Pork chop sandwiches are a tasty and hearty meal. Picture juicy pork chops nestled in soft bread, topped with your favorite sauces and crunchy veggies. Yum!
I love to add some pickles for an extra crunch. These sandwiches make a great lunch or dinner, and they come together quickly! You won’t want to miss this delicious treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Boneless pork chops are great for sandwiches since they’re easy to eat and cook quickly. If you want a leaner option, you can use chicken breasts instead.
Buttermilk: This adds flavor and helps the coating stick! If you don’t have buttermilk, mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Flour: For the coating, all-purpose flour works perfectly, but you can substitute it with cornmeal for a crunchier texture or use gluten-free flour if needed.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice smokiness to the pork. If unavailable, straight paprika or even cayenne for some heat will do.
Buns: I prefer soft sandwich buns, but you can use whole grain, brioche, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
How Do You Ensure the Pork Chops Stay Juicy?
To keep your pork chops juicy and flavorful, start by flattening them to an even thickness—this helps them cook uniformly. Also, brining the chops in buttermilk not only adds moisture but makes for a tastier end result!
- Use medium-high heat to fry the chops, which helps achieve golden, crispy outsides while keeping the inside juicy.
- Don’t crowd the skillet, which can lower the temperature and lead to steaming rather than frying.
- Let the chops rest on paper towels after frying to remove excess oil, but don’t leave them too long, or they may become soggy. Serve them immediately!
Pork Chop Sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless pork chops
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 4 sandwich buns, toasted
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or ranch dressing
- 1 cup caramelized onions (optional)
- Dill pickle slices
- Lettuce leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 10-15 minutes for cooking. So, in total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to whip up these delicious pork chop sandwiches!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Pork Chops:
Start by flattening the pork chops to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. You can do this easily using a meat mallet or a rolling pin. This helps them cook more uniformly and ensures a juicy result.
2. Make the Coating:
In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and egg, whisking until well blended. In another bowl, mix the flour along with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will create your flavorful coating!
3. Dredge the Pork Chops:
Dip each pork chop first in the buttermilk-egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, coat them thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, gently pressing to help it stick well.
4. Fry the Chops:
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of flour in; it should sizzle), carefully add the pork chops. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F).
5. Drain Excess Oil:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This keeps them crispy!
6. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Spread mayonnaise or ranch dressing on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add a crisp leaf of lettuce and then place the fried pork chop on top. If you like, top with caramelized onions and dill pickle slices for extra flavor and crunch. Finally, place the top bun and press down gently.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious pork chop sandwiches while they’re hot and crispy. Enjoy every bite of this hearty, comforting meal!
This recipe yields 4 delightful pork chop sandwiches, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner. Combining crispy fried pork, creamy sauce, tangy pickles, and sweet onions makes for a satisfying bite every time!
Can I Use Bone-In Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can use bone-in pork chops. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as they may take a bit longer to cook through. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure they’re safe to eat!
What Can I Substitute for Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make your own by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
How Do I Keep the Leftover Sandwiches Fresh?
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep components separate, like the cooked pork and toppings, to maintain crispiness when you reassemble and eat them.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the coated pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
