Smoked Pork Chops Recipe – Oma's Kasseler (2024)

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Smoked Pork Chops Recipe – Oma's Kasseler (1)

by: Gerhild Fulson / Cookbook Author, Blogger, German Oma!

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This smoked pork chops recipe is one of those traditional German food recipes that is so easy and quick to make.

The only difficulty you may have is finding the meat. Most delis will have this - called "Kasseler" (or "Kassler") - it's a type of salt-cured and slightly smoked pork loin chops.Can't find that? Check below for alternatives.

Smoked Pork Chops Recipe – Oma's Kasseler (4)

Together with making the potato salad and broccoli, thequick German mealbelow was ready in under 30 minutes. A verytraditional German Kasseler dinner!

Can't find Kasseler?

  • Then athick piece of boneless cooked hamwould work, although not quite the same flavor. You may want to try different brands to find one that tastes "just right".
  • A similar flavor can be had by using a thick piece of Canadian pea-meal bacon. Again, these are just substitutes for the real thing.

Dinner Tips ...

It doesn't get much easier than the recipe below! Just long enough in the pan to get it a bit browned and hot.

Below, it is shown served with some quick and easy potato salad and some steamed broccoli. Thechops are done within 5 to 10 minutes, so together with making thepotato salad and broccoli, this dinner was ready in under 30 minutes, starting from scratch.

Smoked Pork Chops Recipe – Oma's Kasseler (5)

All the meat needs is a quick fry to heat and brown. Often it'sserved withsauerkrautandmashed potatoesfor a really traditional German meal.Finish off the meal in real German style by serving fruit over ice cream ("Heiss und Eis") or a pudding.

Choose your own favorite side dishes from the many German food recipes posted underor Vegetable Recipes-- great accompaniments to these smoked pork chops.

Health benefits of Pork

It is important to include meats into your diet as your source of protein. Why is it so good for your body? Protein is responsible for fuelling the energy to your body to keep you from feeling weak and tired. It also assists in carrying oxygen through your blood.

With a lack of protein, your body can show significant changes in energy levels. You can lose muscle mass and slow your metabolism, which can cause fatigue, anemia, low blood pressure, and other health concerns. Protein is a key ingredient to keeping your body healthy and strong!

Pork is also an excellent source of vitamins B12 and B6, which are crucial vitamins that your body needs. These vitamins are good for brain function, proper blood cell formation, and more. But wait, there's more!

Did you know that pork is a Wunderbar source of iron too? Irons' job is to transport oxygen throughout your body, from your lungs to your bloodstream. It plays a big role in your body's overall function.

Pork is strongly suggested to those who struggle with low blood pressure, anemia, and low iron, seeing as it is SO beneficial. That's just one more reason to make this delicious recipe!

There’s something absolutely mouth-watering about having a German meat-and-potato dinner. Get Oma's revised collection of her favorites inGerman Meat Dishes.

Smoked Pork Chops Recipe – Oma's Kasseler (6)

Take a peek at all Oma's eCookbooks. They make sharing your German heritage a delicious adventure!

Oma says:

Where the original name "Kasseler" comes from is unknown. It is assumed that it did NOT come from the town of Kassel in Germany.

It's a salted and slightly smoked cut of pork, usually loin or neck. Often there's a bone, but this can be removed if desired before cooking.

Lydia Remembers ...

I have so many wunderbar memories in the kitchen with my Oma and have had MANY of her most popular and traditional recipes, like these smoked pork chops!

My first time having these pork chops was after spending the day at Oma's, working together on some new pages for you to enjoy! We decided on a traditional German dish for dinner, and off we went to the kitchen!

Observing Oma's techniques in the kitchen is something I have loved doing ever since I was little, and she still amazes me to this day. This pork chops meal was no exception. The immaculate flavors melt in your mouth.

I LOVE when my pork has lots of juiciness, flavor, and spices on top to add a nice crispy crust, and this pork had just that. I ate a huge piece and still wanted more ... it was that good!

We enjoyed some creamy brussels sprouts with our pork chops, and the two just go together so well. These pork chops sure are memorable, and I find myself craving them often!

Learn a little bit about me, Lydia, and my kitchen adventures with Oma!

Ready to make these smoked pork chops?

Is the recipe below locked?Here'swhy.

Smoked Pork Chops Recipe – Oma's Kasseler (8)

Smoked Pork Chops Recipe – Oma's Kasseler

This smoked pork chops recipe is one of those traditional Germanfood recipes that is so easy and quick to make.The only difficulty youmay have is finding the meat.

Most delis will have this - called Kasseler - it's a type of smoked pork loin chops.Can't find that? Check the hints for alternatives.

Prep Time

1 minute

Cook Time

5 minutes

Total Time

6 minutes

Servings:

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

  • 4 smoked pork chops (Kasseler)
  • oil and/or butter to fry

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil and/or butter, about 2 tablespoons in a fry pan.
  2. Over medium heat, lightly brown Kasseler chops on both sides.
  3. Serve and enjoy. Great with German mustard, potatoes, and vegetables.

Notes/Hints:

  • A thick piece of boneless cooked hamwould work, although not quite the same flavor. You may want to try different brands to find one that tastes "just right".
  • A similar flavor can be had by using a thick piece of Canadian peameal bacon. Again, these are just substitutes for the real thing.
  • Try any European deli and see if they carry this. I've found Kasseler in a Polish deli, a Dutch deli, and, of course, a German one. It may not be labelled as such, but try anything that's labeled as smoked pork chops, or cured and smoked chops. You may just be pleasantly surprised.

