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

FAQs

Are smoked pork chops already fully cooked? ›

The great thing about smoked meats—besides the wonderful flavor—is that they come fully cooked, requiring a simple warm-up on the stove, grill, or oven. For our recipe, you'll need fully cooked smoked pork chops, and just a few minutes in a frying pan, under the broiler, or on the grill.

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.

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.

This is what makes them so flavorful! Now it's time for a low, slow smoke. Smoking the pork chops at 225°F for 90 minutes – 2 hours means the pork chops will absorb all of the delicious smoky flavors, without drying the pork chops out. This is what keeps them so tender!

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.

Smoked pork will continue to cook once it has been removed from the smoker. As a general rule, take pork out once the internal temperature is 5 degrees under the desired target temperature. The temperature will be right at the desired temperature by the time you are ready to dig in.

When inserting your thermometer if it goes in with almost no effort, you know you're getting close. We typically smoke our shoulders around 250 degrees for 6-10 hours. We are looking for an internal temperature between 195-205. We know a shoulder is ready to come off when you can easily pull the bone out.

Simply put, fresh sausage is raw and uncooked, making it great as an ingredient, but you'll need to cook it yourself. Smoked sausage is fully cooked, so you can eat it as is. In other words, you don't need to cook smoked sausage for it to be safe for consumption, though you can if you prefer your sausage warmed up.

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.

(Kassler Rippchen) . Kasseler Rippchen are pork chops (cuts of pork loin) that have been smoked and ripened in a salt brine.

What is smoked Kassler? ›

Originating from German cuisine , Kassler chops are a cured & lightly smoked cut of pork loin , ideal for a tasty , quick mid-week meal.

Preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F. I prefer to use apple when smoking pork, but any fruit woods, maple, or pecan will also taste great with these pork chops. Drizzle olive oil on all sides of the pork chops. Evenly season pork chops on all sides with my sweet rub.

Brining the Pork Chops

You don't always hear a lot about brining pork like you do with poultry but I think it makes a big difference on things like pork chops. It adds lots of moisture to the meat and it adds flavor so it's well worth your time to do it.

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.

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.

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.

Smoked pork will continue to cook once it has been removed from the smoker. As a general rule, take pork out once the internal temperature is 5 degrees under the desired target temperature. The temperature will be right at the desired temperature by the time you are ready to dig in.