Pork chops are such a classic meal that you may be used to having them at home all the time. However, if you like pork, you know that serving the right side dish is key. Do not despair or spend hours looking for inspiration, as the right side dish is on this list.
In this article, we will discuss the best side dishes for pork chops. These can be the perfect dish whether you are at home, at a dinner party, or simply for general knowledge!
What Are Pork Chops?
Think of pork chops as the steak version of pork, which means it is also the priciest cut. All pork chops come from the loin of the pig. This part runs from the hip to the shoulder and has a strip of meat called tenderloin.
Your pork chops will usually come from the area where the ribs and the loin join. You will also see other cuts of pork chops, including shoulder or blade chops, rib chops, loin chops, or sirloin chops.
Each one has a different tenderness and texture, with rib chop having the most flavor and the boneless chop having the least.
When choosing your pork chops, you may want to go with something thicker, as they cook better but also are tastier. Keep in mind, you should also use brine with the meat, as this helps it retain the juices and flavors throughout the cooking process. Cook your pork chops to about 145 to 160 degrees F, and not more, or they will be dry.
Although you can find boneless chops these days, it may be best to choose one with a bone because it prevents overcooking. The bone also has some fat around it that makes your pork chop juicier. If you need to watch calories and fat, though, go for a leaner boneless cut.
Nutrition Facts
One pork chop with bone (199 g) has the following nutritional content (*):
- 338 calories
- 139 g water
- 41.2 g protein
- 18 g fat
- 0 g carbohydrate
- 0 g fiber
- 0 g sugar
- 37.8 mg calcium
- 1.25 mg iron
- 49.8 mg magnesium
- 416 mg phosphorus
- 683 mg potassium
- 109 mg sodium
- 67.3 µg selenium
- 111 mg choline
- 3.98 µg vitamin A
- 41.8 IU vitamin D
- 137 mg cholesterol
For the most part, pork chops are high in protein, but they can also be on the high fat and high cholesterol side. Serving your pork chops without sauce can save calories too! You can always choose a boneless cut if you want to reduce the fat content a bit.
Sides for Pork Chops That Will Go Very Well
Below are some options for side dishes that you can serve with pork chops at any time!
#1. Honey Glazed Carrots
There is something about the combination of carrots with pork that works perfectly. Adding a little sweetness to the matter is the honey in this recipe that makes the whole meal stand out.
Ingredients:
- Bunch of carrots
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your honey glazed carrots:
- Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add the carrots and cook until soft, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Add butter to a pan with the garlic. After you drain your carrots, place them in the pan too. Add the lemon juice, cinnamon, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until they begin to golden.
- Serve warm with chopped fresh cilantro on top.
#2. Slow Cooker Cheesy Potatoes
What better way to eat pork chops than some decadent cheesy potatoes? This recipe is easy to make, as your slow cooker will do most of the work.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sour cream
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- ⅓ cup butter
- 12 potatoes, cooked and cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your slow cooker cheesy potatoes:
- Begin by washing and peeling your potatoes. Cube them into the desired size.
- In your slow cooker, add the sour cream, chicken broth, yellow onion, butter, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the potatoes to the slow cooker. Stir in the cheese and cover.
- Cook everything on low for about 4 hours or less if potatoes seem tender.
- Serve warm with fresh cheese on top.
#3. Apple and Arugula Salad
Why not accompany a dense piece of meat with a salad? This apple and arugula salad is truly one to remember, especially because of the crunch, sweet, and sour flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of fresh arugula
- ⅓ cup shaved almonds
- 2 green apples
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your apple and arugula salad:
- Place a small pan on the stove and toast your shaved almonds for a few minutes, until they turn golden.
- In the meantime, slice your apples. Place them along with arugula, lemon juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything.
- Toss in almonds, and serve.
Tip: If you want to save the salad for later, do not add the lemon juice, honey, or olive oil until ready to serve.