* * * * *

Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | www.quick-german-recipes.com

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Smoked Pork Chops Recipe – Oma's Kasseler (20)

Oma's Smoked Pork Chops Recipe ~ Kasseler

By Oma Gerhild Fulson
Smoked Pork Chops Recipe – Oma's Kasseler (21)
Smoked pork chops, Kasseler are one of those traditional German recipes that's so easy & quick to make. Delicious with a quick potato salad or sauerkraut on the side.

Ingredients: smoked pork chops,oil,

For the full recipe, scroll up ...

Words to the Wise

"Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you."

Proverbs 11:17 (NLT)

Top of Smoked Pork Chops Recipe

Smoked Pork Chops Recipe – Oma's Kasseler (2024)

FAQs

Are smoked pork chops already fully cooked? ›

Smoked pork chops are pork chops that have been cooked in a smoker to enhance their flavor. Even though smoked pork chops come partially cooked, you still need to cook them some more so they're safe to eat. Fortunately, you can easily cook smoked pork chops on the stovetop, on a grill, or in the oven.

What cut of pork is Kassler? ›

Kassler (German: [ˈkaslɐ]) or Kasseler in German cuisine is the name given to a cured and slightly smoked cut of pork similar to gammon. It can be either hot or cold smoked. Pork necks and loins are the most often used cuts although ribs, shoulders and bellies can also be used.

How do you keep pork chops moist when smoking? ›

It's just a few simple ingredients and four easy steps!
  1. Start with an overnight brine. Brining the pork chops in a combination of salt, sugar and water makes them extra juicy! ...
  2. Next, comes the epic rub. ...
  3. Now it's time for a low, slow smoke. ...
  4. Finally, my secret for making these perfect pork chops even better is the glaze.
Jun 1, 2022

Is Kassler fully cooked? ›

Our German Smoked Pork Chops come from the center cut loin and are cured and smoked for exceptional flavor. Around Amana, they are known as Kassler Rippchen. They're fully cooked, so simply heat and serve.

Why are my smoked pork chops tough? ›

Because pork chops are such a lean cut, they are relatively quick-cooking and prone to overcooking. When they're cooked for even a few minutes too long, whether it's in the oven or on the stovetop or grill, they're quick to dry out, and — you guessed it — become tough, chewy, and less than appealing.

Do smoked pork chops need to be seasoned? ›

They only need some good rub and smoke. Pork is delicious, and when smoking chops, you want to be able to taste the pork and smoke together. Generously rub on some seasoning, and you've got a simple, yet amazingly flavorful chop.

What is Kassler in English? ›

Kasseler is a salted and slightly smoked cut of pork, that is known predominantly in Germany.

How long can you keep Kassler chops in the fridge? ›

A: We recommend 12-14 days in the refrigerator. If not intending to use within that time, freeze them up to 60 days. Enjoy!

Where do Kassler chops come from? ›

Originating in Germany, Kassler is pork cured with salt, sugar and spices and lightly smoked for a uniquely interesting flavour with a slightly sweet finish. Our take on the German classic uses free range pork and our secret blend of spices together with salt and sugar for the perfect cure.

Should I sear pork chops before smoking? ›

The actual cooking part is going to be a two step process.

BUT, if you want to really take things to the next level, you might want to consider searing your pork chop after the smoke stage. Contrary to popular belief, searing meat does not lock in any juices.

What goes good with smoked pork chops? ›

30 Perfect Pork Chop Sides
  • 01 of 30. Three-Pickle Potato Salad. ...
  • 02 of 30. Tennessee Onions. ...
  • 03 of 30. Zesty Corn-And-Squash Salad. ...
  • 04 of 30. Roasted Pepper-Tomato Salad With Crispy Black-Eyed Peas. ...
  • 05 of 30. Roasted Brussels Sprouts. ...
  • 06 of 30. Make-Ahead Yeast Rolls. ...
  • 07 of 30. Apple-Cranberry Coleslaw. ...
  • 08 of 30. Roasted Broccoli.
Mar 22, 2024

Does pork get more tender the longer you smoke it? ›

So this depends on the cut, and how much connective tissue it has. If you're cooking pork tenderloin, time doesn't matter much. If you're cooking the tougher cuts, you can benefit from longer cooking times for increased tenderness.

Is Kassler the same as ham? ›

Kasseler is a traditional German-style ham. This delicious hot smoked pork loin is full of flavour, juicy and easy to carve. There's no bone, so no wastage and will serve 2-3 people.

Are smoked pork chops pink when cooked? ›

Is it ok if my pork is slightly pink? The short answer to this common question is yes! Due to the ingredients and natural preservatives found in many pork products, it's entirely possible that your meat may still be slightly pink even when it's fully cooked. In fact, pork can even be enjoyed medium-rare.

Why are smoked pork chops pink? ›

If you are grilling or searing the meat at a high temperature this can lead to some of the proteins denaturing too quickly before they have time to change color completely resulting in pinker meat.

Are smoked pork chops supposed to be pink? ›

Can pork chops be a little pink? YES! And they should be! USDA has lowered their recommended temp for pork chops (not ground pork) from 160F to 145F, but they are at their most tender and juicy at 140F or so.

Are smoked meats fully cooked? ›

Although foods that have been hot smoked are often reheated or further cooked, they are typically safe to eat without further cooking. Hams and ham hocks are fully cooked once they are properly smoked, and they can be eaten as is without any further preparation.

How do you heat up fully cooked smoked pork chops? ›

To bake already smoked pork chops, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the smoked chops in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Remove the foil and broil for a few minutes to get a crispy exterior, if desired.

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