My usual Pork Chops recipe is scrumptious (especially if you're a gravy lover), but it's not one I care to make after a full day at work. It's easy enough, but takes a bit of time. This is my new go-to recipe for when I want pork chops in a hurry.
I had never used a contact grill before, so I was pretty excited when I used the Cuisinart Griddler in that mode for the first time. Since it cooks both sides at once, it cooks and browns the chops in a fraction of the time it would take on the stovetop or in the oven.
Whether you're cooking for two or a small family or just yourself, the Griddler is one handy appliance to have. I wouldn't call this post a "review" as I still haven't tried its other functions: panini press, flat grill or griddle. I want to play with the contact grill first!
(Just a thought: This would make a wonderful wedding present, wouldn't it?!)
(Just a thought: This would make a wonderful wedding present, wouldn't it?!)
Tell me, what's your favorite way of cooking pork chops?
Makes 2 servings (can easily be halved or doubled)
1/8 teaspoon each salt, coarsely ground black pepper, marjoram, thyme leaves, paprika, dry mustard
2 5-ounce 1/2-inch-thick boneless pork loin chops
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1 In a tiny bowl, combine the salt and herbs. Rub the mixture on both sides of the pork chops. In the same tiny bowl, combine the soy sauce and sugar. Brush just the tops of the chops with the sauce. Let stand for 20 minutes.
2 With grill plates in place (they reverse to griddle plates), turn the Selector knob to Grill/Panini and the Grill/Panini knob to High. Preheat in the closed position.
3 When the green indicator light shows, place the seasoned pork chops on the grill. Close the Griddler and set a timer for 4 1/2 minutes. If your chops are thicker or very cold, they might require a bit more time. Check their temperature at 4 1/2 minutes; if it registers 150 to 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, they are done.
Disclosure: Cuisinart provided the product mentioned above. I only work with brands I love, and all opinions are always my own. I will never recommend a product that I haven’t used myself and liked! This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on items purchased via these links.
I love pork chops, and I can see that that would definitely become my favorite way to cook them - if I only had the appliance. Love the browning feature. I either bake or pan fry them, but I like this. Please hold the gravy on my order. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Judy! That's more gravy for me! The other thing you'd like about this appliance is that grease doesn't fly everywhere.
ReplyDeleteI've often wondered about buying one of these for my kitchen, as I love the idea of how quickly they cook meat.
ReplyDeleteAm looking forward to seeing what else you get up to with Jean :)
Janie x
Thanks, Janie! Wait till you see the steak recipe I developed. It knocked my husband's socks off! Not sure what date I'll be posting it, so do check back. I post every Thursday.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a tasty meal. How is the cleanup?
ReplyDeleteAah, you're a practical woman, eh, Roan? So am I! Cleanup is a snap! You just let the Griddler cool off for 30 minutes, snap out the plates and the little drip tray and give them a swish with a soapy sponge. They can go in the dishwasher, but I prefer to wash them by hand and get them right back in place.
ReplyDeleteWish I had your recipe just the other night! Well it will be used on the next batch! Thanks, Jean.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sue! I was just thinking about you the other day; good to hear from you.
ReplyDeletethanks for stopping in today on 'good fences'! appreciate the comment! :)
ReplyDeleteI have never owned a contact grill...love the beautiful print it left on the pork chop. A lovely meal, Jean.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Angie. It was the quickest meal I ever made - 4.5 minutes for the pork chop and heated up the leftover rice and threw in some organic frozen peas at the last minute.
ReplyDeleteI call pork chops “poke” chops, ‘cause that’s how I cook ‘em. Seal in the juices, but with enough heat to do that, they burn if you don’t keep them moving. “Dance, poke chops, dance!” Probably not gonna make Chef of the Year, huh?
ReplyDeleteSully, "Chef of the Year"? No. But when you have only yourself to please, you can cook any way you want to, right?!
ReplyDeleteMmmm, I love a good pork chop but I don't make them very often since my wife doesn't like pork of any kind. I usually just use my outdoor grill but I like the seasoning you mention here. Also the rice and peas are right up my wife's alley. I'll have to search your site for that recipe!
ReplyDeleteRichard, thanks! If you want to sneak a pork chop outdoors but don't want to fire up the grill, just take this appliance out on the patio, use an extension cord if needed, and you're done in less than 5 minutes -- it happens so fast, your wife won't even know it!!
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to buy one of those grillers. I can't believe how fast the pork chop cooked. Two sides at once, I never thought of that. Can't wait for the steak recipe. That may be what pushes me over to buying one!
ReplyDeleteLana, I bet the steak recipe will definitely make you get one! I'll probably post it on the 22nd.
ReplyDeleteOk I've got a similar grill but still haven't used it. I want to try making panini sandwiches. Let me know if you find a good recipe.
ReplyDeleteThe cottage is coming along. There seems to be so much to do. I'm getting there. Thanks for coming to visit me. Hugs!
Pat, with summer on the way, I'm sure I'll be developing some panini recipes soon. (Be sure to not miss my post on the 22nd - a giveaway of something that would be cool in your new cottage!)
ReplyDeleteNow I am craving for pork chops! My go-to preparation is just to brine then pan fry on each side. I'd like grilled chops, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bianca! One of the things I love about this method is the pork chops stay flat, no curling up on the edges, so they brown evenly.
ReplyDeleteHi Jean! First off, thanks for visiting my blog and for your lovely comment. You have a beautiful blog! The photos are mouthwatering! The pork chops you prepared had me research prices in my country. Unfortunately, this beautiful griddler can cost 4 times more here :( Maybe on my next trip...
ReplyDeletefollowing you!
All the best,
Renata
Renata, thank you so much! I'm glad you like it! Isn't it amazing how much prices differ from country to country? Like you said, your next trip ... it would fit easily into a suitcase!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea.. using the griddler! Makes me want to run out and get one today! :) The chops look perfect!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jenn! It's the perfect appliance for a hardworking new mom!
ReplyDeleteok pork chop tonight, but how do u season the rice/peas side? that looks good and easy to! Help a busy mom out! please....
ReplyDeletee1bridwell@gmail.com
Liz
Thank you, Liz! I just had some leftover long-grain white rice that I'd cooked in chicken broth. Then I heated it in the pan and threw in some frozen peas and a sprinkle of dill, stirred it gently, put the lid on and waited for the peas to do little more than thaw.
ReplyDelete