How to Cook Thin Pork Chops: Best Recepies

What Are Thin Pork Chops?

Thin pork chops are usually ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. You can get them bone-in or boneless, and they cook lightning fast — which is great when you’re hungry but also dangerous if you overdo it. The secret? Hot sear, short time, and a little rest.

How to Cook Thin Pork Chops: Whole & in Parts

Cooking Whole Thin Pork Chops (Bone-in or Boneless)

Pan-Searing (My favorite method)

Ingredients:

• 4 thin pork chops (½ inch thick)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Let the chops sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high.
3. Season chops, sear 2-3 minutes each side.
4. Remove when internal temp hits 145°F (63°C).
5. Let rest 3-5 minutes.

Baking in the Oven

Ingredients:

• 4 thin pork chops
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Dried rosemary, garlic powder, salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season chops and place on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Rest and serve.

Cooking Thin Pork Chops by Parts

You can also slice them for stir-fry, cube them for stews, or shred them post-cooking.

Stir-Fry Pork Strips

• Slice thinly.
• Quick sauté with veggies, soy sauce, garlic.

Cubes for Soup or Curry

• Brown quickly, add to broth or sauce, simmer gently.

Cooking Temperature Guide

Method	Temp	Time (Each Side)	Rest Time
Pan-Searing	Medium-High	2–3 minutes	3–5 mins
Oven	400°F (200°C)	12–15 minutes	3–5 mins
Grill	Medium-High	3–4 minutes	3–5 mins
Sous Vide	140°F (60°C)	1 hour	Sear only
Air Fryer	400°F (200°C)	8–10 minutes	3–5 mins

Best Seasonings & Marinades for Thin Pork Chops

Dry Rub:

• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Pinch of cayenne

Quick Marinade:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Calories & Nutrition

On average, one 4-ounce (113g) thin pork chop (cooked) contains:

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 23g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbs: 0g

Healthy Version (Low-Calorie/Low-Fat)

• Use lean cuts (like center-cut loin).
• Bake or grill — avoid frying in butter.
• Season with herbs: rosemary, oregano, thyme.
• Serve with steamed veggies or whole grains.

First Courses with Thin Pork Chops

• Pork Chop & Barley Soup: Cube pork, sauté with onions and carrots, add broth and barley.
• Asian Pork Broth Bowl: Thin strips simmered with ginger, soy sauce, bok choy.

Main Courses (Second Dishes)

• Pork Chops with Apple Slaw
• Creamy Garlic Pork over Mashed Potatoes
• Crispy Breaded Chops with Roasted Veggies

Cooking Methods:

Microwave:

• Place seasoned chop in microwave-safe dish. Cover with lid or wrap.
• Cook on HIGH for 2–3 minutes, checking doneness.

Slow Cooker:

• Layer chops with onions and broth or cream sauce.
• Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.

Multicooker (Instant Pot):

• Sauté chops first, then pressure cook 1 minute with broth, quick release.

Skillet:

• High heat, thin oil layer, 2–3 minutes per side.

Oven:

• Great for batch cooking — 400°F, 12–15 minutes.

Clay Pot:

• Perfect for traditional stews — longer cook time, richer flavor.

Favorite Thin Pork Chop Recipes

1. Garlic Butter Chops (My NYC go-to!)

• 4 chops, 2 tbsp butter, 3 garlic cloves, thyme, lemon juice.
• Sear in butter & garlic, finish with lemon.

2. Maple Mustard Glazed Chops

• Dijon mustard + maple syrup = magic.
• Bake at 375°F for 10 min.

3. Mediterranean Chops

• Tomatoes, olives, oregano.
• Roast at 400°F for 20 mins.

Alternative Preparation Techniques

Sous Vide

• 140°F (60°C) for 1 hour, sear after — ultra-juicy.

Breaded Oven-Fried

• Dredge in flour, egg, breadcrumbs.
• Bake at 425°F (218°C) for 15 mins.

Stir-Fried

• Cut into strips, cook with garlic, ginger, soy sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking (biggest sin).
• Skipping the resting step.
• Not seasoning enough.
• Cooking cold meat straight from the fridge.

FAQ