Pork is the perfect protein; it’s tasty and versatile, and depending on the cut and how it’s prepared, you can adjust how fatty it is- there are lots of foods that contain pork for this reason. When it comes to chops, they can often need a little something to take them to the next level. Learn exactly how to spice up pork chops so you can make the perfect plate! Find the right blend of spices for your pork chop with this tasty guide to everything seasoned.
What are Pork Chops?
Pork chops are an economical cut of pork from the loin of the pig. Pork chops can be cut very thin without the bone or cut thicker with the bone-in. No matter the style or thickness of this cut, they need spices and seasonings to make them truly shine.
What Spices go with Pork Chops?
Brown Sugar
Although brown sugar is not technically a spice, it is essential to building complex flavor in popular pork dishes like barbecue pork chops. Combine brown sugar with flavors like cumin, chili powder, and paprika to make delicious barbecue pork.
Cumin
If you have ever had tacos, then you have tasted cumin. It is an earthy and complex spice that adds so much to bold flavor blends like taco seasoning and barbecue rubs. Rubbing your pork with cumin gives it a deeper flavor with notes of nuttiness and smokiness. This bold spice can help transform pork chops into something truly special but be generous with this spice to get the most out of your chops.
Chili Powder
Chili powder is a bold and spicy seasoning that can add heat to your pork chops. It can help you to build heat and craft complex flavors like those in barbecue or tacos. Chili powder does have heat to it, so always smell and taste this ingredient before including it. This helps you to understand the flavor and dial in your perfect spice ratio.
Paprika
Paprika is an exceptional spice with so much to offer pork chops. This colorful spice brings a bold smoky flavor to any recipe you add it to, not to mention the eye-catching color. Paprika is full of pepperiness which makes it a great addition to barbecued pork, pan-seared pork, and so much more.
Fennel
This unique spice can bring a fresh and unexpected flavor to your pork chops. Ground fennel has an almost sweet licorice-like flavor that makes it a wonderful addition to pork. It can help to highlight the sweeter flavor in barbecue sauce, pasta sauce, and more.
Onion Powder
Onion powder has all the boldness of fresh onion in a concentrated powder. It is the perfect addition to barbecued chops, Southwestern-style chops, Asian-style chops, and so much more. This simple spice is the building block of so many different flavors, and they are all delicious.
Garlic Powder
Garlic makes everything taste better, and adding garlic powder to your pork chops can be a total game-changer. It adds a unique sweet, savory, and almost spicy flavor. It is perfect for using a meat rub or adding to the flour dredge for pork chops.
Ginger
Ginger is a unique spice with tons of earthy and spicy flavors that will excite your palate. It is a favorite for seasoning pork chops when you are pairing them with sweet sides like warm fruit. Try pan-searing pork with ginger and garlic to make a bold and complex chop.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a flavorful herb that makes the flavors of pork ever richer. It tastes piney and woody, which pairs perfectly with the meaty, savory flavor of pork chops. This unique flavor works well with pan-seared chops and oven-roasted pork.
Curry Powder
Curry powder is a complex blend of flavors that can make pork chops into a next-level delicious dish. It is a blend of traditional Indian spices that includes ginger, garlic, fennel, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric. This spice blend is full of warm and rich flavors that can make a beautiful spice rub on pork chops.
Dill
Dill is a fragrant herb with a leafy and citrus-like flavor. Its small green leaves can bring an earthy freshness to your pork chops. Dill is especially delicious on pan-seared pork with butter.
Pepper
Pepper is a classic seasoning for a reason. It has a warm spicy bite that will leave you wanting more, and it is perfect for seasoning pork chops. There are many delicious types of pepper, and they are all great with the rich fatty flavors of great pork. Choose fresh cracked pepper, pink peppercorns, or traditional ground black pepper. They will all add a nice spicy bite to your favorite pork recipe.
Cinnamon
Often cinnamon is not considered a savory spice, but that’s a real missed opportunity. Cinnamon has a warmth that makes savory dishes more rich and decadent. Cinnamon works especially well with the fatty flavor of pork. Add this spice to your pork chop seasonings and serve the chops with cooked apples or peaches.
Oregano
Oregano has a robust aroma and flavor that can make pork chops even better! Adding oregano to your seasoning blend can add layers of earthy flavor to pan-seared or oven-roasted pork. It is also a great addition to Italian herb blends and can really amp up the flavor of barbecued chops.
Additional Kitchen Resources
If you enjoyed spicing up pork chops, read these articles to find delicious ways to bring more spice to all your dishes.