How long to cook pork chops in oven

As any home cook knows, nailing the proper internal temperature is crucial for juicy, tender pork chops. With today’s lean cuts, it’s especially important not to overcook pork or you’ll end up with dry, flavorless meat.

So what’s the ideal thermometer reading for safe and delicious pork chops? Let’s break down the perfect internal temp.

Why Internal Temp Matters

Gone are the days of cooking pork to well done until it’s dry and tough.

Thanks to advances in the pork industry trichinosis is no longer a concern as long as you cook the meat properly. This means you can enjoy juicy pink pork by following the recommended safe internal temperatures.

Relying on cook times or visual cues leaves room for error.

What temperature to cook pork in oven

Pork can appear nicely browned on the outside but still be undercooked inside. Using an instant read thermometer takes the guesswork out of determining doneness. It’s the only sure way to know your pork chops are safe to eat and cooked to your liking.

USDA Minimum Internal Temp

The USDA states that pork is safe to eat at an internal temp

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