Learn how you can cut a boneless pork loin into pork chops and roasts. This is a great way to save money on pork and is very easy to do.
🔪 To slice a whole boneless pork loin you need a sharp knife, large plastic cutting board, and a metal ruler to measure the chops or roast you cut so they are the same size. I always make my slices with the fat side down.
For under $3 a pound, an entire center cut pork loin is a great deal. The center cut is exactly what it sounds, the center part of the loin area of the pig. Typically it comes as a boneless cut.
🔪 How to Slice
Now the question is what to do with all that pork. You certainly could roast the entire thing, but unless you have a huge family or a big get together then you are better off cutting it into more manageable chunks.
I slice mine up for two purposes
- Roasts
- Pork chops.
Before I begin I remove the pork from the packaging. I place it onto my largest plastic cutting board. I use plastic for whenever I am dealing with raw meat. I grab some paper towels and dry off the pork.
Where to start? There is an area of less fat towards one end of the loin. This end is closer to the sirloin part of the loin. This is what I use for pork chops. The fatter pieces are better for roasts, because when roast fat side up, the fat basically bastes your roast for you.
I decided to cut some small roasts and leave the rest for pork chops. Whenever I am slicing through the meat I do so with the fat side down. I just find that it's easier to see what I am doing that way.
I wrap the roasts tightly in heavy duty aluminum foil. Then placed them into a gallon size plastic bag, and put them in the freezer for later use. You don't want to just put them in a bag with wrapping first or they will get freezer burned.
If you want more pork chops or all pork chops instead you can do that too. It's really your choice. I like to give myself some different dinner options.
🐖 Cutting Pork Chops
Now to cut up the pork chops. I had roughly 9-10 inch long piece left. Using a ruler I cut the pork chops into equal pieces. That is the key thing you want all your pork chops to be about the same thickness so that when you cook them they cook at the same rate.
Did you know you can cut up a whole pork tenderloin too? Do the same thing, measure the pork into each pieces and you will have small pork medallions that will cook up super fast.
🦋 How to Butterfly
To butterfly them, I cut the chop in the center almost all the way through and then opened it up, kind of like a book. I like doing this for when I make breaded pork chops as it creates a greater surface to mass ratio and that helps with the cooking time.
Of course you could use these chops for anything from grilling or searing. I typically don't like using boneless chops for slow cooked recipes because I think the bone provides flavor and I cook them enough so that they fall off the bone for easy eating later.
Take the time and save some money by cutting up your own pork roasts and chops. It's one of the best decision you could make in a grocery store.
🛒 Where to Buy Whole Pork Loin
I think the best place to buy them is at Costco. Every once and a while they will have a deal on them so you can save even more money.
Check out my guide to buying pork at Costco for more information on their pork cuts. If you are curious about trying an unique cut of pork, check out my post on Pork Brisket.
Leave a Reply