fibers. No meat mallet, no problem! If you don’t have a meat mallet, use a rolling pin or a heavy pan, such as a cast iron skillet.Season and cook the pork chops using your preferred method, such as grilling, baking, or pan-frying. Don’t overdo it, as the meat will become too thin and lose its texture.ģ. Using the flat side of the mallet, gently pound the meat until it’s ¼ inch thick. Place the chop between two sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper on a smooth, clean surface.Ģ. How to Pound Pork Chops with a Meat Mallet:ġ. Plus, it creates more surface area for seasonings or coatings to adhere to, making for a more flavorful dish. This method is effective for thicker cuts of pork chops, as it helps to even out the thickness of the meat and reduces cooking time. It breaks down the muscle fibers and connective tissues in the meat. As a result, the meat becomes thinner and more evenly textured, making it easier to cook and more tender to eat. Pounding pork chops with a meat mallet is effective in tenderizing them. Nothing beats a juicy and tender pork chop for dinner, but getting the perfect texture can be a challenge.įortunately, there are three easy, tried-and-true methods for tenderizing pork chops: pounding with a meat mallet, marinating, and brining. Want to elevate your pork chop game and impress your family with perfectly cooked, meat? Let’s get started! Best Ways to Tenderize Pork Chops

Here are some effective ways to tenderize pork chops and make them the star of your next meal. These simple methods make even the toughest cuts of pork chops tender and juicy. Are you wondering how to tenderize pork chops? You can easily tenderize them by pounding, marinating, or brining them.

Baked pork chops recipe tender