The Simply Delicious Way You Can Reinvent Leftover Pork Chops

When they first hit the plate, pork chops are pure magic — juicy, savory, and soaked in the goodness of everything they are cooked with. This is no longer the case when they become leftovers. Instead, you're left with dried-out meat that pales in comparison to what it once was. At this point, a quick reheat is usually the first option that comes to mind, but why settle for that when you can easily flip things around with something even better? Forget about the microwave. It's time to bust out your frying pan (or better yet, a wok) and restore the pork chops to their former glory with a plate of fried rice.

On their own, the leftover pork chops' lackluster taste might be really apparent, but you won't notice it as much when surrounded by the many ingredients in a fried rice dish. The umami condiments also coat them in a brand new layer of flavor that brings out their original savory richness once again. It may not be as pronounced as it once was, but when it's laced with a hint of caramelization and packing a delightful crunch, you'll barely notice the difference. After all, pork is the absolute best and most popular protein for fried rice.

When converting leftover pork chops into fried rice protein, convenience is right at your fingertips. All you'd need to do for preparation is chop up the pork chops and they're ready to hit the pan. No further step is necessary. The rest of the process is as low-effort as always, with all the ingredients — rice, eggs, aromatics, vegetables, and a diverse array of seasonings — coming together over quick stirs and medium heat.

Not just pork chops, but your pork fried rice is also a fantastic playing ground for other leftover foods. Got some roasted veggies from last night's meal? Throw them into the pan. How about BBQ sauce, teriyaki sauce, or perhaps whatever's left of the pork chop drippings? They would be perfect additions to your fried rice dish. Even the rice itself can be utilized from days-old rice, and it might even be better that way.

The customization doesn't simply end with fridge-raid ingredients. You can always go above and beyond with other additions. Since you've already got the pork chops, bacon bits will surely fit right in. If the dish needs something on the other end of the flavor spectrum, you might find pineapples to be an excellent solution. The fresh fruit's sweet-tart vibrancy is a striking contrast with the overall savory depth. And don't limit yourself to the same old condiment choices, either. With spicy sparks from chili oil or gochujang, or the heady sweetness of Shaoxing wine, your fried rice will be infinitely more exciting.