The time it takes to cook pork chops depends mainly on their thickness and the cooking method used. When frying pork chops on the stove, thinner cuts require less time than thicker ones.
Stove-Top Frying Times
According to Food Network, when frying pork chops over medium-high to high heat on the stove:
- Thin Pork Chops: For thin pork chops, cooking them for 2 to 3 minutes per side is typically enough to brown them nicely and cook them all the way through.
- Thicker Pork Chops: For thicker chops, you should brown them on both sides first. The cooking time will then take 5 to 6 minutes per side. It's important to check the internal temperature of thicker chops with a digital thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
| Pork Chop Thickness | Approximate Cooking Time (Per Side) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thin | 2 to 3 minutes | Browns and cooks through |
| Thick | 5 to 6 minutes | After browning; check internal temperature |
Always ensure pork reaches a safe internal temperature for doneness, especially for thicker cuts, using a meat thermometer.
