Mediterranean Herb-Infused Baked Pork Chops
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these Herb-Infused Baked Pork Chops. Juicy center-cut pork chops are seasoned and lightly coated to create a crispy exterior, then topped with a zesty mixture of roasted red peppers, fresh parsley, and garlic. Finished with crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives, this dish brings a delightful harmony of flavors to your dinner table, making it perfect for any occasion. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal that is both satisfying and wholesome.
4
Servings
240
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bottled diced roasted red pepper
1/2 cup (diced)
Fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Lemon rind
2 teaspoons (grated)
Fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Minced garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
All-purpose flour
1/4 cup (for coating)
Coarse ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Center-cut pork chops
4 (3/4 inch thick)
Feta cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled)
Kalamata olives
1/3 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the roasted red peppers, chopped parsley, olive oil, lemon rind, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade and set aside.
3
In another bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour and coarse ground black pepper. Take the pork chops and coat both sides evenly with the flour mixture.
4
Heat a lightly greased ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Sear the pork chops for 2 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
5
Once seared, remove the skillet from the heat and spoon the roasted red pepper mixture over the pork chops, spreading it evenly.
6
Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
7
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives.
8
After 5 minutes, remove the skillet from the oven, uncover the pork chops, and spoon the feta and olive mixture over the top, distributing it evenly.
9
Cover again and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
10
Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
13.5
Fat
9
Carbs
19
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The primary protein used in this recipe is center-cut pork chops, specifically 3/4 inch thick.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long do the pork chops need to be seared?
The pork chops should be seared for 2 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
What ingredients make up the herb-infused marinade?
The marinade consists of roasted red peppers, chopped parsley, olive oil, lemon rind, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano.
How is the crispy exterior achieved on the pork chops?
The crispy exterior is created by coating the pork chops in a mixture of all-purpose flour and coarse ground black pepper before searing.
What are the final toppings added to the dish?
The final toppings added during the last 5 minutes of baking are crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives.
What is the total baking time in the oven?
The total baking time is 10 minutes, divided into two 5-minute intervals.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork?
The pork should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What kind of skillet is required for this recipe?
An ovenproof skillet is required because the dish starts on the stovetop and moves to the oven.
What should I serve as a side dish with these pork chops?
It is recommended to serve this dish with roasted vegetables or a fresh Greek salad.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 19 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 13.5 grams of fat.
Are the pork chops covered or uncovered during baking?
The pork chops should be covered with a lid or aluminum foil during both baking stages.
What type of olives are used in this Mediterranean dish?
The recipe calls for chopped kalamata olives.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
The recipe specifies fresh lemon juice and lemon rind for the best flavor profile.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 9 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of flour is used for the coating?
All-purpose flour is used to coat the pork chops.
How much garlic is included in the marinade?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for dinner.
What is the prep for the roasted red peppers?
The roasted red peppers should be diced before being added to the marinade.
How much feta cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
What provides the herb flavor in this dish?
Fresh parsley and dried oregano provide the primary herbal notes.
Do I need to rest the meat?
Yes, after removing the skillet from the oven, let the pork rest for a few minutes before serving.
What kind of oil is used for the marinade and searing?
Olive oil is used for both the marinade and for sautéing the pork chops.
How thick should the pork chops be?
The recipe recommends pork chops that are 3/4 inch thick.
How many ingredients are required in total?
This recipe requires 12 distinct ingredients.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Fiber information is not provided for this specific recipe.
Is this dish suitable for a Mediterranean diet?
Yes, with ingredients like olive oil, lemon, garlic, roasted peppers, and olives, it fits a Mediterranean flavor profile.