Can Pork Chops Last a Week in The Fridge? Find Out Now (2024)

Can pork chops last a week in the fridge? can be a struggle for most home cooks. Your pork chops have been sitting in a fridge for a few days, and you’re unsure if they are still safe to cook. Read this post to find the answer.

What’s more? Through this post, you can learn about signs of bad pork chops and how long they can stay edible. I will also introduce you to the best ways of storing them. I can confirm this post will satisfy your needs for knowledge. Now, let’s get to the point!

Can Pork Chops Go Bad — Can pork chops go bad? You will find the perfect answer here!

Overview About Pork Chops

Pork chops come from the pig’s loin. It consists of the part from the hip to the pig’s shoulder. Some types of pork chops you may know are boneless pork chop, rib pork chop, pork loin chop, and shoulder pork chop.

This delicious type of meat is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and protein. Moderate consumption of pork chops is beneficial to strengthen your immune function and prevent your body from getting cancer and heart diseases. ⁽¹⁾

On the contrary, an excessive intake of pork chops can ruin your health because you may have a higher risk of catching cardiovascular diseases. Also, consuming undercooked and spoiled pork chops will likely affect your health.

Pork Chops Nutrients — Pork chops contain a high amount of good nutrients.

How Long Do Pork Chops Last?

This table will summarize the shelf life of pork chops in various conditions:

Types Of Pork Chops	In The Fridge	At Room Temperature	In The Freezer
Raw Pork Chop	3-5 days	2 hours	4-6 months
Frozen Pork Chop	Not recommended	Not recommended	4-6 months
Thawed Pork Chop	3-5 days	Not recommended	4-6 months (if thawed in a fridge)
Canned Pork Chop	Not recommended	2-3 years	Not recommended
Cooked Pork Chop	3-4 days	2 hours	2-3 months

Like countless kinds of food, pork chops can go bad. Their longevity depends on the types of pork chops and storing methods. It’s important to know when it will be a golden time to cook pork chops and when you need to get rid of them.

Packed Pork Chops

After being purchased, packed pork chops can last for 3-5 days in the fridge as long as you keep their original package. When storing them in the freezer, they will last 4-6 months.

Raw pork chops only stay safe for 2 hours when keeping them at room temperature. After that time, bacteria will start growing rapidly. So, if you can’t cook your pork chops right after buying them, you should wrap them and let them sit in the fridge.

Maximize Packed Pork Chops — You can maximize the shelf life of packed pork chops by keeping them in the freezer.

Frozen Pork Chops

Frozen pork chops keep their quality for about 4 to 6 months in the freezer. But they also can be safe to eat beyond that time. The best temperature to keep them in the freezer is 0°F.

Thawed Pork chops

The storage time of thawed pork chops depends on how you thaw them. If you let them defrost in the fridge, the pork chops can stay edible for 3-5 days when you still keep them in the fridge. Additionally, you can also refreeze pork thawed this way.

On the contrary, if you use the microwave or cold water to thaw the pork chops, you should cook them right after defrosting because they are prone to bacteria when exposed to room temperature.

Canned Pork Chops

This type of pork chop can last for years but will retain its best quality for 2-3 years. After the 3-year mark, the pork may decrease in quality, but it’s still safe to eat. Always store your canned pork chops in a cool, dry, and dark place.

Cooked Pork Chops

Cooked pork chops stay their quality depending on your purpose. They can be safe for 3-4 days in the fridge and last for 4 months in the freezer. Besides, they maintain the best quality for no longer than 2 hours at room temperature.

Signs Of Spoiled Pork Chops

You can easily determine whether your pork chop goes bad or not by using your senses, including smell and sight. Here are some telltale signs that your pork chops are past their prime.

Raw Pork Chops

You can detect whether your pork chops have gone bad by changes in their smell, appearance, and sell-by date. These are common indicators that can give you precise results regarding signs of spoiled pork chops.

Smell

Fresh pork shouldn’t have a strong smell. At best, you should only smell a faint metallic scent. On the other hand, spoiled pork chops smell sour and rancid. And its odor will annoy you immediately when you open the package.

Some describe this smell as rotten eggs. Some feel it’s ammonia. That’s when you know that you have to discard them.

Color

Fresh pork chops usually have a pink color. When you see your meat has a dull color, it must have started to spoil. If they turn gray or brown, your pork chops are not inedible.

Texture

Don’t forget to check the texture because fresh and spoiled pork chops are vastly different in this department.

Fresh pork chop always has a firm and moist texture. You can feel it when you press the meat. In contrast, pork chops that have gone bad have a slimy and sticky texture. If it’s the case, it’s advisable to get rid of it.

