There are tons of tasty ways to cook pork, but it can be hard to get that juicy texture we all want out of our favorite meat. You might be craving a succulent dish and end up with something chewy and hard to swallow.
A new study from the meat experts at the University of Illinois has revealed why it’s so hard to get the perfectly cooked pork we crave.
This Is What You’re Doing Wrong
If you’re like us, you’re probably used to the standard rules of cooking pork. We were taught that you shouldn’t pop that puppy out of the oven—or off of the grill—until it reaches at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. But, like most meats, the longer your meal cooks, the more moisture you’re drawing out. The University of Illinois has discovered that the optimal pork cooking temperature is actually 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Why? The new temperature avoids cooking out the juices necessary for a savory pork dish. In eliminating the dryness, you get tender, juicy meat with no flavor lost.
Boler first tested the theory with a focus group of trained taste-testers. Because he wanted the opinion of non-professionals, he then took to the streets with average consumers. In both studies, the 145-degree pork won in a landslide, regardless of color.
Pro Tip: Allow your cooked pork to rest for 10-20 minutes after removing it from heat. Cutting into it before this rest period makes the juices leak out, leaving you with a less flavorful dish.
Here’s how to cook the perfect pork shoulder.
Is This New Temperature Safe?
Dustin Boler, the associate professor of the Department of Animal Sciences at U of I, says 145 degrees Fahrenheit is a perfectly safe pork cooking temperature. In fact, the USDA has recently accepted it as the new standard. However, you should still be reaching these food-safe temperatures when cooking other meats.
Pro Tip: When checking your pork’s temperature, make sure your thermometer doesn’t touch bone, as it runs much hotter than meat and could give an inaccurate reading.
These are the best types of pork every home cook should know.
Does the Color of My Pork Matter?
If you’ve ever paid more for pork chops with “optimal” marbling and coloring, you don’t have to do it anymore. Believe it or not, neither of these things really matter when choosing the perfect pork from the grocery store. Boler adds that, like the price of different meats, neither of these cosmetic things changes the taste of the pork itself. It’s all in the way you cook it!
Make the Most of These Savory Pork Recipes
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Pork and Asparagus Sheet-Pan Dinner
When time is of the essence, it's nice to have a quick and easy meal idea in your back pocket. Not only is it delicious, but you can clean it up in a flash. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Cabbage Roll Stew
A head of cabbage seems like it never ends. Here's a delicious way to use it up. My husband is this stew's biggest fan. —Pamela Kennemer, Sand Springs, Oklahoma
Lemon Pork with Mushrooms
This is my family's favorite go-to healthy dish that you wouldn't guess is good for you. A little squeeze of lemon gives these crispy, seasoned chops a bright boost. —Christine Datian, Las Vegas, Nevada
Meat Lover's Pizza Rice Skillet
My son named this "pizza rice" after I threw together a quick dinner from what I had in the fridge and pantry. Add any other pizza topping ingredients you desire. I often add black olive slices or mushrooms. Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Lisa's All-Day Sugar & Salt Pork Roast
My family loves this tender, juicy roast, so we eat it a lot. The salty crust is so delicious mixed into the pulled pork. —Lisa Allen, Joppa, Alabama
Spicy Pork and Butternut Squash Ragu
This recipe is a marvelously spicy combo perfect for cooler fall weather and satisfying after a day spent outdoors. —Monica Osterhaus, Paducah, Kentucky
Country French Pork with Prunes and Apples
The classic flavors of herbes de Provence, apples and dried plums make this easy slow-cooked pork taste like a hearty meal at a French country cafe. For a traditional pairing, serve the pork with braised lentils. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Green Chile Adobado Poutine
A Canadian comfort-food classic is even better when served southwestern-style, as either an appetizer or an entree. Although the ribs are done here without fuss in a slow cooker, you can also bake them at 325°, covered with foil, about 45 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 20 minutes. — Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Pennsylvania Pot Roast
