Learn how to cook smoked pork chops so they retain their deep and rich flavor. I have found it is best to keep it simple and let the flavors take center stage.
The great thing about smoked meats, besides their wonderful flavor and tenderness, is that they’re fully cooked. All you need to do is warm them up on your stove or in an oven before serving. For this recipe today, I used bone in pork chops; however, this same quick cooking method will work for boneless pork chops too.
This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknights with you want to serve your family a delicious meal, but you are running on empty.
If you love quick meals and easy pork recipes, this one is for you. The key is to have a good butcher that also smokes the meat for you.
Learning How to Cook Store Bought Smoked Pork Chops is Easy
We are lucky enough to have a wonderful meat store just 20 minutes away. They have a wide selection of smoked meats. One of their delectable selections is smoked pork chops. They come in thin and a nice thick pork chop.
If you are not familiar with smoked meats, you may be wondering why the meat is a little pink after it is smoked. When raw meat is exposed to high temperatures in the smoking process, myoglobin breaks down and turns white in color across the whole piece of meat. This creates a pink tinge; just like that you see on our brisket or ribs.
It is important to know how to cook smoked meat. Done wrong, it can be dry and leathery. Done right, and it can be full of smoky flavor, tender, and juicy. Therefore, it is important to cook the meat without over drying it. When smoked pork is cooked too long you will end up with dry pork chops that are tough to chew and just not very pleasant to eat. Therefore, I am sharing my cooking methods with you so you and your family can enjoy this delicious treat too.
Smoked Pork Chops Versus Uncooked Raw Pork Chops
Smoked pork chops are different from regular uncooked pork chops as they were exposed to smoke.
The flavor of the smoked pork shop is much deeper than the unsmoked chop. The taste is quite similar to a smoked ham that you would serve for Thanksgiving dinner.
Did you know? Once meat has been smoked it is safe to eat hot or cold.
While you can eat cold-smoked chops, I prefer mine warmed through.
Therefore, the cooking process is a bit different once the meat has been smoked.
Should you add sauce to the smoked chop?
You can, my daughter and husband like adding pure maple syrup to theirs. I like them as is without any sauce. However, if we do add a sauce, we generally add it after the meat has been caramelized and warmed through. Pork chops tend to be a lean meat and this is a perfect way to enjoy your favorite dipping sauce. Try a few different ways to find your preferred way to enjoy this lean cut of pork.
A scrumptious meal any night of the week.
If you are a sauce person, we have a scrumptious garlic butter sauce that is amazing with meat and vegetables too. It takes just minutes to make. You could make it in the same pan if you fried the pork chops.
Ingredients
- Pork Chops smoked. This recipe uses pork chops that are already smoked. You can use boneless chops or bone-in. Both work well for this recipe.
- Olive Oil. While I generally use olive oil for frying so the meat does not stick, you can use any other type of oil that you prefer.
- Salt. I find that most smoked meat already has enough of a salty flavoring and I generally add very little if any salt.
- Pepper. Pepper can add just a little bit of heat to the smoked meat, but it is optional as this is such a flavorful way to enjoy this lean cut of meat.
How to Cook Already Smoked Pork Chops
Pre-Smoked pork chops are a great way to enjoy all the flavors of your smoker without having to spend hours tending it. This article will show you how easy it is to cook already smoked pork chops at home, so that you can have delicious and tender meat on the table in just 10 minutes!
Cooking Options for Smoked Pork Chops
There are three cooking methods that I have used to cook smoked pork chops. I use the skillet the most as it is so quick and easy. The key is to get the meat heated through and a caramelization on the outside with a quick sear.
- Skillet
- Oven
- Grill
Pro Tip: no matter which of the great options you choose, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. That way, you will not be tempted to overcook the meat.
Easy Oven Method
Set the oven temperature at 350°F for pre-heating. While the oven is pre-heating, Place a cast-iron skillet, or some other large skillet that is oven proof, on the stove to pre-heat. Add a few tablespoons of oil. Fry the pork chops on one side 3-4 minutes. Turn and repeat of the other side. This will caramelize the outside of the meat adding a lot of extra flavor. Place the pan in the oven. Let the chops cook 15-20 minutes in the oven until the temperature of your chops reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. The timing will depend on the thickness of your chops.