The Expiration Date

When you buy pork chops in the grocery, there’s always an expiration date labeled on the package. This date will show you the time your meat maintains its best quality. You should consume your meat within the recommended time. After that, the pork chops might not be safe to eat.

Puffed Up Packaging

Sometimes, pork chops spoil in the packaging, and you can easily notice without removing the package. When the packaging is puffy, the bacteria has started growing and multiplying. You should not use this meat.

Sometimes, a bloated package doesn’t mean that the pork chops inside are spoiled. It may happen due to the way the meat is processed. So, you should cut open the package and double-check carefully before throwing it away.

Learn the best signs to tell if your meat is bad in under 1 minute.

Watch this video: How can I tell if my meat's gone bad

Leftover Pork Chops

Time, smell, and texture are key indicators determining if your leftover pork chops go bad. They can only retain their quality for up to 4 days if you keep them in the fridge with wrapped plastic. And, do not leave them at room temperature for over 2 hours.

Next, spoiled cooked pork chops also have a sour smell like rotten eggs or sulfur and a slimy and sticky texture. In some cases, mold appears on the surface. These signs will indicate that your meat is dangerous to consume.

The Danger Of Eating Spoiled Pork Chops

Pork chops that have gone bad may contain bacteria causing food poisoning. As a result, when you consume bad pork chops, the chance is you are at a higher risk of getting an illness.

Some common symptoms that might occur:

Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Stomach cramps
Fever ⁽²⁾

When you cook spoiled pork chops, a high temperature can kill bacteria, so you won’t get sick. But it doesn’t mean that you can consume rotten pork chops as some bacteria can release their toxins during cooking, some of which remain in the food and cause illness.

You have to check the quality of your available pork chops to ensure they are safe to cook, as you won’t know if there are any potential risks when cooking and eating bad pork chops.

Eating Spoiled Meat — You are more likely to get food poisoning when eating spoiled meat.

The Best Ways To Store Pork Chops

You’ve learned the shelf life of each type of pork chop. Here are some recommendations for you to store them properly so that they can be edible in the long term.

How To Refrigerate Pork Chops

Firstly, you need to wrap your pork chops in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Then put them in an airtight container. Next, place the airtight container in your fridge below 40°F. This instruction applies to both raw pork chops and cooked ones.

If you purchase pre-packaged pork chops, you can store them in their original wrapping. Remember to keep uncooked meat separated from cooked foods. You should also refrigerate your meat right after getting home.

How To Freeze Raw Pork Chops

Freezer Solution Store — The freezer is a well-rounded solution to storing your pork chops.

Raw pork chops can last for 4-6 months in the freezer. Let’s check how to freeze them properly.

Step 1: Preparing

You will need a zip bag and a pen to write information about its name and date to distinguish it from other foods in your freezer. Prepare stretch film.

Step 2: Wrapping Your Pork Chops

Use a plastic bag to wrap your pork chop. Wrap them twice to make sure there’s no air left. Put wrapped pork chops in the zip bag and push the air out.

Step 3: Freezing Pork Chop

Put wrapped pork chops in the freezer. They can be safe for several months.

Follow these steps when freezing to extend your pork chops’ shelf life.

Watch this video: How to Keep Pork in the Freezer

How To Freeze Cooked Pork Chops

If you cook too many pork chops and you can’t consume them within a few days, then freezing is the best choice to extend their shelf life.

Got Some Leftover Pork Chops — Got some leftover pork chops? Store them in the freezer for the longest shelf life.

Step 1: Preparing

You can use freezer wrap or parchment paper to cover your pork as they can help lengthen the shelf life of cooked pork chops. Additionally, airtight containers and freezer bags are also great choices.

Step 2: Wrapping

Use paper to wrap each slice of pork chops. Then use a larger piece of paper to wrap them all in one. Write down its name and the date you freeze on the paper.

Step 3: Freezing

Put the wrapped pork chops in the freezer and defrost them when you eat.

Note: You should reheat cooked pork chops once.

Freezing cooked pork chops becomes easier with these tips.

Watch this video: How to Safely Freeze Cooked Meats

How To Can Pork Chops

Not many people know about canning, but it is still a safe way to preserve your pork chops. Let’s see how to do it:

Step 1: Preparing

Clean your jars with warm water, then dry them. Clean, trim, and cut your pork chops into 1-inch cubes.

Step 2: Filling The Jars

Fill the jars with pork chops and leave 1-inch headspace. After that, use paper towels to clean the rim of your jars and secure them with lids and rings.

Step 3: Putting The Jars Into Your Pressure Canner

Add jars to the pressure canner and make sure they don’t stick together. Then, fill the canner with enough water that reaches below the jar’s bend.

Step 4: Canning

Now, close the canner and set the heat to high. Wait for the steam to come out of the vent, then set the timer to 10 minutes. Afterward, cover the vent and watch the dial until it reads 11 psi.

