Onion Pan-Fried Pork Chops Recipe

Name: Onion Pan-Fried Pork Chops
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix; 0.25 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup olive oil for frying; 2 pork chops

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 (1 ounce) envelope dry onion soup mix
cup all-purpose flour
1 cup olive oil for frying
2 pork chops

Directions

Crush the larger bits of onion in the soup packet by squeezing it with your hands before opening. Pour the contents into a shallow bowl.
Stir in the flour, making sure its evenly mixed with the onion soup mix.
Heat the olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium heat until hot. To test the temperature, toss a pinch of the onion soup mixture into the oil; it should sizzle right away.
While the oil is heating, coat the pork chops in the onion soup mixture. Shake off any excess breading.
Carefully place the pork chops into the hot oil. Sear the chops for about 30 seconds on each side, then cook them to your desired level of doneness, which typically takes about 4 minutes per side.

Editor's Note

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of breading ingredients. The actual amount of breading consumed will vary. The nutritional value of the oil for frying is calculated with a retention rate of 10% after cooking, though this may differ depending on cooking time, temperature, and the type of oil used.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 317
Total Fat: 19g (24% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 4g (21% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 38mg (13% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1264mg (55% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 21g (8% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (5% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 1g
Protein: 17g (34% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 2mg (2% Daily Value)
Calcium: 42mg (3% Daily Value)
Iron: 1mg (8% Daily Value)
Potassium: 251mg (5% Daily Value)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Recipe Author: MSPECANGIRL417

History of Origin

The dish of pan-fried pork chops, particularly when seasoned with onion soup mix, has roots in mid-20th century American cuisine. This method of preparation became popular due to its simplicity and the use of readily available ingredients, especially in households looking for quick yet flavorful meals. The use of onion soup mix as a seasoning mix became widespread after the introduction of packaged soups by companies like Lipton in the 1950s. The popularity of these one-pan meals grew rapidly, especially in home kitchens where convenience was key. Today, this dish remains a comforting and straightforward meal, beloved by many families.

Regional Variations

While the Onion Pan-Fried Pork Chop recipe is widely recognized across the United States, regional variations exist. In the South, it is not uncommon to add a bit of hot sauce or a blend of spices to the onion soup mix to give the dish an extra kick. In other parts of the country, it may be served with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the rich, flavorful drippings. In some regions, the pork chops are cooked with additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the dish's flavor and texture.

What Makes It Different

Onion Pan-Fried Pork Chops stand out from other fried pork chop recipes due to the use of onion soup mix as a breading. Unlike other variations that may rely on basic flour and seasoning, the addition of the onion soup mix gives the pork chops an intense savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the caramelized onions. This recipe also calls for a pan-frying method, which helps maintain the juiciness of the pork while giving the exterior a crunchy, golden texture. The combination of these elements makes this dish distinct from other more traditional fried or baked pork chop recipes.

Where Its Typically Served

Onion Pan-Fried Pork Chops are commonly served in casual home settings, such as family dinners or weeknight meals. The dish is popular in American households and can be found on the dinner table at many homes across the country. It is often paired with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple salad. Due to its easy preparation and hearty nature, it is also frequently featured in comfort food menus at local diners and family-style restaurants. Additionally, its a favorite for cooking enthusiasts looking for a quick, flavorful recipe to impress guests.

Interesting Facts

The use of dry onion soup mix in recipes began as a marketing strategy in the 1950s, with the aim of making home cooking easier.
This dish is versatile: while traditionally made with pork chops, it can also be adapted for other meats like chicken, making it an adaptable choice for different dietary preferences.
In some variations of the recipe, the pork chops are coated in a mix of breadcrumbs and flour for extra crunch, adding a different texture to the dish.
For a healthier version, some people opt to bake the pork chops rather than frying them, which reduces the amount of oil used while still maintaining flavor.

Conclusion

Onion Pan-Fried Pork Chops are an iconic, easy-to-make dish that has earned a place in many American kitchens. With its savory and crispy exterior, complemented by juicy pork, it is a meal that both adults and children enjoy. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, it remains a reliable and flavorful choice for any occasion. Try this simple recipe today and bring the savory goodness of pan-fried pork chops to your table!

FAQ about Onion Pan-Fried Pork Chops Recipe

Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain moisture, you can cover them with a damp paper towel before sealing the container. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.