#4. Green Beans with Cranberries
Green beans are famous for going well with white meat, so it makes sense to serve them with pork chops. The combination of cranberries with this vegetable also adds more flavor and density than you think possible.
Ingredients:
- Bunch of green beans
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ¼ cup dry cranberries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup sliced shallots
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your green beans with cranberries:
- Start the cooking process by washing your vegetables. Preheat the oven to about 375 degrees F.
- On a baking sheet, place the green beans, garlic, shallots, olive oil, and lemon juice. Roast for about 10 minutes.
- Add the cranberries, salt, and pepper to the baking sheet. Toss well and roast for another 5 minutes.
- Serve the green beans warm, and sprinkle some fresh parsley on top if you want.
#5. Butter Lemon Pasta
Pasta is the right option to accompany your pork dishes, but this recipe is one to remember because it combines the buttery and sour flavors that make it memorable. Serve this tasty and easy pasta on the side of your pork chops at any time.
Ingredients:
- 1 box farfalle pasta
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon dry parsley
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shaved Parmesan to serve
Follow these steps to prepare your butter lemon pasta:
- Cook your pasta according to the box instructions. Drain the cooked pasta, and place it back on the pot.
- In the meantime, add the butter to a saucepan along with garlic, oregano, parsley, broth, and lemon juice.
- Once simmering, add the shallots and cook for about 5 to 8 minutes. Reduce heat, and continue simmering for another 5 minutes.
- Transfer the sauce to your pot with the pasta. Toss everything until pasta is coated thoroughly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve warm with shaved Parmesan on top.
#6. Curried Potato Salad
By now, you know that potatoes are always a must when it comes to pork recipes. However, have you tried adding a bit of curry? This mix of flavors is perfect for cutting through the density of your pork chops.
Ingredients:
- 10 small potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 4 hard-boiled eggs
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 4 tablespoons curry
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your curried potato salad:
- Begin by washing and peeling your potatoes. Place them in a large pot with water and salt, and cook until soft. This should take about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain your potatoes and set them aside.
- Peel and cut your hard-boiled eggs into wedges.
- In a large bowl, combine the vinegar, mayonnaise, red onions, curry, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the potatoes and toss well.
- Add the eggs and continue tossing. Mix in the cilantro.
- Cover your bowl and place it in the fridge for at least one hour.
- Serve your potato salad cold.
#7. Sauteed Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Spinach is a very healthy vegetable, but also incredibly versatile, and serving it with pork chops is always a good idea. The sun-dried tomatoes are also a great addition because they add flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your sauteed spinach with sun dried tomatoes:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic for about one minute.
- Add the spinach and toss until it becomes soft and shrinks. This should take about 2 to 4 minutes.
- Add the lemon juice, pine nuts, and sun dried tomatoes.
- Continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes.
- Serve warm with pork chops on the side.
How Can I Pick The Perfect Side Dish?
Pork chops are such a traditional dish that it makes sense to prepare yourself with tasty side dishes. Choosing the right one is about knowing how to cook the pork and what flavors you want in your meal. Do not hesitate to experiment with these options and elevate the deliciousness of your pork chops.
When it comes to grilled or roasted pork chops, your side dish can be dense because there is no other sauce or flavors. Try making the curried potato salad for a perfect barbecue dish. You can also make the apple and arugula salad to compliment the pork without overpowering it.
If your pork chops contain a sauce or seasoning, you may want to go for a subtle dish to accompany it. You could make the green beans with cranberries, which are sweet but delicate. On the other hand, you can make the sauteed spinach with sun-dried tomatoes and have a side dish within 10 minutes.
Finally, if you want to make a dish that is tasty but denser, then you can try another choice. The slow cooker cheesy potatoes and honey-glazed carrots are a great option. For subtleness and easiness, try the butter lemon pasta.
Conclusion
Since pork chops are always in, why not make them at home or for your next dinner party? These side dishes are perfect for when you wonder what to serve with pork chops. Choose one or two, or even three, and make your pork chops stand out even more.
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*image by Peteer/depositphotos