This heartwarming one-dish meal is adapted from a Pennsylvania Dutch recipe. I start the pot roast cooking before I leave for church, add vegetables when I get home, and then just sit back and relax until it's done. —Donna Wilkinson, Monrovia, Maryland
Slow-Cooker Cubano Sandwiches
This recipe came about because I didn't have pepperoncinis for my usual Italian pork recipe so I used pickles instead. It reminded me so much of a Cuban sandwich that I added the ham and Swiss cheese to complete the dish. Instead of adding cheese to the slow cooker, you can also build the sandwiches and top with sliced cheese. Place under the broiler to melt. —Kristie Schley, Severna Park, Maryland
Spicy Sausage Meatball Sauce
I threw together three favorite veggies and spicy sausage for this incredible sauce that makes our mouths water the whole time it's cooking. Besides serving this with pasta (refrigerated tortellini is best), we've had it with brown basmati rice, as “sloppy subs” on toasted Italian rolls and as a “stew” with garlic bread. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Air Fryer Raspberry Balsamic Smoked Pork Chops
Air fryer pork chops are so delicious and so easy to make. My husband loves them. —Lynn Moretti, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Chili Tamale Pie
This is a crowd pleasing potluck dish that's easy to prepare. A little heat, a little sweet, and a big time authentic southwestern flavor. There is no substitute for fresh ground chili. A small food processor on high speed may be used to grind chilies and cumin or use a dedicated coffee grinder for fresh spices (a great $15 investment for fresh spices anytime - your pallet will thank you)!—Ralph Stamm, Dayton, Ohio
Pork Piperade
I like to spice up my meat dishes with peppers, and this Basque piperade—adapted from a Spanish recipe—is a family favorite. —Hyacinth Rizzo, Buffalo, New York
Oven-Barbecued Pork Chops
My mother has fixed this recipe for years and now I prepare it for my family. The chops are delicious with scalloped potatoes and home-baked bread. —Teresa King, Whittier, California
Pork and Green Chile Casserole
I work at a local hospital and also part time for some area doctors, so I'm always on the lookout for good, quick recipes to fix for my family. Some of my co-workers and I exchange recipes. This zippy casserole is one that was brought to a picnic at my house. People raved over it. —Dianne Esposite, New Middletown, Ohio
Pork with Mustard Sauce
Back when I was a girl, I couldn't wait until I was grown up and could start cooking for my own family! Now that I am, I really enjoy using pork. The tender meat and the rich mustard sauce in this recipe are delectable together. —Irma Pomeroy, Enfield, Connecticut
Mom's Paella
I enjoy cooking ethnic foods, especially those that call for lots of rice. Like my mom, I often prepare this dish for special Sunday get-togethers. Traditional paella uses saffron, but turmeric is a budget-friendly alternative. —Ena Quiggle, Goodhue, Minnesota
Pork Schnitzel with Dill Sauce
Schnitzel is one of my husband’s favorites because it reminds him of his German roots. An appealing dish for guests, it’s ready in a jiffy. Pop it on buns for a fun handheld option. —Joyce Folker, Paraowan, Utah
Upper Peninsula Pasties
I grew up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where many people are of English ancestry. Pasties—traditional meat pies often eaten by hand—are popular there. —Carole Lynn Derifield, Valdez, Alaska
Orange-Glazed Pork Loin
This is one of the best pork recipes I've ever tried. My family looks forward to this roast for dinner, and guests always want the recipe. The flavorful rub and a glaze sparked with orange juice are also outstanding on pork chops. —Lynnette Miete, Alna, Maine
Sweet 'n' Sour Ribs
If you're looking for a change from typical barbecue ribs, you'll enjoy this recipe my mom always prepared on birthdays and special occasions. The tender ribs have a slight sweet-and-sour taste that my family loves. I usually serve them with garlic mashed potatoes and a salad or coleslaw. —Dorothy Voelz, Champaign, Illinois
Sliced Ham with Roasted Vegetables
To prepare this colorful, zesty oven meal, I "shop" in my backyard for the fresh garden vegetables and oranges (we have our own tree!) that spark the ham's hearty flavor. It's my family's favorite main dish. —Margaret Pache, Mesa, Arizona
Ham and Scalloped Potatoes
"I fix this saucy skillet dish often, especially when I'm running late, because it takes so little time to prepare," reports Emma Magielda from Amsterdam, New York. "The recipe won first prize in our local paper some years back."
