PORK ESSENTIALS: BREADED ITALIAN BONELESS CHOPS

Steps:

• 1. PREP/PREPARE
• 2. Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
• 3. Add the Italian bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, oregano, ground dill, pepper, and lemon zest to a small breading dish or plate, and thoroughly combine.
• 4. Chef's Note: The reason I am not including any salt in the dry ingredients is that I brine my chops. If you choose not to brine, you might want to add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the dry ingredients.
• 5. Chef's Note: If you cannot find Italian bread crumbs, just get some regular bread crumbs (not panko), and toss in some dry Italian seasonings.
• 6. Add the lemon juice to another plate.
• 7. Rinse off the pork chops and pat dry with a paper towel.
• 8. Chef's Tip: If you want some really juicy pork chops, then I recommend you brine them before cooking. If you have never brined pork, here is a very good recipe: https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/other-sauce-spread/andys-cooking-class-the-best-pork-brine.html?r=1
• 9. Dip the chop into the lemon juice.
• 10. Thoroughly coat with the bread crumb mixture.
• 11. Chef's Tip: Pack as much of that bread-crumb coating on as possible.
• 12. Carefully place them onto a rimmed baking sheet fitting with a wire rack.
• 13. Allow them to sit for thirty minutes, or you could make these ahead of time, and let them sit in the fridge for several hours.
• 14. While the chops are resting, place a rack in the upper-middle position, and preheat the oven to 375f (190c).
• 15. Add the chops to the preheated oven, and bake until golden brown, and crispy, about 35 - 40 minutes.
• 16. Chef's Note: Let the chops rest for 5 minutes, before serving.
• 17. Chef's Tip: Depending on your oven, the cooking time might take a bit less or more time. Keep an eye on them, and do not let the crust burn.
• 18. PLATE/PRESENT
• 19. Serve while nice and warm with your favorite sides. I choose sautéed spinach & goat cheese, paired with a yummy mango/cherry chutney. Enjoy.
• 20. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.