How to Heat Up Leftover Pork Chops & Make Them Tender
Piping hot pork chops are not only tasty, they are also good for you. A 3-ounce serving contains almost 23 grams of protein, but be sure to trim away the fat or you'll add a lot of saturated fat to your meal. Instead of baking pork chops every time a craving strikes, make a large batch ahead of time.
Piping hot pork chops are not only tasty, they are also good for you. A 3-ounce serving contains almost 23 grams of protein, but be sure to trim away the fat or you'll add a lot of saturated fat to your meal. Instead of baking pork chops every time a craving strikes, make a large batch ahead of time. Carefully reheat the leftovers in the microwave, oven or skillet for a flavorful, easy meal.
Microwave
Place the pork chops in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Cover the chops with a clean, damp paper towel.
Heat the chops at 50 or 60 percent power. Using full power will heat the chops up too quickly, rendering them dry and leathery.
Microwave the pork chops for 30 seconds at a time. Check the chops by touching one quickly with your finger to make sure it doesn't overheat. The chop should feel warm under your finger at the center and at the edges.
Skillet
Heat a few drops of vegetable or olive oil in a heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet.
Place the chops carefully into the heated oil with kitchen tongs in a single layer. Reheat in several batches if necessary.
Sear the pork for 2 to 3 minutes on each side to make the outside crunchy and warm the inside.
Oven
Pour a few tablespoons of water or broth into the bottom of an oven-safe casserole dish.
Place the pork chops in liquid and cover the dish tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes until the chops are warm. Remove the dish from the oven with mitts. Be careful when you peel back the aluminum foil to avoid steam burns.
Tip
Instead of using a paper towel, put the pork chops in a microwave-safe dish with several teaspoons of water. Cover with a lid and heat in 30-second increments until warm.
warning
Pork chops should be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent foodborne illness.