Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops with Orange Marmalade
Experience the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with these Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops, made effortlessly on the stove top. This dish features tender top loin pork chops, coated in a luscious orange marmalade sauce accented by a hint of apple cider vinegar and lemon pepper seasoning. Not only is it low in calories, but it also consists of just five simple ingredients, making it an ideal weeknight meal. Serve these succulent pork chops over a bed of fluffy white rice and drizzle the delightful sauce on top for an unforgettable dining experience.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Top Loin Pork Chops
6 (boneless)
Lemon Pepper
2 (tablespoons)
Apple Cider Vinegar
4 (tablespoons)
Orange Marmalade
2/3 (cup)
Olive Oil
as needed (for coating)
Instructions
1
Brush each pork chop lightly with olive oil and generously sprinkle both sides with lemon pepper seasoning for added flavor.
2
In a non-stick skillet, heat over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully place the pork chops in the skillet, browning them on both sides for about 3-4 minutes each until they're cooked through and nicely caramelized. Transfer the browned chops to a serving platter and let rest briefly.
3
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and add the orange marmalade and apple cider vinegar. Stir the mixture, scraping up any caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow it to simmer and reduce for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4
Return the pork chops to the skillet, turning them in the sauce to ensure they are well-coated. Cook for an additional minute to warm through and allow the flavors to meld.
5
Serve the pork chops on a plate with a generous drizzle of the orange marmalade sauce. Perfectly paired with white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus-Glazed Pork Chops with Orange Marmalade?
It is a sweet and tangy stove-top dish featuring tender top loin pork chops coated in a sauce made from orange marmalade, apple cider vinegar, and lemon pepper.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires only five simple ingredients: pork chops, lemon pepper, apple cider vinegar, orange marmalade, and olive oil.
What type of pork chops should I use?
The recipe calls for six boneless top loin pork chops.
What is the best way to cook these pork chops?
These pork chops are best cooked on the stove top using a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
How do I season the pork chops?
Brush each chop lightly with olive oil and generously sprinkle both sides with lemon pepper seasoning.
How long do I sear the pork chops?
Brown them for approximately 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are nicely caramelized and cooked through.
What components make up the citrus glaze?
The glaze is made by combining orange marmalade and apple cider vinegar in the skillet used to cook the meat.
Do I need to clean the pan before making the sauce?
No, you should stir the mixture while scraping up the caramelized bits from the bottom of the pan to add extra flavor to the sauce.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer and reduce for about 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
When do I put the pork chops back into the pan?
Return the chops to the skillet after the sauce has thickened, turning them to ensure they are well-coated.
What is the recommended side dish for this recipe?
It is perfectly paired with a bed of fluffy white rice, which helps soak up the extra orange marmalade sauce.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, this dish is described as being low in calories.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
Is this a good meal for a busy weeknight?
Yes, it is an ideal weeknight meal because it is quick to prepare and uses minimal ingredients.
What flavor profile can I expect?
The dish offers a perfect balance of sweet citrus from the marmalade and tangy notes from the apple cider vinegar.
Can I use bone-in pork chops instead?
While the recipe specifies boneless top loin chops, you can use bone-in chops, though cooking times may need to be adjusted.
What if I don't have apple cider vinegar?
While not specified in the recipe, a white wine vinegar or rice vinegar could serve as a substitute for the tanginess.
Is the lemon pepper seasoning necessary?
Yes, the lemon pepper provides the essential citrus-spice base for the pork chops.
How do I prevent the pork chops from drying out?
Browning them quickly over medium-high heat and then letting them rest briefly helps keep them succulent.
What is the purpose of browning the meat?
Browning caramelizes the surface of the pork, adding depth of flavor and creating the bits used to enrich the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It is best served fresh to maintain the texture of the pork and the consistency of the glaze.
How much orange marmalade is used?
The recipe requires 2/3 cup of orange marmalade.
How much lemon pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of lemon pepper seasoning.
Is any oil used in the cooking process?
Yes, olive oil is used to coat the pork chops before seasoning and searing.
Does the sauce require a thickener like cornstarch?
No, the sauce thickens naturally as the marmalade and vinegar simmer and reduce.
Can I use a different type of marmalade?
The recipe specifically uses orange marmalade for its citrus profile, but apricot preserves could be a similar alternative.
What is the final step before serving?
Warm the chops in the sauce for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this recipe spicy?
It is not spicy; the lemon pepper provides a mild zesty heat rather than a chili-based heat.
How do I apply the oil?
Brush each pork chop lightly with olive oil before adding the dry seasoning.
What makes the glaze 'luscious'?
The combination of the fruit sugars in the marmalade and the acidity of the vinegar creates a thick, glossy, and flavorful coating.