Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops
Delight your taste buds with these Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops that are bursting with flavor. Combining the sweet and tangy notes from orange or pineapple juice with a savory soy sauce and rich brown sugar, this dish offers a perfect balance that will elevate your everyday dinner to a gourmet experience. Perfectly seared and slowly baked for tenderness, these chops are soaked in a luscious glaze, making every bite a juicy delight. Share this easy-to-make recipe with friends and family for a memorable meal any night of the week!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless pork chops
2 (none)
Chicken broth
1/2 cup (none)
Brown sugar
1/3 cup (none)
Orange juice or pineapple juice
1/4 cup (none)
Ketchup
2 tablespoons (none)
Soy sauce
1/4 cup (none)
Ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8 x 8-inch glass baking dish.
2
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer the seared chops to the prepared glass dish.
3
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, brown sugar, orange or pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic until smooth.
4
Pour the marinade evenly over the pork chops in the glass dish, ensuring they are well coated.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, turning the chops every 10 minutes to allow for even cooking and flavor infusion.
6
Once baked, remove the pork chops from the oven and tent them with aluminum foil to keep warm.
7
Carefully drain the excess liquid into a saucepan, and place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer the sauce for 10–15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired thickness.
8
Return the pork chops to the saucepan, flipping them several times in the sauce to ensure they are well coated and heated through.
9
Serve the citrus-glazed pork chops with extra sauce drizzled on top and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops?
Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops are a savory and sweet dish featuring seared boneless pork chops baked in a flavorful glaze made from orange or pineapple juice, soy sauce, and brown sugar.
What ingredients are needed for the citrus glaze?
The glaze is made by whisking together chicken broth, brown sugar, orange or pineapple juice, ketchup, soy sauce, ground ginger, and garlic powder.
Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in pork chops, though you may need to adjust the baking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through to a safe internal temperature.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) before baking the pork chops.
How long should I sear the pork chops in the skillet?
Sear the pork chops for approximately 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown before transferring them to the baking dish.
Can I use pineapple juice instead of orange juice?
Absolutely! The recipe specifically allows for either orange juice or pineapple juice depending on your preference.
What type of baking dish should I use?
An 8 x 8-inch glass baking dish that has been lightly greased is recommended for this recipe.
How long do the pork chops need to bake?
The pork chops should bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
How often should I turn the pork chops while they are baking?
You should turn the pork chops every 10 minutes during the baking process to ensure even cooking and flavor infusion.
How do I thicken the sauce?
After baking, drain the liquid into a saucepan and simmer it over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.
What should I do with the pork chops while the sauce is simmering?
Remove the chops from the oven and tent them with aluminum foil to keep them warm while the sauce reduces.
Is it necessary to grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly greasing the dish prevents the chops and glaze from sticking to the glass during the 40-minute bake time.
What is the purpose of the chicken broth in the recipe?
The chicken broth provides a savory base for the marinade and adds moisture to help keep the pork chops tender while baking.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger?
Yes, you can substitute fresh grated ginger for ground ginger; usually, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger equals about 1.5 teaspoons of fresh ginger.
What does the ketchup add to the recipe?
Ketchup adds a bit of acidity, sweetness, and thickness to the glaze, contributing to the overall depth of flavor.
How do I know when the pork chops are done?
The pork chops are done when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and have been simmered in the reduced glaze.
Can I add garlic cloves instead of garlic powder?
Yes, you can use minced fresh garlic; about 1 to 2 cloves would replace the 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, with simple ingredients and clear steps like searing and baking, it is tagged as an easy recipe for any night of the week.
What can I serve with Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops?
These chops go great with white rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to soak up the extra citrus glaze.
How many servings does the base recipe make?
The provided ingredient list uses 2 boneless pork chops, which typically serves two people.
Can I double this recipe for a family dinner?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish to accommodate more pork chops.
What kind of soy sauce should I use?
Regular soy sauce works well, but you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you are watching your salt intake.
Do I need to marinate the pork chops beforehand?
No pre-marinating is required; the chops infuse with flavor while baking in the oven for 40 minutes.
Why do I return the chops to the saucepan at the end?
Returning the chops to the saucepan allows you to coat them thoroughly in the thickened glaze and ensures they are piping hot for serving.
Can I use brown sugar alternatives?
You can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute for brown sugar, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
What tags describe this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as pork, citrus, glazed, easy recipe, pork chops, baked, sweet and savory, and dinner.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked pork chops?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chops and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 to 3 months.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce from burning, or use a microwave.
Is there a specific thickness recommended for the pork chops?
Standard 1-inch thick chops work best for this baking time; thinner chops may cook faster, so adjust time accordingly.