One-Skillet Pork Chop Supper
My husband, Clark, and I reserve this recipe for Sundays after the grandkids have gone home and we're too tired to prepare a big meal. It's comforting and quick. —Kathy Thompson, Port Orange, Florida
Asparagus Ham Dinner
I've been making this low-fat ham dinner for my family for years, and we always look forward to it. With asparagus, tomato, pasta and chunks of ham, it's a tempting blend of tastes and textures. —Rhonda Zavodny, David City, Nebraska
Orange Spiced Ham Steak
I turn orange marmalade, mustard and just a hint of ginger into a glaze for ham that comes together super quick, but feels extra special. And that makes it perfect for when I’m entertaining brunch guests! —Connie Moore, Medway, Ohio
Slow-Cooked Cherry Pork Chops
I mixed and matched several recipes to come up with this one. I'm always happy to adapt recipes for my slow cooker. It's so easy to prepare a meal that way. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Braised Pork Loin Chops
An easy herb rub gives sensational taste to boneless braised pork chops that can be cooked on the stovetop in minutes. The meat turns out tender and delicious. —Marilyn Larsen, Port Orange, Florida
Pepper-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Guests will be impressed by this elegant entree and its golden crumb coating with peppery pizazz. The meat slices up so moist and tender, you can serve it without sauce and still have a succulent taste-tempting main dish. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Pork Chops with Honey-Garlic Sauce
The honey and garlic sauce on this pork is so good, I sometimes double it so there's extra for dipping whatever veggie we have on the side. —Michelle Smith, Eldersburg, Maryland
Tortellini Carbonara
I've made this bacon, cream and Parmesan cheese pasta sauce for so many years and have always called it a carbonara. Low-and-behold, I recently found out it's actually more like an Alfredo sauce. In either case, it's absolutely heavenly and a great option for company! —Cathy Croyle, Davidsville, Pennsylvania
Spaghetti Pork Chops
This succulent pork supper was sent in by Ellen Gallavan, Midland, Michigan. The moist chops simmer to perfection in a tangy sauce, then are served over pasta. "This was one of my mother's most-loved recipes," she shares.
Caramelized Pork Slices
This easy treatment for pork caught my eye when I saw the word "caramelized." The slightly sweet glaze is yummy. I like to serve this over noodles or rice...or with mashed potatoes. —Elisa Lochridge, Beaverton, Oregon.
Pork Chop Potato Dinner
Tender chops cook on a bed of creamy potatoes in this all-in-one meal. It's a snap to assemble, thanks to frozen hash browns, canned soup, shredded cheese and french-fried onions. —Dawn Huizinga, Owatonna, Minnesota
Slow-Cooker Pork and Apple Curry
Here's a gentle curry dish that's sure to please American palates. For fun, try varying the garnish—add a few chopped peanuts or a little chutney. —Nancy Reck, Mill Valley, California
Glazed Pork Chops
When I was a new mom, I needed good, healthy meals that were fast to fix. These juicy chops fit the bill perfectly. Since this is a one-pan dish, cleanup’s quick, too. —Kristin Tanis, Hatfield, Pennsylvania
Bacon-Colby Lasagna
With both bacon and ground beef, this hearty dish is a real crowd-pleaser. The recipe came from my grandmother, now in her 80s. I've learned so much from helping her in the kitchen. —Cathy McCartney, Davenport, Iowa
Slow-Cooked Sweet 'n' Sour Pork
Even though a co-worker gave me this recipe more than 20 years ago, my family still enjoys it today. -Martha Nickerson of Hancock, Maine
Glazed Rosemary Pork
A honey-rosemary glaze delicately seasons pork tenderloin in this delightful entree. As elegant as it is easy, the main course is ideal for weekend dinner parties and weeknight suppers alike. —Barbara Sistrunk, Fultondale, Alabama
Pork Chile Verde
Pork slowly stews with jalapenos, onion, green enchilada sauce and spices in this flavor-packed Mexican dish. It's wonderful on its own or stuffed in a warm tortilla with sour cream, grated cheese or olives on the side. —Kimberly Burke, Chico, California
Southwestern Pork Chops
This recipe came out of necessity! I love to cook but hate to grocery shop, and one day I found myself with nothing but some pork chops, canned black beans and canned tomatoes. This is the dish I came up with, and my husband loved it.—Vicki L. Blaine, Plymouth, Michigan
Pork Burritos
As a working mother, I depend on my slow cooker to help feed my family. We all love the spicy but slightly sweet flavor of these tender burritos. —Kelly Gengler, Theresa, Wisconsin
Tenderloin with Herb Sauce
Tender pork is treated to a rich and creamy sauce with a slight kick, thanks to red pepper flakes. This hearty dish is very simple to prepare and always a dinnertime winner. —Monica Shipley, Tulare, California
Savory Beer Pork Chops
These tender chops in savory sauce are perfect for a hectic weeknight because they're so easy to prep. They use only five ingredients! Try them with hot buttery noodles. —Jana Christian, Farson, Wyoming
Lemon-Caper Pork Medallions
For an elegant but easy dinner you can put together in a twinkling for guests or unexpected visitors, these lightly breaded medallions are truly something special! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tender Sweet 'n' Sour Pork Chops
“The recipe for these moist, tender pork chops was given to me years ago by my best friend," recalls Gina Young from Lamar, Colorado. "It's become one of my family's favorites and we enjoy it often. Hope you do, too!”