Learn How to Cook Smoked Pork Chops Using the Grilling Method
Pre-heat the grill to medium-high heat or you can use a charcoal grill. Make sure to brush the grill plates with some vegetable oil so the food does not stick. Place the pork chops on the grill and cook them for approximately 4 minutes until they are caramelizing. Turn and cook the other side until caramelizing; approximately 2-4 minutes. They should reach the temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sear Pork Chops in the Skillet Method
For us, this is the easiest method to use throughout the year. There is no time in set up and clean up is a breeze.
- Add olive oil or vegetable oil to a skillet set on medium-high heat.2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- Add the Smoked Pork Chops and cook approximately 3-4 minutes on one side. Until they start to caramelize.4 Pork Chops,Salt if desired,Pepper if desired
- Turn and cook the other side another 3-4 minutes. Let sit a few minutes so the juices stay in the meat.
Let the Meat Rest Before Serving
No matter which method you use to cook your smoked pork chops, transfer the chops to a plate and let them rest a few minutes to keep the juices in the meat.
Learn How to Cook Smoked Pork Chops
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 4 Pork Chops smoked
- 2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- Salt if desired
- Pepper if desired
Instructions
Skillet Smoked Pork Chops
- Add olive oil or vegetable oil to a skillet set on medium-high heat.2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- Add the Smoked Pork Chops and cook approximately 3-4 minutes on one side. Until they start to caramelize.4 Pork Chops, Salt if desired, Pepper if desired
- Turn and cook the other side another 3-4 minutes. Let sit a few minutes so the juices stay in the meat.
- It is as quick and easy as that. Serve
Oven Pork Chops
- Set the oven temperature at 350°F for pre-heating. While the oven is pre-heating, Place a cast-iron skillet, or some other large skillet that is oven proof, on the stove to pre-heat. Add a few tablespoons of oil. Fry the pork chops on one side 3-4 minutes. Turn and repeat of the other side. This will caramelize the outside of the meat adding a lot of extra flavor. Place the pan in the oven. Let the chops cook 15-20 minutes in the oven until the temperature of your chops reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. The timing will depend on the thickness of your chops.
Grilling Smoked Pork Chops
Pre-heat the grill to medium-high heat or you can use a charcoal grill. Make sure to brush the grill plates with some vegetable oil so the food does not stick. Place the pork chops on the grill and cook them for approximately 4 minutes until they are caramelizing. Turn and cook the other side until caramelizing; approximately 2-4minutes. They should reach the temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
I love easy meals that taste like you have spent all day in the kitchen or have hired the chef from your favorite restaurant to come and cook for you.
What to Serve with Smoked Pork Chops
This is a great recipe to serve easy, no-fuss side dishes with. A side of applesauce always goes well with any type of pork it seems. I have included a few other scrumptious sides to enjoy with this recipe to make a healthy meal.
I love to make these party beans in the slow cooker. Once the bacon and hamburger are cooked, it is a perfect dump and go recipe. Come back hours later to a delicious full-flavor side dish.
I love using the bean sauce with my smoked pork chops! So yummy!
Of course, this cilantro lime slaw is the perfect refreshing salad to finish off this complete meal.
Our homemade potato salad is always a hit when served as a side dish. Make the potato salad the day before and cook the smoked chops in minutes and you have a delicious family meal in minutes.
As you can see from some of the photos, the smoked pork chops are great with a wide variety of side dishes. We have enjoyed these with simple baked potatoes and garlic green beans.
Our Sweet Potatoes recipe just like Cracker Barrel rounds out this meal nicely.
If you really want to make smoked pork, here is a wonderful recipe for pork tenderloin in smoker. In this recipe, they will walk you through the basics such as:
What are the Best Wood Pellets to Smoke a Pork Tenderloin?
Fruitwood pellets such as maple, apple, hickory, and cherry wood are often favored for smoking. They create a deep, rich flavor that people just love.
Why Use a Pellet Grill?
Pellet grills are very efficient. Just pour the pellets made from compressed sawdust into the hopper and they will burn at a low temperature for hours.
We have a few other delicious recipes we think you will enjoy.
