Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops with Caramelized Orange Sauce
Indulge in the delightful fusion of sweet and savory with these Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops. Juicy, bone-in pork chops are generously seasoned with aromatic spices, seared to perfection, and then simmered in a luscious orange sauce. The sauce blends fresh orange juice, brown sugar, and orange marmalade, caramelizing to create a sticky, flavorful glaze that clings to each chop. This dish is an ideal centerpiece for a comforting dinner, served over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the irresistible sauce. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this recipe is a delightful way to savor the flavors of the season.
N/A
Servings
275
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Chops
2 (bone-in, 1/2-inch thick, fat trimmed)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
Sweet Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Garlic Powder
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground, for seasoning)
Orange Juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed or bottled)
Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons (for sauce)
Orange Marmalade
2 tablespoons (for sauce)
Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
Instructions
1
Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
2
While the oil is heating, season the pork chops with sweet paprika, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring both sides are evenly coated.
3
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned pork chops to the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until a nice golden-brown crust forms.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, brown sugar, orange marmalade, and apple cider vinegar until fully combined.
5
Reduce the heat to medium-low, and pour the orange mixture over the chops. Cover the skillet and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, flipping the chops occasionally and scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to prevent sticking.
6
Just before serving, raise the heat back to medium-high and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce caramelizes, deepening in color and thickening to your desired consistency. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
7
To serve, place the pork chops on a plate over a scoop of hot, cooked rice, and generously spoon the caramelized orange sauce over the top.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
28g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
16g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops with Caramelized Orange Sauce?
It is a sweet and savory dish featuring bone-in pork chops seasoned with spices, seared, and simmered in a thick glaze made from orange juice, brown sugar, and marmalade.
What type of pork chops are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two bone-in pork chops that are 1/2-inch thick with the fat trimmed.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are approximately 275 calories per serving.
What ingredients make up the caramelized orange sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of orange juice, brown sugar, orange marmalade, and apple cider vinegar.
What spices are used to season the pork chops?
The pork chops are seasoned with sweet paprika, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How long should I sear the pork chops?
Sear the seasoned pork chops for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.
How do I prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan?
While simmering, use a wooden spoon to occasionally scrape the bottom of the skillet and flip the chops.
How long do the pork chops need to simmer in the sauce?
Cover the skillet and let the chops simmer in the orange mixture for 10 to 15 minutes over medium-low heat.
What is the best way to serve this recipe?
It is best served over a bed of fluffy, hot cooked rice to soak up the caramelized orange sauce.
Can I use bottled orange juice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either freshly squeezed or bottled orange juice.
How do I get the sauce to thicken into a glaze?
Raise the heat to medium-high during the final 3 to 5 minutes of cooking to caramelize and thicken the sauce.
What is the fat content of this meal?
Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of fat.
How much protein is in these pork chops?
This recipe provides about 17.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the purpose of adding apple cider vinegar?
The vinegar provides a slight acidity that balances the sweetness of the sugar and marmalade in the glaze.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and an easy recipe, making it suitable for a weeknight meal.
How much sugar is in the Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops?
There are 16 grams of sugar per serving.
How much olive oil is needed for cooking?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil to sear the pork chops.
What should the oil look like before adding the meat?
The olive oil should be heated over medium-high heat until it shimmers before you add the chops.
Can I use boneless pork chops instead?
While the recipe specifies bone-in chops for juiciness, you can use boneless, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Is this recipe intended for a large group?
This specific recipe is designed as a 'dinner for two' using two pork chops.
What kind of paprika is used?
The recipe specifically calls for sweet paprika for seasoning.
Should the skillet be covered during the simmering process?
Yes, cover the skillet for the 10 to 15 minute simmering period to ensure the chops cook through.
What should I watch for when caramelizing the sauce?
Keep a close eye on the sauce during the final minutes to prevent it from burning as it thickens and deepens in color.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total, including the pork, oil, and sauce components.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
There are 28 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I substitute the orange marmalade?
While it would change the flavor profile, apricot preserves are a common substitute for orange marmalade in glazes.
Do I need to trim the fat from the pork chops?
Yes, the recipe recommends trimming the fat from the 1/2-inch thick chops.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food, providing a hearty and satisfying dinner experience.
Can I use dried garlic instead of garlic powder?
Garlic powder is used in the seasoning rub for better coverage, but granulated garlic can be used as a substitute.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
The flavor profile is a fusion of sweet and savory with prominent citrus notes.