Ham and Leek Pies
I've been making these pies for years, so lots of friends and family now have the recipe. If you can't find leeks, a sweet or mild onion works just as well. —Bonny Tillman, Acworth, Georgia
Slow-Cooker Pork Chops
Everyone will enjoy these fork-tender, slow cooker pork chops with a creamy, light gravy. Serve with a green vegetable, mashed potatoes and coleslaw or a salad. These are the best slow cooker pork chops. —Sue Bingham, Madisonville, Tennessee
Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake
I got this recipe from a friend years ago. I freeze several half recipes in disposable pans to share with neighbors or for when I'm pressed for time myself. —Rea Newell, Decatur, Illinois
Maple-Pecan Pork Chops
For a standout holiday dinner, start with this change-of-pace entree. Begin by simmering the chops in apple juice, then drizzle with sweet maple syrup and top with crunchy pecans. —Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tuscan Pork Stew
Tender chunks of pork slowly cook in a nicely seasoned, wine-infused sauce. Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a little extra kick.—Penny Hawkins, Mebane, North Carolina
Pork Roast Dinner
I am single and love to cook, so I often cook for friends that either don't cook or who work nights. They love new recipes, and this was one of their favorites. The leftover meat makes great barbecue pork sandwiches the next day.—Lisa J. Chamberlain, St. Charles, Illinois
Spaghetti Meatball Supper
It was such a joy to come home and find my mom making spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. This recipe has always been dear to my heart. —Debbie Heggie, Laramie, Wyoming
Sage Pork Chops with Cider Pan Gravy
A creamy sauce flavored with apple cider and sage makes for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner. If you like, serve these lightly seasoned chops with couscous, rice or noodles.—Erica Wilson, Beverly, Massachusetts
Braised Pork with Tomatillos
A pork braise is a sure way to make people’s mouths water. The tomatillos in this dish offer a subtle hint of lightness to the meat. For ultimate flavor, make the dish one day ahead and reheat. —La Boucherie, Matthew Lawrence, Vashon, Washington
Tender Maple-Glazed Pork Chops
Tender pork chops are cooked in a maple glaze that makes every bite absolutely succulent. The hearty entree delivers big flavor without a lot of fuss. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Grandma Edna's Cajun Pork
My grandma used to make this for our family on special occasions. We love to carry on the delicious tradition. —Tonya Cline, Greenville, Ohio
Citrus-Herb Pork Roast
The genius combination of seasonings and citrus in this tender roast reminds us why we cherish tasty recipes. It's nice to serve with hot noodles to soak up any extra citrus gravy. —Laura Brodine, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Breadstick Pizza
Not only do refrigerated breadsticks lend a fun twist to pizza, but they make this dish a weeknight staple at my house. Feeding kids? Slice pieces into small strips and let the kids dip each strip into marinara sauce. They’ll love it! —Mary Hankins, Kansas City, Missouri
Blue Cheese Pork Medallions
This comforting pork dish feels fancy, thanks to the creamy sauce kicked up a notch by blue cheese. Guests go crazy over it, and would never guess how quickly it all comes together. —Lynne German, Woodland Hills, CA
Apple-Onion Pork Tenderloin
This slightly sweet and tender pork tenderloin with apples is quick enough to make for a weeknight, but I often serve it on special occasions. It tastes amazing served with mashed potatoes or over egg noodles. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, ID
Root Beer Brats
Here's an easy recipe that's versatile, too. Serve the saucy brats over rice for one meal and have them on buns the next. For extra punch, add a splash of root beer concentrate to the sauce. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Pork Tacos with Mango Salsa
I've made quite a few tacos in my day, but you can't beat the tender filling made in a slow cooker. These are by far the best pork tacos we've had—and we've tried plenty. Make the mango salsa from scratch if you have time! Yum. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas
Pepper-Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
Spicy stuffing balances the delicate flavor of pork in this dish that looks great on the plate—and tastes even better! —and tastes even better! —Margaret Allen, Abingdon, Virginia
Portobello Wellingtons with Spinach Pistachio Pesto
These tasty and elegant mushrooms take their cue from the classic beef Wellington; simply omit the ham/prosciutto to make this a completely meatless meal. —TerryAnn Moore, Vineland, New Jersey
Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Apple Chutney
