Meat chop

Meat chop is a cut of meat cut perpendicularly to the spine, and usually containing a rib or part of a vertebra and served as an individual portion. The most common kinds of meat chops are pork and lamb, but beef chop is also available.

Types of Meat Chops

Pork Chops

Pork chops, the most popular type of meat chop, are cut from the loin, which runs from the hip to the shoulder and contains a small strip of meat called the tenderloin. There are various types of pork chops, including loin, rib, shoulder or blade chops.

Lamb Chops

Lamb chops are cut from the rib, loin, and shoulder areas. The rib chops include a rib bone; the loin chops include only a chine bone. Shoulder chops are usually considered inferior to loin chops; both kinds of chop are usually grilled.

Beef Chops

Beef chops, also known as beef steaks, are usually cut from the rib or loin sections and are most commonly known as ribeye or sirloin steaks rather than chops.

Cooking Methods

Meat chops can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, baking, broiling, or frying. They can also be braised or barbecued. The cooking method often depends on the thickness of the chop. Thicker chops are usually finished in the oven for even cooking.

Nutritional Value

Meat chops are a good source of protein, vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. However, they can also be high in saturated fat and cholesterol, especially if the fat is not trimmed off before cooking.

See Also

• Steak
• Roast (meat)
• Barbecue