literally stovetop pork chops

There is a running joke in my life that I am chock-full of ideas, but have no sense of how to actually execute them. I’ll say an idea, I’ll whisper it into the palm of my hand, then blow it into thin air so maybe, just maybe, someone else will make it happen. Pulverizing Stove Top stuffing and breading pork chops with the herby bread crumbs was an idea I could simply not blow into thin air. And we are all rewarded for it. You’re welcome.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Serves 4

ingredients

for the brine and pork

  • ¼ cup kosher salt

  • ¼ cup sugar

  • 2 teaspoons dried sage

  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

  • 1 teaspoon cracked black peppercorns

  • 2½ cups ice

  • 4 boneless pork chops (½ inch thick)

for the breading

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • ½ (6-ounce) package Stove Top Stuffing mix (1½ cups)

  • ½ cup canola vegetable oil

steps

BRINE THE PORK CHOPS:

  1. In a saucepan, combine 1½ cups water, the salt, sugar, sage, red pepper flakes, and peppercorns.

  2. Bring to a boil over high heat and boil until the salt and sugar are dissolved.

  3. Transfer to a glass baking dish and add the ice; let the ice melt.

  4. Add the pork chops to the brine, cover, and refrigerate for 2 hours.

SET UP THE BREADING STATION:

  1. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs.

  2. In a second shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.

  3. In a food processor, process the stuffing mix until fine crumbs form and place the crumbs in a third bowl.

COOK DEM PIGS:

  1. Remove the chops from the brine and pat them dry with paper towels.

  2. Working with one at a time, dip the chops first in the flour, then in the eggs, then in the crumbs, pressing to make the crumbs stick to each side.

  3. Let the breaded chops sit on a plate for a few minutes—it helps the breading stick better.

  4. In a 10-inch heavy skillet, heat ¼ cup of the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering-hot.

  5. Add 2 of the chops and fry until golden and crispy, 3 to 4 minutes max per side.

  6. Remove, drain on paper towels, and repeat with the remaining oil and pork.

Recipe from/inspired by: Cravings by Chrissy Teigen
literally stovetop pork chops