Are you tired of the same old pork chop recipes? Do you want to try something new and exciting on the grill?
Look no further than shake and bake pork chops! This classic recipe has been updated for the grill, resulting in a super crunchy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. And the best part? No frying required!
In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of grilling shake and bake pork chops, including tips for brining, breading, and cooking to perfection. So fire up the grill and get ready to impress your taste buds with this delicious twist on a classic dish.
Can I Grill Shake And Bake Pork Chops?
Yes, you absolutely can grill shake and bake pork chops! In fact, grilling is a great way to cook these breaded pork chops, as it adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture that you just can’t get from baking in the oven.
To start, you’ll want to prepare your pork chops by brining them for at least an hour. This helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Simply mix together water, salt, sugar, and brown sugar in a large pot, then add your pork chops and let them soak.
Once your pork chops have brined, it’s time to bread them with the shake and bake mixture. This typically includes panko breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. You’ll also need beaten eggs to help the breading stick.
To grill your pork chops, preheat your grill to medium heat and oil the grates with a clean tea towel dipped in vegetable oil. Place the breaded pork chops on the grill and cook for 10 minutes with the lid shut. Flip the chops and cook for another 10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you prefer a more oven-like texture to your shake and bake pork chops, you can also bake them on a sheet pan in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 minutes. Just be sure to line the pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
What Is Shake And Bake?
Shake and Bake is a popular flavored bread crumb product that has been around since 1965. It is manufactured by Kraft Foods and is typically used to coat meats such as chicken or pork, but it can also be used to coat vegetables like eggplant Parmesan. The product is applied by placing raw meat or vegetable pieces in a bag containing the coating, closing the bag, and shaking it so the coating adheres to the pieces. They are then placed on a baking sheet and cooked in an oven. Shake and Bake has been marketed as a healthier and less-greasy alternative to frying, with slogans such as, “Shake ‘n Bake: It’s better than frying”, and “Why fry? Shake ‘n Bake”. The coating is really just seasoned breadcrumbs, and there’s nothing fancy about it in the slightest. The herbs are flexible—you can add all three, or just use whichever you have in your pantry right now. It’s a really easy going recipe that you can mix up a big container of the seasoned breadcrumbs and keep it around to make shake and bake night even easier. However, it’s important to note that “Shake and Bake” is also a term used for a dangerous process of making methamphetamine using a simplified method that involves mixing chemicals in a soda bottle. This method of creating meth is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted.
Brining The Pork Chops
Before you can grill your shake and bake pork chops, it’s important to brine them first. Brining is a simple process that involves soaking the meat in a saltwater solution, which helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
To create a basic brine, mix together water, kosher salt, sugar, and brown sugar in a large pot. You can also add in other flavorings like peppercorns, bay leaves, garlic cloves, and herbs if you’d like. Once the salt and sugar have dissolved in the water, add your pork chops to the pot and let them soak for at least an hour.
The amount of time you should brine your pork chops depends on their thickness. For chops that are less than 1 inch thick, 30 to 45 minutes should be enough. For chops that are 1 to 2 inches thick, aim for 1 to 2 hours of brining time. If you’re using thicker cuts like pork tenderloin, you can brine for up to 4 hours.
It’s important not to over-brine your pork chops, as this can cause the meat to become rubbery. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1 hour of brining time per pound of meat. Once your pork chops have finished brining, rinse them off with cold water and pat them dry before proceeding with the breading process.
Breading The Pork Chops
Breading pork chops is a crucial step in making shake and bake pork chops. The breading mixture typically consists of panko breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. To start, you’ll want to set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add some flour. In the second bowl, beat some eggs with salt and pepper. In the third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.
To bread the pork chops, first dredge them in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip them into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat them evenly. Finally, coat the pork chops in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to help the breading stick.
It’s important to note that breading sticks to the natural moisture of the pork chop. The egg dip holds the breading on the meat and allows for a second dip in the breading mixture. This double breading process allows for the best coating that is sure to stick to the meat.
Once your pork chops are breaded, you can grill them or bake them in the oven for a delicious and crispy meal. Just be sure to follow cooking instructions carefully to ensure that they cook evenly and reach a safe internal temperature.
Preparing The Grill
To prepare your grill for grilling shake and bake pork chops, start by preheating it to medium heat. You’ll want to oil the grates with a clean tea towel dipped in vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Once your grill is heated and oiled, it’s time to cook your pork chops.
Place the breaded pork chops on the grill and cook for 10 minutes with the lid shut. Flip the chops and cook for another 10 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important not to crowd the chops on the grill, as this can cause them to cook unevenly.
If you’re using a Char-Broil Big Easy Oil-Less Fryer or Smoker-Roaster Grill, be sure to follow the specific instructions for those devices. For example, if you’re using the Smoker-Roaster Grill, you should cook with the lid open and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Grilling shake and bake pork chops is a quick and easy way to add flavor and texture to this classic dish. Just be sure to brine your pork chops first for added tenderness and flavor.
Cooking The Shake And Bake Pork Chops
Cooking shake and bake pork chops is a quick and easy process that can be done in just 30 minutes. To start, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Rinse your boneless or bone-in pork chops under lukewarm water and pat them dry with paper towels.
Brush olive oil on all sides of the pork chops, then prepare the shake and bake breading mixture. In a large zip-top plastic storage bag, add breadcrumbs (or panko), salt, pepper, paprika, cornmeal (optional), garlic powder, and onion powder. Close the bag securely and shake gently to combine the ingredients.
Place one pork chop at a time into the bag, seal it, and shake until the chop is completely coated on all sides. Place the coated pork chop onto your parchment-lined baking sheet and repeat for each pork chop, leaving space between each on the baking sheet.
Bake the pork chops in your preheated oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove from the oven when done and serve immediately.
If you prefer to grill your shake and bake pork chops, start by brining them for at least an hour to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. Mix together water, salt, sugar, and brown sugar in a large pot, then add your pork chops and let them soak.
Once your pork chops have brined, bread them with the shake and bake mixture that includes panko breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Beat eggs to help the breading stick.
Preheat your grill to medium heat and oil the grates with a clean tea towel dipped in vegetable oil. Place the breaded pork chops on the grill and cook for 10 minutes with the lid shut. Flip the chops and cook for another 10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Whether you choose to bake or grill your shake and bake pork chops, they are sure to be a delicious and easy meal option that can be prepared in just a few simple steps.
Serving Suggestions And Variations
Shake and bake pork chops are a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides and salads. One great option is to serve them with a big salad, such as a copycat Olive Garden salad, for a fresh and healthy meal. You can also try serving them with comforting sides like mashed potatoes, garlic bread, roasted baby potatoes, or roasted Brussels sprouts salad.
Another variation is to switch up the seasoning in the shake and bake mixture. Try adding different herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or paprika to add some extra flavor to your pork chops. You could also experiment with different types of cheese or breadcrumbs for a unique twist on this classic dish.
If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you can also try using almond flour or coconut flour instead of breadcrumbs in the shake and bake mixture. This will give your pork chops a crispy coating without the added carbs.
No matter how you choose to serve or season your shake and bake pork chops, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So fire up the grill or preheat the oven and get ready to enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make dish!