The zingy-sweet fruit compote complements the spices in the rub in this juicy pork roast that can be your holiday headliner. —Teresa Ralston, New Albany, Ohio
Chorizo & Chipotle Stuffed Cabbage Cups
Our family and friends enjoy Polish recipes, and my hubby loves Mexican, too. I created delicious cabbage rolls that highlight the warm and inviting flavors of both nations. —Brenda Watts, Gaffney, South Carolina
Sausage Lasagna
The idea for this sausage lasagna recipe comes from my mother-in-law, who always makes it for my three boys on special holidays. I've put an easy twist on Carole's classic dish, and it's become one of my go-to dinners as well! —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, VA
Bacon-Wrapped Pesto Pork Tenderloin
I love to serve this family-favorite tenderloin—maybe because of the compliments that come with it! When the weather warms up, we grill it instead. —Megan Riofski, Frankfort, Illinois
Slow-Cooked Mesquite Ribs
When we're missing the grill during winter, these tangy ribs give us that same smoky barbecue taste we love. They're so simple, and fall-off-the-bone delicious, too! —Sue Evans, Marquette, Michigan
Sauteed Pork Chops with Garlic Spinach
My family enjoys cooking up easy and delicious meals. This pork chop recipe is also inexpensive, which makes cooking easier for everyone. Keep an eye on the spinach—it cooks fast! —Joe Valerio, Whitinsville, Massachusetts
Korean Pulled Pork Tacos
I created this surprising pulled pork recipe to replicate our favorite food truck tacos at home. They're a little sweet, a little spicy and totally delicious any time of year. —Julie Orr, Fullerton, California
Slow-Cooker Carnitas
We shared these flavor-packed tacos with friends from church who came over to help us move. They're so good, I put them on my blog, manilaspoon.com! The slow cooker makes this recipe extra easy, and I love that whenever I make it, I'm reminded of the wonderful people back in Michigan. —Abigail Raines, Hamden, Connecticut
Apple Cider Pork Chops
These apple cider pork chops are a must for fall family dinners. I serve them with buttered egg noodles to soak up more of that delicious sauce. The recipe is easy to double when company pops in. —Debiana Casterline, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey
Slow-Cooker Char Siu Pork
The Asian influence here in the Hawaiian islands inspired my char siu recipe. It’s tasty as is, in a bun or over rice. We make it often so we have leftovers to add to fried rice, ramen and salads. —Karen Naihe, Kamuela, Hawaii
Pork Chops with Nectarine Sauce
As a dietitian, I’m always looking for ways to make meals healthy and delicious. These juicy chops are fast, too. —Suellen Pineda, Victor, New York
Cider-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
This is a super-easy recipe full of sweet fall flavor. The maple flavor really shines through. —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Meat Loaf & Mashed Red Potatoes
Satisfy the meat-and-potatoes eaters in your house with this satisfying dish that all cooks up in one pot! Talk about classic comfort food. —Faith Cromwell, San Francisco, California
Slow-Cooker Memphis-Style Ribs
After my dad and I had dinner at the legendary Rendezvous Restaurant, I was inspired to create a slow-cooked version of tasty dry-rub Memphis ribs. Smoked paprika in the rub mimics the flavor the ribs would get from grilling over hot coals. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Sicilian Meat Sauce
People have told me this is better than the gravy their Sicilian grandmothers used to make. But don’t tell the old generation that! —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia
Brazilian Pork & Black Bean Stew
During high school, I spent a year in Brazil and fell in love with the culture and food. One of my favorite dishes was feijoada, a chili-like stew served over white rice. I introduced this version to my family, and it has become one of our favorite comfort foods. —andrea romanczyk, Magna, Utah
Chinese-Style Ribs
When I was working two jobs, slow cooking was my way of life. Sometimes I had more than one slow cooker going at a time to help me feed my family delicious home-cooked meals. It's nice to walk in after a hard day's work and have dinner ready. I hope you agree these ribs are quick, easy and delicious. Enjoy! —Paula Marchesi, Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania
Easy Slow-Cooked Pork Tenderloin
I find that simple dinners are the best comfort foods that my family of seven really desires. Simple, good ingredients are the key to my success in the kitchen. Three ingredients poured over the pork and—voila!—the most mouthwatering pork you have ever tasted! —Grace Neltner, Lakeside Park, Kentucky
Buttermilk-Mushroom Pork Chops
