The Rise of Pork Chops in Houston
Pork chops are taking over the culinary scene in Houston, and it’s not hard to see why. This once-humble cut of meat is being transformed by the city’s top chefs into a dish worth seeking out. Gone are the days of dry, overcooked pork chops served with a side of boiled green beans. Today, Houston’s restaurants are offering a wide range of creative and delicious pork chop dishes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
A New Era for Pork
According to Travis McShane, chef and owner of Ostia, American-raised pork is now rivaling the quality found in countries like Spain. This is due in part to changing perceptions about pork, which was once seen as a lesser or cheaper alternative to other meats. However, with the rise of demand for pork, chefs are now able to offer higher-quality dishes that showcase the rich flavor and tender texture of this versatile meat.
Unique Takes on a Classic Dish
Restaurants like Truth BBQ are offering pork chops as a lighter, more budget-friendly alternative to traditional barbecue fare. Their Cornmeal-Crusted Pork Chop is a standout dish, featuring a center-cut, bone-in Duroc chop that’s brined in sweet tea for 72 hours before being cold-smoked, battered in cornmeal, and deep-fried. The chop is served with a Carolina-style sweet pepper relish that adds a punchy finish to the deep-fried crust.
The Power of Brining
Brining is a key component of many of Houston’s top pork chop dishes. Soaking the meat in salt water helps to lock in moisture, tenderize the meat, and infuse flavor throughout. At Ostia, the pork is brined for at least two hours before being fully dried out and either grilled or fried. The result is a crispy exterior giving way to a tender, juicy interior that’s full of flavor.
More Great Options
Other restaurants in Houston are also offering their own unique takes on the pork chop. At Milton’s, the Pork Chop is a grilled, wood-fired dish served with glazed cipollini onions. Belly of the Beast in Spring offers a 16-ounce Berkshire pork chop alongside fregola, artichokes, apricots, and a hint of harissa. And at Baso, the Sakura Farms Pork Chop is grilled over a live fire hearth before being topped with a rich pork jowl sauce and served with a slice of Meyer lemon.
A Nod to Tradition
Some restaurants are also using pork chops to pay homage to traditional dishes. At Credence, the Pork Rib Chop Schnitzel is an ode to Texas’ culinary roots, featuring a pounded-thin, breaded, and fried pork chop served with a caper brown butter sauce. And at Perry’s Steakhouse, which has been serving up pork chops for over 40 years, the classic dish is still a fan favorite, with a lunch-sized portion available for just 79 cents on Fridays.
Conclusion
Houston’s culinary scene is abuzz with creative and delicious pork chop dishes, from traditional takes to unique twists. Whether you’re a longtime fan of pork chops or just looking to try something new, there’s never been a better time to get out and explore the city’s many great restaurants. With its rich flavor, tender texture, and versatility, it’s no wonder that pork chops are taking over the culinary scene in Houston.
