If you’re puzzled by all the cuts of meat at the butcher shop, you’re not alone.

Pork tenderloin vs pork chop: what’s the difference? The cut you choose can really change how it tastes, costs, the texture, how to cook it, and how healthy it is. So, let’s break it down and make it easy!

Pork chops are a popular choice. They’re easy to find, come in different styles, and have a rich pork flavor since they come from the loin. They’re usually thick and make a hearty meal.

Pork tenderloin, on the other hand, is a small, lean muscle that stays tender and cooks fast. It has a milder flavor, making it perfect for soaking up sauces and marinades.

Learn their key differences and find the right pork for your dishes!

What Are The Most Popular Pork Cuts?

Pork is a popular food in the US, with the average person eating about 51 pounds of it each year. That’s a lot of bacon, chops, and pork belly at the dinner table! 

The five most popular cuts of pork are:

• Pork Chops
• Pork Tenderloin
• Pork Loin Roast
• Pork Spareribs
• Pork Shoulder

The meat section at the grocery store can be overwhelming, but knowing the main difference between these popular cuts helps you find the best deals and make quick decisions.

Pork is super versatile, with each cut offering unique flavors and textures. And with the right cooking method, you can get juicy, flavorful results every time!

What Cuts Can You Get From A Pork Loin?

The loin meat is the leanest and most tender part of the pig, and it’s where you get popular cuts like center-cut loin chops and pork tenderloin roasts.

The loin is divided into three main parts. 

• Loin Rib End: This primal cut is near the shoulder and includes ribs, like country-style and baby back ribs. These ribs are boneless and meaty and are often braised for a tasty dish. 
• Loin Center: This is the prime spot for juicy pork roasts and chops. You can find these cuts with or without the bone.
• Sirloin: This is the back part of the loin, next to the ham section. It has a bit of fat but is still quite a lean cut of meat and can be cut into roasts and chops.

What’s the Difference Between Pork Tenderloin and Pork Chops?

Ever stood in the meat aisle, hungry and unsure whether to pick pork chops or pork tenderloin? This guide can help you choose and save you some time and stress.

Even though they both come from the loin area, pork chops and pork tenderloin are different cuts.

Pork tenderloin is a long, narrow, boneless piece along the backbone with very little fat. Pork chops are wider and flatter, have more fat, and can be boneless or bone-in. Because of its size and fat content, each cut must be cooked differently.

What is Pork Tenderloin?

Cut of Meat: Pork tenderloin, also called pork filet, is a thin, long cut from the loin. It comes from the delicate muscle along the pig’s spine, making it super tender, just like beef filet mignon. This cut is a very lean piece of meat with almost no visible fat.  

Appearance: Pork tenderloin is usually dark pink or red. It’s a long, narrow, boneless cut that weighs about one pound and is perfect for serving two to three people.

Flavor Profile: Pork tenderloin has a delicate, mild flavor and a tender texture.

Nutritional Facts: A 100 gram (3.5 ounce) serving of cooked pork tenderloin contains the following nutrients. 

• 143 calories
• 26.2 grams protein
• 3.5 grams fat
• 0 grams carbohydrates

What Are Pork Chops?

Cut of Meat: Pork chops also come from the loin area of the pig, running from the hip to the shoulder. From the shoulder down to the back of the pig, there are four main types of pork chop: shoulder or blade chops, rib chops, loin chops, and sirloin chops.

Appearance: A good pork chop should be light pink with a bit of creamy white fat around the edges. Look for chops that are 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thin chops can dry out fast when cooked, but thicker chops let you get a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and moist.

Flavor Profile: Pork chops are juicy and savory and are said to have a mild pork flavor.

Nutritional Facts: A 100 gram (3.5 ounce) serving of cooked pork chop contains the following nutrients.

• 180 calories
• 26.8 grams protein
• 7.2 grams total fat
• 0 grams carbohydrates

What are the Best Cooking Methods for Pork Tenderloin and Pork Chops?

When it comes to cooking pork, you’ve got two main choices: dry heat or moist heat. Which one you pick depends on the different cuts of pork, your personal preference, and how much cooking time you have.

• Dry-heat methods are great for tender cuts like chops, medallions, patties, and cutlets. You can grill, broil, sauté, or pan-fry these. For larger cuts like roasts, tenderloin, or ham, roasting is the way to go.
• Moist-heat methods, like stewing or braising, work best for tougher cuts like ribs and pork cubes.

Choosing the right method helps you cook pork perfectly—juicy and tasty every time!

Cooking Tips for Pork Tenderloin

Cooking pork tenderloin to perfection is all about getting that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness! Since it’s so delicate, you need to avoid overcooking it.

• For best results, cook it quickly at a high temperature to keep its sweet taste and soft texture.
• Sear it on high heat or grill it until it hits 145°F inside.
• For stir-fries, cut it into smaller pieces.
• Let the meat rest before cutting.
• Brush with olive oil and add fresh herbs and spices.
• Use a meat thermometer to get the correct temp. High heat helps give it a great color and flavor.

Cooking Tips for Pork Chops

Pork chops are a great go-to for easy weeknight dinners. They’re delicious and quick to cook, making them a perfect choice whether there’s a special occasion or not. However, as great as pork chops are, they can sometimes turn out a bit dry if you’re not careful about how you cook them.

• Look for 1.5-inch thick, bone-in pork chops. The bones help to slow down cooking just enough to keep the meat moist and tender.
• Brining the meat before cooking is the best way to keep the pork juicy and add extra flavor. A brine is just salt and water. It helps lock in moisture during cooking and tenderizes the meat from the inside.
• You can pan-fry them for a classic Americana dish or give them a quick sear in a hot cast-iron skillet and then finish cooking in the oven while you prep the rest of your meal. Serve them on savory cauliflower puree or with crispy carrot fries.
• Grilling also adds a nice char and smoky flavor for some tasty chops, but if you’re short on time, the air fryer cooks them up in under 15 minutes.
• Be careful not to overcook. It’s a good idea to aim for an internal temperature of 145-160°F and let them rest a few minutes before serving. 

Pork Tenderloin vs Pork Chop: Which is More Expensive?

Pork tenderloin costs a bit more than pork loin because it’s smaller and cooks up easily. If you go for bone-in, they usually cost less than boneless chops. But the price difference between the two isn’t usually huge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pork Tenderloin and Pork Chops