I went through several variations before creating the pork chops my family considers perfect! I wanted something rich, delicious and tasty that was still relatively healthy. This is a delicious Sunday dinner because you can pop it in the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook while you are at church! I suggest serving it with salad or grilled asparagus. —Kristin Stone, Little Elm, Texas
Cuban Pulled Pork Sandwiches
I lived in Florida for a while and loved the pork I ate there, so I started making it for myself. The flavorful meat makes amazing Cuban sandwiches, but you can also use it in traditional pulled pork sandwiches or tacos. —Lacie Griffin, Austin, Texas
Creamy Paprika Pork
When I was little, I would often ask my mom to make "favorite meat." She knew what I was really requesting was this homey pork recipe. It's been in my family for more than 30 years and is still a favorite! —Alexandra Barnett, Forest, Virginia
Pineapple-Glazed Pork Tenderloin
My husband doesn't think it is a meal without meat. I prefer something lighter, so this recipe satisfies us both. You can also roast this in the oven if you're short on time. —Tracy Dalin, Gooding, Idaho
Lemon-Dijon Pork Sheet-Pan Supper
Most nights, I need something that I can get on the table with minimal effort and delicious results. This sheet-pan supper has become an all-time favorite, not only because of its bright flavors, but its speedy cleanup time, too! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
German Schnitzel and Potatoes with Gorgonzola Cream
I lived in Germany for five years and ate a lot of schnitzel. I developed this recipe so it wasn't so time-consuming to make. I am asked for the recipe every time I make it. —Beth Taylor, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Pressure-Cooker Sweet 'n' Sour Pork
Even though a co-worker gave me this recipe more than 20 years ago, my family still enjoys it today.—Martha Nickerson, Hancock, Maine
Spiced Pulled Pork Sandwiches
This pulled pork is tender and has a fabulous spice rub on it. It's my sweetie's favorite meal, and I love that it is so easy. You may add more or less salt to taste. —Katie Citrowske, Bozeman, Montana
Chocolate Molasses Pork Roast
This new twist on pork roast has a rich molasses flavor with a tantalizing hint of chocolate. It’s easy to make, yet elegant enough for entertaining. Serve this with mashed potatoes so as not to waste a drop of the delicious gravy. —Avionne Huppert, Adams, New York
Slow-Cooked Pork with Root Vegetables
This slow cooker dish is truly a one-pot recipe—no need to brown the roast, as the rub gives it great color. As it cooks, the house fills with the amazing aroma of apples and pork. It's a perfect dinner for a chilly autumn day. Use the cooking liquid as a sauce when you're ready to serve. And if there's any pork left over, it makes delicious pulled pork sandwiches. —Jackie Sharp, Suffolk, Virginia
Dijon Pork Chops with Cabbage and Fennel
While living in Switzerland for a few years, my friends introduced me to an area renowned for their cabbage, pork and potato dishes. I decided to try a cabbage and fennel combination and believe they complement each other well. The juniper berries are an addition that I learned after many years of cooking this recipe and adds a special flavor to the cabbage.—Grace Voltolina, Westport, Connecticut
Lora's Pressure-Cooker Red Beans & Rice
My dear mother-in-law passed this simple recipe to me. With meats, beans and savory veggies, it's tasty, easy and economical, too! —Carol Simms, Madison, Mississippi
Blueberry Chops with Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes
A sweet and spicy combo is the perfect accent for meaty chops. With a fresh green veggie on the side, this is a hearty summer meal. It’s easy, yet impressive enough to serve to company. —Laura Davis, Chincoteague, Virginia
Five-Spice Glazed Smoked Chops
I started out fixing another recipe but didn't have all the ingredients, so I came up with this one! The spice gives it a flavorful kick. You can make your own five-spice powder by combining cloves, cinnamon, anise and nutmeg. I love that you can make this dish on the stovetop or the grill. —Jill Thomas, Washington, Indiana
Broccoli-Pork Stir-Fry with Noodles
I combined several recipes to come up with this dish that my family loves. It is not only quick and delicious but also healthy. I sometimes substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the pork. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Pressure Cooker Memphis-Style Ribs
After my dad and I had dinner at the legendary Rendezvous restaurant, I was inspired to create my own version of tasty dry-rub Memphis ribs. Smoked paprika in the rub mimics the flavor the ribs would get from grilling over hot coals. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
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Laurie Dixon