When it comes to pork chops, there are a lot of different ways that you can cook them.
But no matter how you cook them, it’s always important to season them with the right herbs and spices.
After all, the right seasoning can really take your pork chops to the next level.
So if you are wondering what herbs and spices go with pork chops, then you are in the right place.
I’m sharing 16 of my favorite herbs and spices for pork chops, as well as some tips on how to use them.
Trust me, your pork chops will thank you!
What Herbs And Spices Go with Pork Chops?
There are many herbs and spices that go well with pork chops, depending on the dish you’re making. For example, sage, rosemary, and thyme are great for pork chops that are roasted or baked. If you’re making a grilled pork chop, then you can try using oregano, basil, or garlic. And if you want to give your pork chops a little bit of sweetness, then you can use cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves.
Still looking for ideas?
Then simply keep scrolling!
Here are 16 herbs and spices that go well with pork chops:
1. Sage
Sage has a pronounced herbal flavor that is earthy, slightly peppery, and a little lemony.
I love using it with pork chops because it really enhances the flavor of the meat.
Here are three of my favorite sage-flavored pork chop recipes:
- Juicy Garlic Baked Pork Chops with Sage Butter: This is a classic recipe that is always a hit. Simply season pork chops with salt, pepper, and garlic, and then bake in the oven. While they’re baking, make a quick sage butter to top them with when they’re done.
- Speedy Sage & Butter Pork Chops with Roast Potatoes: This is a great recipe for a weeknight meal. Cook pork chops in a skillet on the stove, and while they’re cooking, roast some potatoes in the oven. Once everything is cooked, top the pork chops with sage butter and serve with the potatoes.
- Apple Butter and Sage Pork Chops: This is a bit of a different take on sage pork chops, but it’s so good! Season pork chops with salt, pepper, and sage, and then cook in a skillet on the stove. Once they’re cooked through, top with apple butter and serve.
2. Rosemary
This woodsy aromatic herb has notes of evergreen, citrus, and mint, and it’s one of my favorite seasonings for pork chops.
When used correctly, rosemary can really elevate the flavor of pork.
Here are three of my favorite ways to use rosemary with pork chops:
- Garlic Rosemary Pork Chops: This is a classic flavor combination that’s always a hit. Simply season your pork chops with garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Then cook them however you like – grilled, baked, or pan-fried.
- Mustard & Rosemary Pork Chops: This is a quick and easy way to add some flavor to your pork chops. Season them with salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Then rub some fresh rosemary leaves on each chop. Cook as usual.
- Oven-Baked Rosemary Thyme Garlic Butter Pork Chops: This recipe is for the garlic lovers out there. It’s also super easy – just season your pork chops with garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Then bake in a hot oven until cooked through. Baste with melted butter a few times while they’re cooking to keep them nice and moist.
3. Thyme
Thyme is a herb that dances between earthy and minty flavors, and it’s one of my favorites to use with pork.
Here are three of my favorite thyme-infused pork chop recipes:
- Garlic Thyme Pork Chops: These pork chops are super easy to make, and they’re packed with flavor. Simply season your pork chops with garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Then cook them in a hot skillet until they’re nice and juicy.
- Lemon Thyme Pork Chops: These pork chops are bright and flavorful, and they make a great summer meal. Season your pork chops with lemon, thyme, salt, and pepper. Then cook them on the grill or in a hot skillet.
- Cast Iron Pork Chops with Mushrooms, Red Wine & Thyme: This is a more indulgent dish that’s perfect for a special occasion. Season your pork chops with thyme, salt, and pepper. Then cook them in a hot cast iron skillet. Add mushrooms and red wine to the pan, and let everything simmer together until the pork chops are cooked through.
4. Oregano
Oregano is a strong herb with a somewhat peppery bite and a sweet, almost minty aroma.
It’s a great herb to use for pork chops because it brings out the flavor in the meat.
Here are three delicious dishes that include oregano:
- Pork Chops with Lemon and Oregano: My husband and I love this dish! Simply season your pork chops with salt, pepper, and a little bit of oregano, then grill them until they’re nice and juicy. We serve them with a lemon wedge on the side for extra freshness.
- Honey Oregano Pork Chops: If you’re looking for something a little more sweet, try these honey-infused pork chops. They’re delicious and easy to make – all you need is some olive oil, garlic, honey, and oregano. Grill your chops until they’re nice and browned, then top them with a honey glaze. Yum!
- Grilled Greek pork chops with oregano & lemon: This is another yummy grilled dish that includes oregano. First, brush your pork chops with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and a little bit of oregano. Then grill them over medium-high heat until they’re nicely browned and tender. Finish them off with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of lemon juice.
5. Basil
Basil has hints of mint, anise, and pepper, which makes it the perfect complement to pork.
It’s also a essential ingredient in many Italian dishes, so it’s perfect if you’re looking to give your pork chops an Italian twist.
If you’re not sure how to use basil, try one of these recipes:
6. Garlic
Garlic has a pungent, spicy, and earthy taste that can enhance the flavor of many dishes, especially when it comes to pork.
When used in moderation, garlic can add a depth of flavor to pork chops that is both savory and satisfying.
There are many ways to use garlic with pork.
One simple way is to rub a peeled garlic clove on the surface of the meat before cooking.
This will infuse the pork with garlic flavor as it cooks.
Another option is to mince or press some garlic and mix it into a marinade or seasoning blend for the pork.
This is a great way to add garlic flavor without overwhelming the other flavors in the dish.