Yes, boneless pork chops can be used for this recipe. Keep in mind that boneless chops typically cook faster than bone-in chops, so you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness.

Yes, you can make a homemade seasoning mix to replace the onion soup mix. Combine dried onion flakes, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a little dried parsley for a similar flavor profile.

If your pork chops are thicker than the typical 1-inch thickness, you will need to adjust the cooking time. For thicker cuts, cook them for 5-6 minutes per side and check for doneness using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Yes, you can use a non-stick pan for frying the pork chops. It may require slightly less oil, and the cooking time might vary slightly. Ensure that the pan is preheated properly before adding the chops to achieve a good sear.

To achieve a crispier coating, you can double coat the pork chops. First, dip the chops in a mixture of milk and egg before dredging them in the seasoned flour and onion soup mix. Additionally, chilling the coated pork chops in the fridge for 30 minutes before frying can help the coating adhere better.

Yes, you can use an air fryer to make these pork chops. Spray them lightly with oil and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Air frying gives you a crispy result with less oil.

To make a simple gravy, after frying the pork chops, remove them from the pan and set aside. Add a bit of flour to the leftover oil and onion mix, stirring to make a roux. Gradually add chicken or beef broth, whisking constantly until it thickens to your desired consistency. You can also add a bit of milk or cream for a richer texture.

Yes, vegetable oil can be used instead of olive oil. Both oils work well for frying, though olive oil may impart a slightly different flavor. Choose your oil based on your preference for taste and smoking point.

Yes, cooked pork chops can be frozen. Allow them to cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven to maintain the texture.

Comments

Rebecca Adams

01/02/2023 06:49:11 PM

I caramelized a whole onion first, taking a full 20 minutes to cook it low and slow. Once the onion was ready, I removed it from the heat and added pork chops to the pan. I used a non-stick pan with a tablespoon of olive oil and seared the chops on medium-high heat for 4 minutes per side. Then, I added a tablespoon of broth and covered the pan for the final 2 minutes with the caramelized onions on top. My husband said these were the most delicious pork chops he has ever tasted!

Matthew Lewis

04/06/2025 03:58:10 PM

I prepared the chops by coating them with flour seasoned with garlic salt and pepper. Then, I seared them in a pan with about 2 tablespoons of oil for approximately 3 minutes on each side. Next, I sprayed the crock pot with Pam cooking spray and added the chops along with onion soup mix. I cooked this in the crock pot on low for 8 hours and it turned out delicious and really tender! About 15 minutes before it was done, I preheated the oven to 325 degrees, placed the chops on a platter, covered them with aluminum foil, and put them in the preheated oven while I made the gravy. To make the gravy, I poured the liquid from the crock pot into a saucepan (as I didn't want to wait for the crock pot to heat up to make the gravy). Then, I mixed about a cup of milk and 1/2 cup of flour with a whisk to avoid lumps, and gradually added it to the liquid while stirring constantly until it reached the desired thickness (note that the gravy will thicken as it cools). This delicious dish can be served over rice or noodles, accompanied by a fresh salad and rolls.

Mary Scott

08/08/2022 06:11:50 PM

I used the air fryer to cook this dish in 25% less time and achieved better frying results. I recommend using just a teaspoon of oil sprayed from a small plastic spray bottle, such as canola, corn, or olive oil (avoid using PAM or other aerosol bottled non-stick sprays).

Nicole Perez

03/04/2023 03:43:35 PM

Great and simple recipe! I soaked the chops in milk to ensure the breading stayed on well. I also included 1/8 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/8 teaspoon of pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of seasoned salt to the flour-onion soup mix. The result was incredibly moist and flavorful! This recipe is definitely a winner!

Robert Johnson

08/09/2023 05:07:54 PM

Great recipe! I enjoyed making some tweaks to personalize it. Instead of frying the pork chops, I baked them in a foil-covered pan. I added garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper before flouring them, as well as some seasoned breadcrumbs to the flour mixture. Towards the end, I topped the chops with French onion potato chip dip and a bit of half and half for a delicious gravy. Overall, a tasty dish that I would highly recommend!

Emma Wright

08/28/2023 12:07:41 AM

Fast and simple!

Grilled Pineapple Lime Chicken Thighs Recipe

audio version