Best Sous Vide Pork Chops: Juicy & Tender Recipe

Why You’ll Love These Sous Vide Pork Chops

Get ready to fall head over heels for the ultimate pork chop experience! Our Sous Vide Pork Chops recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a revelation. Here are four irresistible reasons why you need to try this tonight:

1. Unbelievably Tender & Juicy, Every Time: Say goodbye to dry, tough pork chops forever! The sous vide method cooks your pork to absolute perfection, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth texture and succulent juiciness that will have you reaching for seconds.
2. Effortlessly Gourmet Flavor Infusion: Imagine pork chops bathed in a symphony of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, with every fiber absorbing that incredible taste. This recipe locks in those vibrant flavors, making every bite an explosion of deliciousness without any fuss.
3. Hands-Off Cooking for the Win: Once your pork chops are in the water bath, your work is practically done! Enjoy two hours of hands-free cooking while your sous vide machine works its magic. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without the stress.
4. Healthy, Low-Carb & Packed with Protein: These Sous Vide Pork Chops are a nutritional powerhouse! High in protein, low in carbs, and incredibly satisfying, they fit beautifully into a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.

Ditch Dry Dinners: Welcome to the Juiciest Pork Chops You’ll Ever Make!

Ever gazed longingly at a perfectly cooked pork chop, only to be met with a dry, sad excuse for dinner? We’ve all been there. But what if we told you there’s a foolproof way to achieve pork chop nirvana – every single time? Enter the magic of sous vide! Forget guesswork, overcooking, or bland bites. These aren’t just any pork chops; these are Sous Vide Pork Chops infused with a Mediterranean-inspired medley of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. Get ready to impress yourself (and anyone lucky enough to share your table) with pork chops so tender, so juicy, and so bursting with flavor, they’ll become your new weeknight obsession. Let’s dive into making dinner dreams a delicious reality!

Ingredients for Your Sous Vide Masterpiece

Gather these fresh, simple ingredients to create your incredibly flavorful Sous Vide Pork Chops:

• 🍖 2 lb thick-cut boneless pork chops (4 chops)
• 🫒 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
• 🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 🧄 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 🍅 4 tablespoons sundried tomatoes, chopped
• 🌿 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Sous Vide Pork Chops

Making these tender, juicy Sous Vide Pork Chops is incredibly easy. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Set the Stage: First things first, get your sous vide water bath ready. Set your immersion circulator to a precise 140°F (60°C) and let it work its magic, ensuring the water is perfectly preheated before your chops take their plunge.
2. Flavor Fusion Time: Grab your vacuum-sealable bag or a heavy-duty freezer bag designed for sous vide. Gently place your beautiful pork chops inside. Now, add the star seasonings: the rich olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, a dash of pepper, the aromatic minced garlic, the sweet and tangy chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and the fragrant fresh basil. Make sure all these delicious ingredients are nicely spread around the chops for an even flavor party!
3. Seal the Deal: This step is crucial for optimal cooking and flavor. Carefully remove as much air as humanly possible from the bag before sealing it. If you’re using a freezer bag, employ the clever water displacement method: slowly submerge the bag into the water bath, allowing the pressure of the water to force out all the air before you fully seal it. This creates a vacuum-like seal.
4. The Gentle Cook: Now for the magic! Submerge your sealed bag of pork chops into the preheated water bath. Let them cook undisturbed for a glorious 2 hours. This gentle, consistent heat is what guarantees those perfectly tender and incredibly juicy results you’re dreaming of.
5. Ready to Serve: Once the 2 hours are up, carefully retrieve the bag from the water bath. Open it up, take out your incredibly succulent pork chops – congratulations, they are now perfectly cooked and ready to be the star of your plate!
6. Optional Golden Finish (Highly Recommended!): For that irresistible restaurant-quality touch and a burst of extra flavor, we highly recommend a quick sear. Heat a grill or a cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking. Sear the pork chops for just 1-2 minutes per side to develop a gorgeous, golden-brown crust. This step adds texture and depth that truly elevates the dish!

