Preparing Chops

Lesson

Before you start working with chops, whether fresh or frozen, wash your hands. If you need to thaw out the chops, the best method is to put them in the fridge. You can also use the cold water method, which takes less time (see below). We don’t recommend thawing chops in the microwave, because the temperature isn’t easily controlled and it’s easy to overcook the meat.

Guidelines for thawing pork in the fridge:

Single Chop or Steak 10 to 12 hours
Packaged Chops or Steaks (4 in pkg.) 24 hours
Small Roast 4 to 5 hours per pound
Large Roast 5 to 7 hours per pound

Guidelines for thawing pork using the cold water method:

Place the roasts or chops in a sealed plastic bag and submerge the bag under cold water, changing the water every 1/2 hour.

Single Chop or Steak 30 minutes to 1 hour
Packaged Chops or Steaks (4 in pkg.) 1 to 2 hours
Small Roast 2 to 3 hours
Large Roast 30 minutes per pound

After you’re finished touching the meat, wash your hands and all surfaces that have come in contact with the chops using soap and hot water. This will eliminate any bacteria left over from the raw meat.