My maternal grandmother died when I was 9 years old…she was 84. Despite the fact that she was known by family and friends as one of the best cooks and she lived down the street from us at the time, I can’t say I remember her cooking that much. One thing I do remember is her making was what she said was one of her favorite foods – smoked pork chops.
Although we did not have them much when I was young because they were not easily available, I also love smoked pork chops.
If you have never eaten one, it is kind of a cross between a pork chop and a smoked ham in taste. Because of the way they are smoked, they are often labeled as “pre-cooked” and only need a few minutes in the skillet. Thus, they are a great choice if your wanting to cook your dinner in under 10 minutes.
With access to the Amish Country in Ohio as an adult, I was spoiled by the great quality of smoked meats available. Today, I buy the mass marketed ones in the grocery store and usually mention that they are not quite as good as the ones I used to make.
Last night, I read the directions on the back of my mass marketed chops and realized that was not the way my grandmother (and I) made them. Thus, I decided to share my grandmother’s technique…as it really is not much of a recipe.
Do not add salt (unless you salt cured ham…then I guess you might want it). The smoked chops are usually salty enough, especially if you purchase them from a standard grocery store.
These look delicious! Gary says he remembers home butchered chickens, fresh pork, potatoes and biscuits. His memories of his Grandma always include your Mom, as they lived right over the hill from the Franklins in Vienna and later on Lynn Street. He remembers them cooking together. Gary wonders if you have a biscuit recipe that they used to make–very buttery and delicious. Love your blog!
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this recipe is unclear and generally makes no sense – 5 to 8 total?
you deglaze while a chop is in the pan (technique is not correct).
Thank you for your feedback. Yes, as I stated, the total cooking time is going to vary. A 1/4 inch smoked chop is going to probably take about 5 minutes total…it needs to just be brought to temperature. On the other hand, a 1/2 inch smoked chop is probably going to take closer to 8 minutes to come to temperature. While it may not be a proper technique to add liquid to a pan while the meat is still in the pan, for moisture and flavor while removing browned bits from the bottom my grandmother was just a simple home cook (as am I) and that is just how she did it.
Some people just have to be negative and apparently don t know about country cooking. Thanks for the recipe.
Well I love simple and will make it tonight just as instructed. Thanks I love so many things that have a story with Grandma attached. They are almost always wonderful.
My husband learned how to cook his smoked pork chops from his grandmother also.he uses 3or 4 medium pork chops rinse them off lay them in a aluminum pan pour 1/2 cup of water over the chops slice three potatoes over the chops slice 1medium onion over the potatoes and slice 1/2 Bell pepper green or red over chops put foil on top and cook in oven 350deg. for 30 to 40 mins.when done you can add a little butter to potatoes.
That sounds delicious.
I am going to try Your Grandma’s technique with some Smoked Chops I picked up from a favorite small town Iowa Meat Shop of mine–lot’s of deliciousness has passed through their doors and out of the smoke house over the years; none of which one would describe as French or petite!!
Grandma + Smoked meat = delicious and filling
French + Petite = Hoity-Toity and Still hungry….Deglaze that!
I love small town meat shops and smoke houses! I hope you enjoy the chops using this…um, rustic technique.
Trying this tonight. Thank you. Looks good 🙂
I am trying the original grandma recipe with apple juice. Going to cook tonight. I will be honest and let everyone know.
I made these smoked pork chops tonight for my husband and I. They are delicious. This recipe will go into a favorites meal. The meat was tender and juicy. I did not read the recipe correct and I took out the chops and then deglazed the pan. I also added the rest of the pineapple juice and just reduced it down. The sauce is good. I buy the little cans of pineapple juice so I assume it was between a third of cup more. I know everyone has an opinion but no need to be negative. This is my first recipe from your website but will look at more recipes.
This is the first time I have tried one of your recipes and it was your grandma’s smoked pork chops. Delicious. I misread the recipe and took the chops out to deglaze the pan. I also added the rest of the small can of pineapple juice and reduced it down.
Great. Juicy and tender pork chops. This will become a favorite in our house. I know everyone has an opinion but no one needs to negative. Different sizes of pork chops will take different times to cook. Nothing new about that.