Presenting Your Perfect Sous Vide Pork Chops

Your beautifully cooked Sous Vide Pork Chops deserve a grand entrance! While delicious on their own, how you present and serve them can turn a great meal into an unforgettable one. Here are some ideas:

• Classic Comfort: Pair your tender chops with creamy mashed potatoes (or a cauliflower mash for a low-carb option) and a vibrant green vegetable like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli. The pan drippings from the optional sear can be drizzled over the chops for extra flavor.
• Mediterranean Medley: Lean into the flavors already infused in the chops! Serve them alongside a couscous salad packed with fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber, or a simple side of roasted Mediterranean vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion.
• Fresh & Light: For a lighter meal, slice the pork chops thinly and serve them atop a fresh bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. Add some crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra texture and taste.
• Saucy & Savory: While the chops are incredibly flavorful on their own, a light pan sauce made with a splash of white wine or chicken broth, a pat of butter, and a squeeze of lemon juice after the sear can add another layer of sophistication.
• Garnish Galore: Always finish with a flourish! A scattering of fresh basil leaves (or parsley), a lemon wedge for a bright squeeze, or a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil can enhance both the visual appeal and the taste.

Storing Your Delicious Sous Vide Pork Chops

Got leftovers? Lucky you! These Sous Vide Pork Chops are fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying another day. Here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerator: Once cooked and cooled, place your pork chops in an airtight container. They will last beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chops. Ensure they are completely cooled, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will maintain their quality for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth to prevent drying, or pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until just warmed through. You can even re-submerge them in a 130°F (54°C) sous vide bath for 30-45 minutes for perfectly re-warmed chops!

FAQs About Sous Vide Pork Chops

1. What temperature is best for Sous Vide Pork Chops?

For incredibly tender and juicy results, 140°F (60°C) is ideal for Sous Vide Pork Chops. This temperature ensures a perfectly cooked medium doneness, keeping the pork moist and flavorful.

2. How long should I sous vide pork chops?

For 1-inch thick boneless pork chops, 2 hours is typically sufficient. For thicker chops (1.5-2 inches), you might extend the cooking time to 2.5-3 hours to ensure heat penetration, though the 2-hour mark will still yield excellent results.

3. Do I have to sear Sous Vide Pork Chops?

While not strictly mandatory for safety (they are fully cooked in the bath), searing is highly recommended! It creates a delicious, golden-brown crust and adds a depth of flavor and texture that truly elevates the Sous Vide Pork Chops experience.

4. Can I sous vide frozen pork chops?

Absolutely! If your pork chops are frozen, simply add an additional hour to the cooking time. So, for this recipe, you would cook frozen chops for 3 hours at 140°F (60°C).

5. Is sous vide pork safe to eat?

Yes, sous vide pork is incredibly safe! The precise temperature control ensures the pork reaches and maintains a safe internal temperature throughout the cooking process, effectively pasteurizing it. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for pork, and holding it at 140°F for 2 hours achieves equivalent safety.

6. What kind of bag should I use for sous vide?

You can use either a dedicated vacuum-sealable bag with a vacuum sealer or a heavy-duty, food-grade freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, the water displacement method is key to removing air.

7. Can I use other herbs and seasonings with Sous Vide Pork Chops?

Definitely! The beauty of sous vide is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, lemon slices, or a different spice blend to customize your Sous Vide Pork Chops to your liking.

8. How do I know my pork chops are done?

The amazing thing about sous vide is that once the internal temperature of the pork chops reaches the water bath temperature, they are “done” to that specific doneness throughout. There’s no guesswork or risk of undercooking or overcooking. For 140°F, you’ll have a beautiful medium-rare/medium chop.

9. Can I cook thicker or thinner chops using this method?

Yes, you can! Thinner chops (under 1 inch) might cook slightly faster (reduce time by 30-60 minutes), while significantly thicker chops (over 1.5 inches) might require an additional 30-60 minutes to ensure they reach the target temperature throughout, though the 2-hour mark still works well for texture.

10. What are some good side dishes to serve with Sous Vide Pork Chops?

These flavorful chops pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! Think roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes or cauliflower puree, a crisp green salad, lemon-herb couscous, or a simple sautéed green vegetable like asparagus or green beans.