Citrus-Infused Baked Pork Chops
Experience the exquisite taste of tender pork chops infused with the zesty flavors of oranges. This dish marries the savory and sweet in a delightful citrus glaze, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy succulent pork enhanced with a rich, tangy sauce and garnished with vibrant orange slices.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
4 teaspoons (divided)
Seasoning salt
2 teaspoons
Paprika
1 teaspoon
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Thick cut pork chops
1.5 lbs (about 4)
Vegetable oil
1 teaspoon
Orange juice
1/2 cup
Whole cloves
4
Thin orange slices
4
Cold water
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Prepare the Spice Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, seasoning salt, paprika, and pepper. Reserve one teaspoon of this mixture for later use.
2
Coat the Pork Chops: Evenly coat the pork chops with the spice mixture set aside earlier.
3
Brown the Chops: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear them on both sides until they are golden brown.
4
Simmer with Orange Juice: Pour the orange juice over the browned chops in the skillet. Add the whole cloves, cover, and allow the chops to simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, occasionally turning, until they are tender.
5
Add Orange Slices: Place the orange slices in the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6
Prepare the Sauce: Remove the pork chops and orange slices from the skillet and set aside. Discard the cloves. Combine the reserved flour mixture with the cold water and slowly pour into the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly.
7
Cool and Freeze (optional): If preparing in advance, allow the sauce to cool. Place pork chops, orange slices, and cooled sauce into a freezer-safe bag. Freeze until ready to use.
8
Bake the Thawed Chops: On the day of serving, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and completely thaw the frozen pork chops. Arrange them in a baking dish and pour sauce over the chops. Arrange orange slices around the dish.
9
Bake: Cover the baking dish with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the pork chops are thoroughly warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Citrus-Infused Baked Pork Chops?
They are tender pork chops infused with zesty orange flavors and a savory-sweet citrus glaze.
What type of pork chops should I use?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of thick-cut pork chops, which is usually about 4 pieces.
What spices are used for the seasoning?
The spice mixture consists of flour, seasoning salt, paprika, and pepper.
What is the purpose of the flour in the spice mixture?
The flour is used to coat the pork chops and one teaspoon is reserved to help thicken the sauce later.
How do I brown the pork chops?
Heat one teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chops until golden brown on both sides.
What liquid is used to simmer the pork?
The chops are simmered in 1/2 cup of orange juice.
How long should the pork chops simmer?
The pork chops should simmer on low heat for 30 minutes until they are tender.
Why are whole cloves added to the skillet?
Whole cloves are added during the simmering process to infuse the dish with deep aromatic flavor.
When do I add the orange slices?
Add the thin orange slices to the skillet after the initial 30 minutes of simmering and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Should I leave the cloves in the sauce?
No, you should discard the cloves after removing the pork chops and orange slices from the skillet.
How do I thicken the citrus sauce?
Combine the reserved flour mixture with 2 tablespoons of cold water and slowly stir it into the skillet until the sauce thickens.
Can I freeze this recipe for later?
Yes, once cooled, you can place the pork chops, orange slices, and sauce in a freezer-safe bag and freeze.
What is the oven temperature for the final bake?
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) for the baking step.
How long do I bake the pork chops?
Bake the thawed pork chops for about 40 minutes.
Should the baking dish be covered during cooking?
Yes, cover the baking dish with a lid or foil to keep the pork moist.
Do I need to thaw the pork chops if they were frozen?
Yes, the chops must be completely thawed before baking them in the oven.
What does the final sauce look like?
The final sauce is a rich, tangy citrus glaze that becomes bubbly during the baking process.
How many orange slices are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 4 thin orange slices.
Is this a main course dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a main course and is ideal for dinner.
What is the heat setting for simmering?
The pork chops should be simmered on low heat.
How much vegetable oil is needed for searing?
Only one teaspoon of vegetable oil is required for browning the chops.
What makes the recipe savory and sweet?
The combination of seasoning salt and paprika with orange juice and fresh orange slices creates the savory-sweet balance.
How much cold water is used for the flour slurry?
Two tablespoons of cold water are used to mix with the reserved flour.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for home cooks.
What type of orange juice should I use?
While any orange juice works, fresh or high-quality juice will enhance the zesty flavor.
What is the total amount of seasoning salt used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of seasoning salt.
How much paprika is included?
One teaspoon of paprika is used in the spice mixture.
Can I skip the browning step?
It is not recommended, as browning the chops helps lock in flavor and adds texture.
What should I look for to know the dish is ready?
The sauce should be bubbly and the pork chops should be thoroughly warmed through.