Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops with Mandarin Oranges
This delightful recipe transforms ordinary pork chops into a tantalizing dish with a burst of citrus flavor. Inspired by a vintage cookbook, this meal combines the sweet and tangy notes of mandarin oranges and orange juice, creating a delightful glaze that your family will love. The addition of brown sugar and ginger gives it a warming undertone, while a quick simmer reduces the sauce to a perfect consistency that clings to the pork. Serve this dish alongside steamed rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that is sure to impress both kids and adults alike.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork Chops
4 (Bone-in or boneless)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Vegetable Oil
1 teaspoon (For sautéing)
White Vinegar
2 tablespoons (For marinade)
Orange Juice
3/4 cup (Freshly squeezed or bottled)
Brown Sugar
1/4 cup (Packed)
Ground Ginger
1/2 teaspoon (For flavor)
Mandarin Oranges
1 (8 ounce) can (Drained)
Instructions
1
Season the pork chops evenly with salt and pepper on both sides.
2
In a nonstick skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
3
Carefully add the pork chops to the skillet and sauté each side for about 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4
While the pork chops are cooking, whisk together the white vinegar, orange juice, brown sugar, and ground ginger in a separate bowl until well blended.
5
Once the pork chops are browned, pour the citrus mixture over the chops in the skillet.
6
Increase the heat and allow the sauce to boil for approximately 2 minutes, reducing the liquid by half to intensify the flavors.
7
Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the pork chops to a serving plate.
8
Add the drained mandarin oranges to the thickened sauce in the skillet, stirring gently to combine.
9
Spoon the sauce and mandarin oranges over the pork chops just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops with Mandarin Oranges?
This is a sweet and tangy pork dish that combines pan-seared pork chops with a reduced glaze made of orange juice, brown sugar, ginger, and canned mandarin oranges.
What type of pork chops should I use for this recipe?
You can use either bone-in or boneless pork chops according to your preference.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the main ingredients for the citrus glaze?
The glaze consists of white vinegar, orange juice, brown sugar, and ground ginger.
Do I need to drain the mandarin oranges?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one 8-ounce can of mandarin oranges, drained, before adding them to the sauce.
How long should I cook the pork chops in the skillet?
Sauté each side for about 4 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through.
Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh mandarin segments, though canned ones are traditional for this specific vintage-style recipe.
What is the purpose of the brown sugar in the sauce?
The brown sugar adds sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize and thicken into a glaze.
Can I substitute ground ginger with fresh ginger?
Yes, you can use fresh grated ginger, but you may need to adjust the quantity to taste as fresh ginger is often more potent.
What should I serve with these pork chops?
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice or roasted vegetables to soak up the extra citrus glaze.
Is this recipe considered a quick dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and family meal since it uses a single skillet and simple ingredients.
How do I thicken the citrus sauce?
The sauce is thickened by boiling it for approximately 2 minutes, which reduces the liquid by half and intensifies the flavor.
What kind of oil is best for sautéing the pork?
The recipe recommends using a neutral vegetable oil for sautéing.
Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute and will add a slightly fruitier acidity to the glaze.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this dish is sweet and tangy. The ginger provides a warm undertone rather than heat.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients required, including staples like salt, pepper, and oil.
Can I make this recipe in a nonstick skillet?
Yes, a nonstick skillet is actually recommended for this recipe to prevent the pork and sugar from sticking.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
The dish features a sweet and sour citrus profile with warming notes from the ginger.
Should I season the pork chops before or after cooking?
You should season the pork chops evenly with salt and pepper on both sides before placing them in the skillet.
At what point do I add the mandarin oranges?
Add the mandarin oranges at the very end, after the sauce has thickened and the skillet has been removed from the heat.
How do I ensure the pork chops stay juicy?
Avoid overcooking them beyond the recommended 4-5 minutes per side, and let them rest briefly while you finish the sauce.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, you can use either freshly squeezed or bottled orange juice.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes, the sweet citrus flavor and familiar orange segments usually make this a hit with children.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you may need to cook the pork chops in batches or use a larger skillet to avoid overcrowding.
What if I don't have brown sugar?
You can substitute with honey or maple syrup, though it may slightly change the consistency of the glaze.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
The recipe provides a small amount of fiber from the mandarin oranges, though specific nutritional values are not provided.
How much orange juice is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of orange juice for the glaze.
Can I use a different protein?
While designed for pork, this citrus glaze would also work well with chicken breast or salmon.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the origin of this recipe idea?
This recipe was inspired by a vintage cookbook, focusing on classic sweet and savory combinations.