While there are numerous ways to cook pork chops, steaming is a quick and healthy method, which produces tender chops. There are also several ways to approach steaming – and the one you choose is a matter of personal preference. When you use a metal steamer on your stovetop, or steam your chops in the microwave, you can avoid using oil, so you don’t have to worry about burning them. Steaming delivers moist and flavorful pork chops.

Fill a deep saucepan about halfway with water. You can add spices and seasonings to taste to the water. For example, if want to infuse your chops with citrus flavoring, squeeze the juice from a few oranges into the water and dust in some cinnamon and ground gloves. Mix your seasonings together in the water.

Set a metal steamer inside the saucepan. There should only be about an inch of space between steamer and the waterline. If there's less, add more water. If the steamer bottom touches the water, pour off some water. Bring the water to a soft boil.

Place the fresh pork chops in the steamer. Cover the steamer with the saucepan lid. Steam for about six to eight minutes before opening the lid and flipping the chops with tongs. How long you steam the chops depends on their thickness.

Check the pork chops for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of each pork chop. Once the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, steaming is complete. Let the chops rest for at least three minutes before cutting.

Create a dry rub for your chops according to your taste preferences. You might want to use salt, pepper along with your favorite spices and seasonings. Rubs infuse your food with flavor. Spread the rub on both sides of your pork chops a few hours before steaming them in the microwave. Place them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook them.

Slide your pork chops into a microwave steaming bag. Do not overfill the bag. Lay the pork chops flat in the bag, trying not to overlap them.

Seal the steaming bag and place it in a microwave set to full power. Steam the pork chops in the microwave for five to six minutes.

Check the pork chops for doneness after microwaving by inserting a meat thermometer into the center of each. The internal temperature should be 145 F. If not, microwave for another minute or two, and then check the temperature again. Let the chops rest for about three minutes before cutting.