Whatever method you choose, be sure to use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Garlic powder or jarred minced garlic will not have the same effect.
So take some time to prep your garlic ahead of time and enjoy its delicious taste in your next pork dish!
7. Cinnamon
Warm, woody, and a bit floral, cinnamon is one of those spices that go well with pork.
It can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, making it a versatile ingredient to have on hand.
When paired with pork, cinnamon can help to balance out the richness of the meat and add a touch of sweetness.
One way to use cinnamon with pork is to rub it onto the outside of the meat before cooking.
This will give the dish an added layer of flavor that will be enhanced by the heat of cooking.
Another option is to add cinnamon to a marinade or BBQ sauce for extra depth of flavor.
8. Nutmeg
Nutty and slightly sweet, nutmeg is a strong spice that goes well with pork.
When used sparingly, it can enhance the flavor of pork chops and other pork dishes without overwhelming them.
Nutmeg is also a good spice to use in conjunction with other strong flavors like garlic or ginger.
9. Cloves
This intensely aromatic spice has a subtly sweet flavor with a hint of bitterness.
It is often used in savory dishes, particularly those containing pork.
Cloves add depth and richness to marinades, sauces, and rubs.
When using cloves, remember that a little goes a long way.
They can easily overpower a dish if you’re not careful.
Start by using just a few and tasting as you go until you find the perfect balance for your dish.
10. Paprika
Paprika can range from mild and sweet to spicy to smoked, and the flavor is great for pork.
It’s a common ingredient in many spice rubs, and can be used on its own or combined with other spices.
If you’re looking to add a little heat to your pork chops, try smoked paprika.
It will give them a nice smoky flavor and a little bit of heat.
You can also use paprika in place of black pepper to add a little flavor without adding any heat.
11. Cumin
Rich and hearty, earthy and warm, cumin is a great spice to have on hand when cooking pork.
This pantry staple can be used in a variety of dishes, from simple pan-fried pork chops to more complex stews and roasts.
When using cumin, be careful not to overdo it – a little goes a long way.
When cooking with cumin, you might want to start with just a teaspoon or two, then add more to taste.
Cumin is also delicious when combined with other spices like smoked paprika, chili powder, or garlic powder.
12. Curry Powder
Curry powder has an interesting flavor because of the combination of both savory and sweet spices.
The most common spices in curry powder are:
- Cumin
- Turmeric
- Coriander
- Cardamom
- Fenugreek seeds
- Cloves
- Black pepper
- Chili pepper flakes
You can use curry powder to season pork chops before cooking them.
Just rub the spice blend all over the meat and let it sit for a few minutes.
Then, cook the pork chops however you like!
13. Turmeric
Turmeric is very earthy and bitter (almost musky) in flavor and provides a beautiful yellow color to dishes.
When used with pork, it can really liven up the meal!
I like to use it in rubs for grilling or roasting, as well as in slow cooker recipes.
A little goes a long way with turmeric, so start with just a teaspoon and add more to taste.
It’s also important to pair turmeric with other strong flavors like ginger, garlic, cumin, and chili pepper to balance out its earthiness.
14. Coriander
Coriander is mildly sweet, lemony, and earthy, making it the perfect seasoning for pork.
It is also a common ingredient in many spice blends, like curry powder, garam masala, and chili powder.
When using coriander on pork, you can either rub it onto the meat before cooking or sprinkle it on after cooking.
Just be sure not to use too much, as it can quickly become overwhelming.
15. Black Pepper
Black pepper carries a complex flavor profile of piney, citrusy, and floral notes that can enhance the taste of pork.
It is also a versatile spice that goes well with other flavors, making it a perfect choice for seasoning pork chops.
When using black pepper to season pork chops, be sure to use freshly ground pepper for the best flavor.
16. White Pepper
This taste of this spice is described as musty, grassy, and woody with a slightly hot aftertaste.
White pepper is made by removing the dark outer shell of the peppercorn, which also takes away some of the heat.
It’s perfect for dishes where you want to add flavor without any additional color.
White pepper goes especially well with pork.
Try it in a rub for grilled or roasted pork chops, or use it to seasoning sauteed pork for tacos or stir-fries.
Add a pinch of white pepper to creamy sauces or soups for a subtle boost of flavor.
FAQ
What Spices Go with Fried Pork Chops?
You can use a range of spices when frying pork chops, depending on the flavor you want to create. For example, if you want to give the pork chops a smoky flavor, you can use smoked paprika. Other spices that go well with fried pork chops include garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, and oregano.
What Spices Go with Grilled Pork Chops?
When serving grilled pork chops, some excellent spices to use are garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cumin. These spices will give the pork chops a nice flavor without being too overwhelming.
What Spices Go with Pork Chops and Mushroom Soup?
The most common spices to use with pork chops are sage, thyme, rosemary, and pepper. You can also add garlic, onion powder, or paprika for extra flavor. If you’re making a mushroom soup to go with your pork chops, you’ll want to use some of the same spices to give the soup a nice depth of flavor. Sage, thyme, and rosemary are all great choices. You can also add a bit of garlic or onion powder to the soup.
What Herbs And Spices Go with Pork Chops? (16 Options)
Ingredients
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Basil
- Garlic
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Curry Powder
- Turmeric
- Coriander
- Black Pepper
- White Pepper
Instructions
- Pick your favorite spice or herb from this list to use on your pork chops.
- Prepare the rest of your delicious meal.
- Enjoy in no time!