Pork is a meat that is typically cooked and eaten in many different ways by people all over the world. This is because there are a wide variety of cuts that come from the pig since a majority of the animal is used for meat.
But, many people have trouble distinguishing between the different cuts of pork like chops and loins. That leads us to the question: What is the difference between pork loin and pork chop?
Pork loin and pork chops come from the same part of the animal. The loin is the long part that runs down the back, from the shoulder to the hip. The pork chop is cut from the pork loin. Therefore, pork chops are much smaller than pork loins, and not as tender as loins are.
Knowing the difference between the two cuts of pork will help you to understand how you should go about cooking them.
Read on below to discover what the difference is between pork loin and pork chop.
What Are Pork Chops?
Pork chops come from the loin of the pig that runs from the shoulder to the hip, along the spine of the animal. From this loin, smaller cuts are created which are typically leaner and are often compared to higher-end steaks.
Since pork chops are smaller cuts of the pig, they are often packaged in smaller quantities, which makes them perfect for smaller families or individuals.
This is not to say that larger families do not eat pork chops, it just means that they would need to buy larger quantities of the chops.
Pork chops, while they come from the loin of the pig, are broken down into four different sections of the cut. These sections include shoulder chops, rib chops, loin chops, and sirloin chops. Although they are all pork chops, the way they are cooked can be quite different.
How Do You Cook Pork Chops?
There are many different recipes that people use to make pork chops depending on the specific section of the pig they come from.
No matter how you cook them, you will need to be mindful of the fact that they can be overcooked pretty easily.
Based on the section, there are recommendations on how to cook the pork chops since the cut and texture can be quite different. Some people suggest cooking pork chops in the air fryer to ensure that the juiciness stays intact.
Take a look at the following recommendations on cooking pork chops from each of the various sections.
- Shoulder chops are the perfect cut for slow cooking methods since they have a higher fat content. Slow cooking methods will effectively break down the connective tissues in the chops and make them more tender to eat.
- Rib chops are a leaner cut of the loin that does best when brined first to help them keep their moisture in. Once the chops are brined, then fast cooking methods such as grilling or roasting are preferred.
- Loin chops incorporate some pork tenderloin sections with the cut which can make cooking properly somewhat challenging. Brining helps to keep the chops moist, and then they should be cooked quickly by either grilling, roasting, or broiling.
- Sirloin chops come from the hip section of the pig and can be somewhat tougher meat. Because of this, most people recommend using these chops in stews, braises, or other slow cooking methods. A longer cooking method allows the muscle to be tenderized which makes it easier to eat.
What Is Pork Loin?
Pork loin is the part of the pig that runs from the shoulder to the hip, along the backbone. Because of this, it is known to be thicker and wider and is one of the largest cuts of the pig.
Since the pork loin is a thicker and wider cut, it is typically used in larger families due to the ability to feed 10 or more people.
Although this is true, many smaller families and individuals enjoy a well-cooked pork loin with the advantage of leftovers for days.
You can typically purchase a pork loin either boneless or with the bone in, depending on your personal preference. While many people enjoy the extra flavor the fat around the bone brings, the boneless version is much easier to cook.
How Do You Cook Pork Loin?
It is important to keep in mind that since pork loin is thicker and wider meat, it needs to be cooked slowly to ensure it gets finished all the way through. Because of this, there are several ways that you can cook it depending on your preference.
While grilling it is the method of choice for many people, it is important to sear the pork loin first on the stove and make sure that the grill is at a low temperature.
The searing process will help to hold in the moisture while grilling on a low heat will allow the pork loin to cook thoroughly.
Other people prefer to back their pork loin in the oven especially if they do not currently have a grill. When doing this method, you will need to make sure that you are also cooking the pork loin on low heat for a longer period.
Another option for preparing pork loin is to sear the pork loin and then pop it in the slow cooker on low with your favorite vegetables. The slow cooking method will allow the pork loin to cook all the way through at a lower temperature for an extended time.
What’s the Difference Between Pork Loin and Pork Chops?
As stated previously, the pork loin is the main muscle that runs from the shoulder to the hips on the backside of the pig. The pork chop is cut from various parts of the pork loin.
Since this is the case, most people notice that the biggest difference is that the pork loin tends to be longer, thicker, and wider than the pork chop.
This is because the chop is cut from a portion of the loin and sometimes part of the tenderloin.
The way they are cooked is quite different as well since there is a risk of burning the pork chops more easily than the loin. Pork chops are typically only about an inch or two in thickness so they do not need much cooking time and can be cooked using a faster method.
The pork loin, however, should be cooked low and slow since it is much thicker and needs slow heat to cook it thoroughly. Pork loin is also a leaner cut of the pig and does not contain as much fat content.
What Are Pork Chops Good For?
When it comes to healthy eating, pork chops are considered relatively nutritious, especially when compared to other red meats. This is because most chops have fewer calories, lots of protein, and is a good source of B vitamins and zinc.
Typically, three ounces of lean pork chops contain 137 calories. As well as having fewer calories, it has a lower fat content of approximately 4 grams.
Because the recommended portion size is just three ounces, doubling your serving size will cause you to consume double the calories and fat.
Additionally, pork chops are said to have a high amount of quality protein in each serving you consume. You also get more than the recommended amount of essential amino acids in a pork chop.
B vitamins and zinc are also great vitamins and minerals that are found in pork chops and can go a long way to giving you your daily recommended amount of each. They are both essential to cardiovascular health and normal growth development.
What Is Pork Loin Good For?
It is important to understand that while red meat is recommended in small amounts, some cuts of pork can be more nutritious than others.
For example, the pork loin tends to be one of the healthier cuts of pork because of its lean meat and small fat content.
While the pork tenderloin is said to be the healthiest part of the pig, pork loin also has many health benefits. Like pork chops, the loin is loaded with high-quality protein and other vitamins and minerals that lead to a healthy diet.
Pork loin is rich in vitamins and minerals including potassium, vitamin B6, phosphorus, zinc, and more. It also has fewer calories than some of the other red meats such as steak and is about equal to chicken in total calories.
Can Pork Loins Substitute Pork Chops?
Pork loin can be substituted for pork chops since they come from the same part of the pig. Because of this, many people tend to save money by purchasing a pork loin and cutting it into chops themselves instead of paying for pricy cuts of pork chops.
Depending on the type of pork chops you prefer, they can be relatively expensive to purchase by themselves. Since this is the case, even some chefs will choose to buy pork loin and make the various cuts themselves to save money.
It is important to keep in mind that doing this also results in you getting to choose the thickness of the chops you prefer.
When you purchase them already cut, you have no control over the thickness, unless you get them at a butcher’s counter.
What Do Pork Chops and Pork Loin Taste Like?
For the most part, the taste of both pork chops and pork loin is dependent on the way that it is prepared. However, the meat itself tends to have a mild savory flavor that is also juicy and tender.
Most people agree that pork chops are typically best if they have been seasoned and cooked to perfection. This can be done by following any number of recipes that can be found on the internet or by talking to others.
Pork loin, like pork chops, can be made in a variety of ways depending on personal preferences, however, it is important to remember that you have to cook it on low heat.
The best pork loin is one that keeps its juiciness throughout the cooking process since much of the flavor is tasted through the juice.