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Shoulder Chops Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to shoulder chop products
About shoulder chops
Did you know there are different cuts of pork chops? They all come from the pig's loin, which is at the top back of the animal, runs from the hip to the shoulder, and includes a tenderloin strip. One of these chops is the shoulder chop, which is sometimes sold as a pork blade chop.
The shoulder chops come from the pig's blade roast or shoulder, so it's closer to the pig's head. As a result, this chop has a little more fat and flavor. It's popular in the Midwest since it's commonly used in St. Louis barbecue dishes. Shoulder chops tend to have dark-colored meat and some blade bone.
Shoulder chop cooking tips
Since they have more fat and are a bit tougher than other types of chops, shoulder chops work best when marinated before cooking. You can cook shoulder chops over high heat as long as you tenderize them properly. Take the chops out of the refrigerator about 20 minutes before you plan to prepare them so they can come to room temperature. This allows for even cooking, so the outer crust doesn't get too dry while the interior reaches the ideal temperature. Use these suggestions when cooking shoulder chops:
- Braise: Pan-fry the chops on both sides for a few minutes, and place the chops in a Dutch oven. Put them in an oven set to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook for 45 to 55 minutes.
- Grill: This is perhaps the easiest way to cook shoulder chops. Simply season the meat with salt and pepper, and cook for about five to six minutes over medium-high heat.
- Pan-fry: Sprinkle the chops with seasoning, and preheat the cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat. Add olive oil, and sear the chops without moving them. Once the chops are golden brown on one side, flip them. Don't sear for more than five minutes.
- Roast: Set the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook the chops for between 45 and 60 minutes. If you want to roast the chops at a higher temperature, set the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook the chops for about 20 minutes.
- Slow cook: Since these chops have enough fat, they can withstand cooking in a slow cooker, which can help to break down connective tissue. Place the shoulder chops in the cooker, and add your favorite seasonings. Cook on low for about eight hours.
- Smoke: Smoking the pork chops is a great way to bring out the meat's flavor. Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit, and drizzle olive oil and seasonings over the chops. Smoke the chops for 75 to 90 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Whatever option you prefer, the USDA recommends that all chops have an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid overcooking if possible, as this can cause the meat to become dry and tough. Make sure the chops have time to rest before you serve them. Anytime you cook a piece of meat, the juices gather at the center and away from the main heat source. Giving the meat time to rest allows the juices to reabsorb and not end up on your plate once you cut it open.
Before you decide which way you want to prepare your shoulder chops, let Instacart help you. Open the Instacart app, select shoulder chops, and add them to your cart. Once you check out, an Instacart shopper will get started on your order. Expect your chops to arrive at your house in as little as 2 hours!
Shoulder Chops Near Me
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FAQs about shoulder chops
You can keep shoulder chops in the refrigerator for up to five days. Make sure you place them on a platter or in a bowl at the bottom of the refrigerator. The pork needs to be stored at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or less. For shoulder chops that you've already cooked, you can keep those in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To make the pork last longer, you can place it in the freezer. Use a paper towel to pat the chops dry to remove any extra moisture. This prevents the formation of ice crystals. Put the chops in a freezer-safe plastic bag or container and put it in the freezer. Frozen pork will keep for up to 12 months.
People believed that pork chops needed to be cooked until they're well-done or 160 degrees Fahrenheit for fear they would catch a foodborne illness. In 2011, the USDA updated its cooking recommendations and stated that the ideal internal temperature is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking the chops until they're well-done causes them to dry out, so it's best to stop cooking once they reach medium.