If you want to get back to basics, sometimes that’s a good idea. But we promise that this smothered Pork Chop
Crispy fried pork chops are a beloved Southern comfort food. While flour and breadcrumbs make great coatings, fish fry batter can take pork chops to the next level. Its ultra-crispy crunch and zesty flavor transform ordinary chops into an extraordinary dish.
Fish fry refers to a seasoned flour-based coating specifically for frying seafood. The cornmeal it contains gives fried foods an incredibly crisp, light crust. And it comes seasoned with spices, herbs, and flavors like Cajun, lemon pepper, or Creole.
While traditionally used on fish and shrimp, fish fry also works amazingly well on pork. Here’s a complete guide to using this secret weapon to make insanely delicious fried pork chops.
Can You Use Fish Fry on Pork Chops?
Absolutely! Fish fry provides these benefits when coating pork chops
- Ultra-crispy, crunchy exterior that stays crispy after saucing
- Big burst of flavor from the blend of seasonings
- Light, non-greasy texture
- Excellent adhesion to the moist pork surface
- Quick and easy – no breading procedure needed
- Allows the pork flavor to still shine through
- Puts a unique spin on classic fried pork chops
So yes, fish fry takes ordinary pork chops to extraordinary new heights of flavor and crunch!
How to Bread Pork Chops with Fish Fry
Breading pork chops with fish fry is simple:
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Buy fish fry like Louisiana, Shore Lunch, or Zatarain’s in flavors like Cajun, Lemon Pepper, or Creole
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Pat boneless or bone-in chops dry with paper towels. Trim excess fat and sinew.
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Season chops lightly with salt, pepper, or a Creole seasoning.
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Preheat oil to 350°F in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven.
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Coat chops by pressing into the fish fry to adhere on both sides.
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Fry 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
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Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Dig in!
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips for maximum crispness and flavor:
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Let coated chops rest 5-10 minutes before frying to hydrate the batter.
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Use 1-inch thick center cut chops for even cooking.
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Use a thermometer and heavy pan to maintain 350°F oil temperature.
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Fry in batches to prevent temperature drops.
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Allow 3-4 minutes per side to cook thoroughly.
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Drain on a paper towel-lined sheet pan, not paper towels alone.
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Shake on extra seasoning like Cajun spice once cooked.
Choosing the Best Fish Fry
Look for fish fry coatings that provide flavorful kicks of spice, herbs, and seasoning. Popular varieties include:
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Cajun – Packs heat from cayenne and paprika along with rich flavor.
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Lemon Pepper – Bright, zesty lemon and pepper flavors.
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Creole – Robust Creole seasoning like garlic, thyme, and oregano.
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Original – Straightforward crispy coating with a mild flavor.
The flavor profile you choose can complement different sauce pairings. Match Cajun spice with a Creole mustard dip, or lemon pepper with an herbed lemon butter.
Cooking Methods
While pan frying is traditional, fish fry also lends itself to these cooking methods:
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Air Fryer – Gets an incredibly crispy crust without all the oil. Cook at 370°F for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway.
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Baking – Arrange coated chops on a baking sheet. Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping once.
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Grilling – Great for summer cookouts! Grill over direct medium heat until charred and 160°F internal temperature.
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Slow Cooker – Toss chops in sauce and cook on Low for 5-6 hours until tender.
Serving Suggestions
Jazz up your fish fried pork chops with creative sauces and sides:
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Smother in gravy or mushrooms and onions.
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Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread.
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Make sandwiches with pickles, BBQ sauce, and buns.
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Pair with potato salad, baked beans, and slaw for a cookout.
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Top with sausage gravy and a fried egg for breakfast.
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Contrast the crunch with soft macaroni and cheese or creamed corn.
Storage Tips
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Store coated raw chops in the fridge up to 24 hours before frying.
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Refrigerate cooked chops 3-4 days in an airtight container.
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Freeze cooked chops 2-3 months. Reheat gently to maintain texture.
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Chops also freeze well raw or cooked. Thaw in the fridge before use.
The Takeaway
Fish fry transforms ordinary pork chops into extraordinary crunchy, flavorful treasures! It adheres beautifully to provide an ultra-crispy crust brimming with zesty seasoning. Fry, bake, or air fry fish fried chops to perfection. And serve with creative sauces and sides for amazing new taste sensations. Fish fry on pork? Yes, please!
Have a pro tip? Share it here.
You may also be inspired by these delicious recipes
A classic American dish done in the Cajun style! Add a little Louisiana Fish Fry Seafood Sauce and a few shakes of our Cajun Seasoning blend to your regular meat blend to make it more Louisiana! Pairs great with our Spicy Cajun Green Beans and Out-of-Mayo Potato Salad.
This baked potato is twice as good as the average one. It tastes like a seafood boil, and our Cajun spice blend gives it a Louisiana flair. David Dean (Double D) from our sales department says that for a fun twist, you should “top the tater” with your favorite smothered seafood!
KETO Pork Chops from Boarri Craft Butchery coated with Louisiana Fish Fry KETO Product. @001SapoBBQ
FAQ
Can you use Louisiana Fish fry on pork?
Can you use fish fry on meat?
Can you use seafood breader for pork chops?
How do I get my batter to stick to my pork chops?
Is fish fry good for pork chops?
Fish fry isn’t just for fish. Here, it makes a great crunchy coating for pork chops. If you would like for your pork chops to be a little spicier, add some Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning to the fish-fry mix or shake it onto the cooked chops. French fries make an excellent side dish.
How do you cook pork chops in fish fry?
Place each pork chop in the pan of Fish Fry and roll until they are evenly coated. Once your oil is hot, reduce the heat to medium-high and place the pork chops in the pan. Working in batches, cook until golden brown on both sides, flipping each pork chop as it cooks. Place cooked pork chops on absorbent paper and serve hot.
What goes well with fried pork chops?
A classic pairing for fried pork chops is creamy mashed potatoes, but you can also serve them alongside steamed vegetables, coleslaw, or a light salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. 8. Can I use this method to fry other types of meat?
How do you make perfect fried pork chops?
These Perfect Fried Pork Chops are full of flavor and are so easy to make. Rinse pork chops and pat dry with paper towels, making sure to remove all excess moisture. In a medium bowl, combine flour, seasoned salt, black pepper, steak seasoning, and salt to taste.