At this point, you’ll need to set a suitable temperature so the canner can hold the pressure. Check the manual of your canner for the proper number. Process quart jars for 1 hour and 30 minutes and pint jars for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Step 4: Finishing

Turn off the heat and wait for the canner to cool. Once cooled, open the lid and let the jars rest for 5-10 minutes before taking them out. Place the jars on a kitchen towel and let them sit on the kitchen counter for 12 hours.

Finally, put these jars in cool and dark places to prevent them from going spoiled.

How To Thaw Pork Chops

Refrigerator Pork Chops — The refrigerator is a top-notch choice for defrosting pork chops.

The ideal place to thaw meat is in the fridge because it can prevent bacteria from causing illness. Let them sit for about 12 -24 hours until fully defrosted. The time depends on the weight of your pork chops.

If you do not have time to wait, you can thaw your pork chops by submerging them in cold water. You can also use warm water but don’t use hot water because it might cook the top layer of your meat.

Note: You should change the water every 30 minutes.

Another popular way to defrost pork chops is using a microwave. After removing all the wrapping, put them on a plate. Then, place it into the microwave and turn on the heat. The time and power depend on the size of your meat, so make sure to adjust the microwave.

Let’s try this useful way to defrost your pork chops within 5 minutes.

Watch this video: How to Quickly Defrost Frozen Meat In Under 5 Minutes

How To Tell If Pork Chops Are Done

There are several ways to help you determine your pork chops’ doneness. Here are the most popular and simple ones:

With A Thermometer

The most exact method to check the doneness of pork chops is using a thermometer.

Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of your meat. If its internal temperature reaches 145°F-160°F, your pork chops are safe to eat. Although you might be wondering if it’s safe to consume pink pork, a little bit of pink color inside is no problem.

In case the number is below 145°F, spend more time cooking it; if it’s over 160°F, your meat is overcooked.

Learn how to properly use a thermometer here.

Watch this video: How to Properly Use a Meat Thermometer

Without A Thermometer

How can you check your pork chops if you do not have a thermometer? Here are some handy methods you can apply.

When you see your pork chops are beautifully golden-brown, use a tong to press the meat. It should be firm but not hard. Additionally, if you see a bit of pinkness in the middle when you cut the meat and clear juice melts out, it’s safe to eat the pork chops.

You also can identify if your pork chops are done thanks to the time and cooking methods. Baking pork chops at 350°F with proper time is one of the easiest ways to ensure your pork is perfectly cooked.

I would suggest searing the meat for a few minutes per side. Then, spend about 18-20 minutes baking it in the oven at 350°F.

Slow cooking is another effective way to cook pork chops. You can detect the doneness by pulling the flesh. If you can do it easily, then turn off the heat.

FAQs

When you research more about the quality of pork chops, it will bring some related problems. Therefore, this FAQ part below has addressed questions you may struggle with.

How many times can I reheat cooked pork chops after thawing?

There is no certain number for this question. But I don’t recommend reheating pork chops too many times. The more times you reheat your food, the more chance you can get food poisoning.

Do pork chops go bad in the refrigerator?

Yes, they do. Raw pork chops can only last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. After that, if you haven’t cooked them yet, they are more likely to be spoiled.

Can I cook slightly spoiled pork chops?

No. Even slightly pork chops contain harmful bacteria. If you cook and eat them, they will ruin your health. You’d better throw them away.

Why do my pork chops smell bad after storing?

You have to check whether you stored them properly. When you store pork chops in the refrigerator, they only last for 3-5 days. If you want to expand their longevity, you can try freezing or canning them.

How long after eating spoiled meat will I get sick?

It depends. Some symptoms can arise from 30 minutes to a few hours, but some people get food poisoning after 24 hours. So, if you think you’ve eaten spoiled meat, you need to check your wellness continuously. In case there are any symptoms, go to the doctor.

Why does vacuum-packed pork smell?

You usually smell a weird scent when opening the vacuum-packed pork because of its package. The meat is packaged in a pouch without any oxygen. As a result, its juice tends to fade in color and start smelling. The meat is safe to eat.

Should pork smell like eggs?

If your meat has the same smell as eggs, it can go bad. I think you should check your meat and its storage. Sometimes it’s not the meat but the package that causes a weird smell. But it’d be better if you discard the meat.

Now, It’s Time To Check Your Pork Chops

After reading this post, let’s identify the quality of your pork chops. Have they gone bad? Can you name signs of spoiled pork chops on yours? I hope this post has provided you with useful information about pork chops spoilage.

On the bottom line, when you finish storing your pork chops in the recommended ways, show me the results.

This post is necessary for everyone, so share it with your beloved friends and family. If you have any further questions, comment on this post. Thanks a lot for reading.