One of the dishes that are very easy to prepare is pork chops. When you browse the internet, you will find various twists and recipes to make it even tastier. With many pork chop versions to choose from, there are still several ways to spice up your pork chops recipe by serving the best sides to pair it perfectly.
You can serve them with vegetables, fruits, bread, or even rice. Cook your pork chops the way you want them to be and browse the several suggestions below to make the perfect combo.
What Vegetables are Best Served with Pork Chops?
When you’re trying to be healthy, you might find this list helpful. Almost all vegetables go well with pork chops but are you wondering what vegetables are best to serve with pork chops?
Baked Potato
On top of the list is baked potato. This is one of the best combinations to try since pork chops and potatoes have this contradicting texture. Potatoes are soft, while pork chops are chewy.
In making your baked potato, cook it at a low temperature slowly. It may take a little longer than usual, but it makes it extra special. Take note that this should not be overcooked to avoid a dry baked potato.
Another hack is to use a microwave instead of an oven. It perfectly keeps your potato moist.
You may stuff it with cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, or even butter.
Glazed Carrots
If you’re looking for an easy side to serve with pork chops, a glazed carrot will take you less than 10 minutes and won’t even need an oven. All you have to use is your saucepan, and most of the ingredients you need can mostly be found already in your pantry.
Steamed Broccoli
If you prefer brighter colors, steamed broccoli adds life to your plate when you choose this as your side. This vegetable is also known for its high nutritional value with fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Iron, and Potassium. If you’re health-conscious, this might be the perfect side for you.
Cabbage Stir Fry
One of the most versatile vegetables is cabbage. This vegetable is not only great with your pork chops but with your other dishes as well. Within two to three minutes, your cabbage stir fry is done.
This is perfect for those on a low-carb diet because cabbage is an excellent substitute for rice.
Creamed Brussel Sprouts
Another versatile vegetable that goes well with your pork chops is Brussel sprouts. To make it more enticing, why not cream it? Some people might not like it if it’s just plain Brussel sprouts. It’s so good; they won’t even know it’s a vegetable.
Combine your Brussel sprouts with garlic, cream, and mozzarella cheese. Top it with bacon if you must. Even the kids will surely love it!
Sauteed Kale
Even though kales are commonly used, you can always find ways to make them a perfect combination to your pork chops. Kale is among the most nutrient-dense foods, according to Healthline.
You don’t need to worry if you’re in a hurry as this will only take you two to four minutes. All you have to do is sauté it with garlic, salt, and pepper. If you want a little kick, add some chili flakes in there too!
Fruits to Serve with Pork Chops
Who said that fruits are only made for desserts? Sweet, tangy, and refreshing fruit combinations can be perfect pairs of your pork chops, too!
Thai Cucumber Salad
Are you in the mood for a Thai fusion? Something salty, sweety, and tangy?
One of the best sides that blend well with your pork chops is the Thai Cucumber salad. You only need a few ingredients to prepare this one. The secret to making a great salad is its dressing. The cucumber absorbs the sauce well, and all the flavors explode in your mouth.
Cranberry Pecan Salad
Eating salad can never go wrong, so why not make it a cranberry pecan salad?
It is light and refreshing, and the tangy dressing complements the pork chop’s flavor. All you have to do is combine your vinegar, olive oil, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper. To make it more exciting, you may add your favorite green leafy vegetables, nuts, and cheese to your liking.
Fried Apples
Fried apples are perfect for those who have sweet teeth. A warning though, fried apples can be really sweet! Apples and pork go well together, as the apple’s crunch is a perfect pair for a tender pork chop.
Rice Sides to Serve with Pork Chops
Rice goes well with pork chops, too!
If you’re not into calorie count, you may explore rice as an option to pair with your pork chops. There are a lot of recipes for you to try.
Vegetable Fried Rice
If you’re looking for something Asian, having rice as your side is highly recommended.
Rice works well with any pork dish. It’s flavorful and adds color to your plate. Veggies add flavor and make the dish healthy. It is very easy to make, and you can always add your personal touch to your vegetable rice recipes.
At the same time, this is also one way to avoid throwing leftover rice. You can use either white or brown rice, depending on your diet.
Java Rice
Java rice is seasoned with turmeric and annatto powder and makes the dish colorful and flavorful. With its subtle flavor, this side won’t overpower your pork chops. Not only is it tasty, but it’s also budget-friendly as well.
If you have a wok at home, this is perfect for cooking your java rice—time to give that Asian fusion to your pork chops.
Arroz Verde
Arroz Verde, commonly known as cilantro rice, is also a perfect rice dish. Even though it is a Mexican recipe, it goes well with any meat dish, especially pork chops.
Like java rice, it has mild flavors as well. Even though it is green when cooked, it is made of white rice. It is cooked in pepper and herb purée consisting of jalapeños, poblano peppers, cilantro, parsley, onion, garlic, and broth.
Bread Sides to Serve with Pork Chops
Yes! Bread can be a perfect combination with your pork chops also. They’re soft and tasty; that’s why they can complement your pork chops, too. Who doesn’t love freshly baked bread, anyway?
Cornbread
Unlike most bread that will take longer to bake, cornbread will only take you about twenty-five minutes. There’s also no need for special ingredients. Its crumbly texture makes it a top choice if you want bread as your side.
Crescent Rolls
A buttery crescent roll is perfect with pork chops too. It’s light, flaky, and soft. Crescent rolls will take you around forty-five minutes to bake, but this is one way of turning your dinner experience to the next level.
It also absorbs the sauce of your pork chops when you plate them.
Sides to serve with pork chops are excellent complements to that already delicious dish.
Whether you choose to go healthy and opt for vegetables, try the sweet, tangy combination of fruits and pork chops, or the perfect pairing of rice and bread, your preference will always be the deal-breaker in choosing among these side dishes.
