Pork chops are certainly one of the great delicacies that can be found on your plate. If you combine them with a little apple sauce and sweet mashed potatoes, you will feel almost childlike happiness while having lunch.
But let’s be honest, pork chops are a hard dish to prepare and to keep soft and juicy. They dry out very easily during baking and become too tough. Just as dangerous is the risk of drying out when you want to reheat leftover food you have after lunch. We bring you the best tips on how to heat pork chops without drying them out.
Reheating Pork Chops In An Oven
If you want to restore your pork chops’ juiciness, the best way to reheat pork chops is to use the oven. The procedure is very simple, and when you put them in the oven, you can do something else while they heat up nicely.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven to 350 °F
Do not overdo it with the oven temperature. The pork should be warmed lightly and gently. So, set the oven to 350 degrees F and let it heat up.
Step 2: Add Moisture to the Meat and Cover it
Place the pork in a baking dish and add the liquid. It can be a broth of either chicken, vegetables, or beef. It doesn’t matter which one you choose. Add a few tablespoons of it along with the meat to nicely restore the juiciness, then cover the pan with aluminum foil.
Step 3: Bake for up to 15 Minutes
Put the pork chops in the oven and leave it that way for 10 to 15 minutes. It will be enough time to warm up nicely. If you have a thermometer, you can easily determine if the pork is ready. The temperature of the meat after reheating should be 165 degrees.
Reheating Pork Chops In A Microwave
Microwave has a bad reputation as a meat dryer. Reheating with it carries the risk that the meat gets very dry. But if you have no other choice, we bring you some tips on how to do it better.
Step 1: Place the Pork Chops on a Plate and Cover with a Wet Paper
Place the pork on a plate, in one row. Don’t put it on top of each other. Place a well-moistened paper towel on the pieces of pork.
Step 2: Heat on 50 Percent of Microwave Power
This is now a crucial moment. Set the microwave to 50 percent of its power. Do not put on the maximum as this will surely dry out the meat. Put the pork chops to warm up for 30 seconds. Check how much it has warmed up, then return for an additional 30 seconds.
It is important to reheat the meat in shorter heating intervals as it can overheat the meat and make it hard. The meat temperature should be 165 degrees after heating, so heat the meat at 30 seconds intervals until you achieve this.
Reheating Pork Chops In A Skillet
Heating on a stovetop would be something between an oven and a microwave. It’s a faster method than the oven, so if you’re in a hurry, you can opt for it, and a much tastier result can be achieved than in the microwave. Here’s what you need to do.
Step 1: Place the Pork Chops in a Skillet and Add Liquid
Put your pork chops in a frying pan. Make sure it is big enough for the meat to fit nicely inside. Then, add the liquid in the form of a broth. You can add water as well, but the taste would be better with broth. Start with a few tablespoons or until you see enough liquid to keep the meat moist.
Step 2: Heat for a Few Minutes while Adding the Liquid, if necessary
Cover the pan with a lid and put on the fire to heat. If you notice a lack of liquid, feel free to add more broth as needed. After a few minutes, turn the pork chops on the side to evenly heat all sides.
FAQs
What if my pork chops are already dry?
There is little you can do if the meat is already very dehydrated during roasting. But you can be wise and repurpose it a bit. You can cut pork chops into small pieces and put it in a frying pan along with a sauce and a little fat, then reheat the meat and get a new flavor. You can serve it either with a side dish or in salads and sandwiches.
How long do pork chops last in a fridge?
If properly stored, pork chops will last for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to put them in the fridge as soon as possible, so they don’t stand on the kitchen counter long after baking. If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can freeze them.
Is pork okay if left out overnight?
We would advise you never to leave cooked meat at room temperature overnight. You are simply exposing yourself to the unnecessary risk of food poisoning because bacteria love meat in warm room temperature, enough for them to grow and develop. Rather store any meat in the refrigerator after you’re done with lunch.
How do you moisten dry pork chops?
The easiest way to moisten pork chops is to cook it in a frying pan over medium heat with butter. Use a spoon to braise butter on it. Do not overcook or it will become very dry.
Conclusion
To reheat leftover pork chops, we advise you to opt for an oven so the meat will warm up tenderly and retain its juiciness. But if you are in a hurry, there are always other heating methods, like in the microwave or on the stove. It is important to reheat the meat enough to destroy potential bacteria and be entirely safe for consumption.
Tanja is great lover of healthy eating and lifestyle, she has been editing TV series about nutrition and health for years. She also engaged in food production in the family business, mainly focused on fruit processing without destroying vitamins and minerals. She believes that quality nutrition is one of the key ingredients of a happy and healthy life.
