Last night’s pork chops were out of this world.
The family gobbled them right up.
But now, they’re giving you the stink eye, all because you said you’d be serving them again tonight.
Admit it…even you don’t want to eat the same dinner again tonight, do you?
You don’t want to waste food, but you don’t want to eat the same meal.
You’re in dinner purgatory.
And you need a way out of the fire and into the pan.
Good thing you have us to help you out!
These leftover pork chop recipes will have you churning out new dinners from last night’s fare, making you the kitchen hero once again!
Leftover Pork Chop Recipes: Nifty Ways to Create a New Meal Tonight
What can you do with those extra pork chops?
So many things!
Here are my favorites – enjoy!
1. Pork Fried Rice
Arguably, one of the most delicious ways to jazz up yesterday’s pork for today’s meal is to chop it up and throw it into fried rice.
And you won’t have to wait for the delivery guy from your favorite Chinese takeout place to bring it over.
Fried rice takes just minutes to make.
It’s a wonderful way to use up stuff in the fridge.
Beat and egg and toss in any veggies you like along with it.
Just a hint of soy sauce is all it takes to give it that golden color.
No wok necessary, though a deep skillet will help you keep from spilling rice all over your kitchen.
2. Pork Stir Fry
Yes, Chinese cuisine uses pork quite often as the main protein.
And you can too!
Simply chop up your leftover pork chops and stir-fry with Chinese broccoli.
Or snow peas and carrots.
Other veggies you can throw in – broccoli, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, and baby corn.
Make a lovely stir-fry sauce with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch.
Throw it all together and you’ve got better-than-takeout Chinese to throw over steamed white rice.
3. BBQ Pork Tacos
They won’t waste a second running to the table when you call them for dinner to eat BBQ pork tacos!
Simply slice up those pork chops from last night and gently warm them up in some barbecue sauce.
Meanwhile, get some Asian slaw mix ready, or chop up fresh lettuce and veggies from the fridge.
Serve with a wedge of lime and you’ve got a southwestern twist on tacos that will be a favorite in your house from now on!
4. Ramen Pork Bowl
Another way to revive pork chops is to make ramen.
Ramen noodles aren’t just broke college kid fare anymore.
Cook up enough packages of these noodles to feed your family.
Then you’ll top each bowl with half an egg, the sliced-up pork, leafy green veggies, and beans sprouts.
It’s such a great way to throw dinner together.
Plus, it’s great for tight budgets too, and it doesn’t taste like a budget meal, that’s for sure!
5. Pork Chop Burrito Bowl
Usually, pork burrito bowls are made with slow-cooked, shredded pork.
But don’t let that stop you from stealing this idea to use with your pork chops.
Instead of shredding, you’ll just cut them into strips.
Throw they over a bowl of brown or white rice along with cubes of fresh mango and avocado.
Fresh cilantro and lime give it more color and flavor to tie the whole meal together.
It’s healthy and refreshing, a wonderful way to lighten up dinner while filling everyone up.
You can follow the recipe from Chrissy at Snacking In Sneakers to help guide you!
6. Hearty Pork and Lentil Soup
That cold weather outside is the perfect excuse for making a hearty pork and lentil soup inside.
And it will warm you to your core!
Lentil soup can be made on the stovetop, or even better, in your slow cooker.
Simply combine chopped onions, carrots, a can of diced tomatoes, and green lentils with chicken or vegetable broth.
Add in some spices like cumin, curry powder, and dried thyme.
Let that simmer together for a bit and then add your chopped up pork chops into the pot toward the end to warm them up.
You can serve this as a starter to your meal or make it the main event with a nice salad and warmed-up baguette bread.
7. Sweet and Sour Pork
If you love to order sweet and sour pork for takeout, why not make it yourself?
That pork from last night will work perfectly in this format.
The sauce you love so dearly is made with honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, tomato paste, a little water, and cornstarch.
Pair it with onions, bell peppers (red and green together look wonderful!), garlic, green onions, and pineapple chunks.
Throw some sesame seeds on top of your finished sweet and sour pork and the kids will start checking the trash for the tell-tale sign of takeout boxes.
Wait until they see you whipped this one up yourself from scratch!
8. Pork and Scalloped Potato Casserole
Need some comfort food?
Then pork and scalloped potato casserole can help you out.
This sinfully-delicious meal bakes up with the most amazing aroma.
You’ll slice your potatoes super-thin, add cream of mushroom soup and milk, onions, and butter.
You will also want to chop up your cooked pork for this one and disperse it throughout.
Then bake it up and relax, or make a refreshing salad to go along with it.
Rich and creamy, it’s a great way to use up your pork chops.
Judy at The Midnight Baker has the full recipe for you!
9. Pork Quesadillas
For a totally easy dinner any time, pork quesadillas can come to your rescue.
Just make sure you have plenty of flour tortillas.
Then, cut up your pork chops into thin slices.
Top the tortillas with that pork and any veggies you like.
You can have loads of fun here with onions, salsa, fresh tomatoes, jalapenos, and more.
And of course, you need cheese.
Anything goes with pork quesadillas too, because you can give them a Mexican flavor, or make them more southwest with a dash of barbecue or even ranch.
The only rule for making these is this: have fun with it and be creative!
10. Pork Stroganoff
Looking for something a little different?
Pork chops would be great in a stroganoff serving.
When is the last time you had stroganoff anyway?
If you can’t remember, then you’ve got to make this.
It has a supremely flavorful, creamy sauce made with shallots, mushrooms, sour cream, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and vermouth.
You’ll serve this wonderful creation over egg noodles and best of all, even though the ingredients seem lengthy, this recipe takes about 20 minutes to make.
You’ve got to try it!
Need help putting it together?
See what Lucy does with this recipe on Super Golden Bakes to get the absolute best flavors!
11. Pork Chop Spaghetti Redo
I have to include this one purely for the low-cost factor!
You’ve got the lean meat – check. You’ve got your basic spaghetti noodles – check.
Now you can finish your week of meals on an inexpensive note with this easy and likeable meal.
It’s gets the aging pork chops out of the fridge and creates an ol’ standby the whole family will take to.
12. Southwest Pork Stew
And finally, we’ll leave you with a filling slow cooker meal you can make any night of the week.
No one will know you’re using those pork chops from last night again.
It’s a savory meal with just a hint of spiciness, though you can tame that flame if you choose.
You’ll need chicken broth, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced onions, frozen corn, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, and a few other things.
Oh yes, and that pork.
Cook it slow and low for up to 6 hours and then stir in some cornmeal and cilantro.
It couldn’t be easier to bring big, bold flavors to your table.
Danelle’s recipe over at Let’s Dish is a great one to follow to help you make it just right!
And just like that, these leftover pork chop recipes give you numerous, creative ways to turn your pork from yesterday or even the day before into something brand new!
Just like with leftover fried chicken, you can enjoy a Sunday dinner ever more throughout the rest of the week.
What to Cook with Leftover Pork Chops
Ingredients
- Pork Fried Rice
- Pork Stir Fry
- BBQ Pork Tacos
- Ramen Pork Bowl
- Pork Chop Burrito Bowl
- Hearty Pork and Lentil Soup
- Sweet and Sour Pork
- Pork and Scalloped Potato Casserole
- Pork Quesadillas
- Pork Stroganoff
- Pork Chop Spaghetti Redo
- Southwest Pork Stew
Instructions
- Choose your desired leftover pork chops recipe.
- Gather and organize needed ingredients.
- Create a tasty leftover pork chops recipe to complete your meal!