Mediterranean Marinated Pork Chops
Savor the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these perfectly marinated pork chops. This recipe combines the tanginess of red wine vinegar and lemon with the earthy notes of oregano and garlic, creating a succulent dish that delights the palate. After marinating the chops to infuse them with flavor, they are pan-seared to golden perfection. Finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, these pork chops are a delightful and easy addition to any dinner table, sure to impress your family or guests.
2
Servings
240
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red Wine Vinegar
1 tablespoon (n/a)
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
Dried Oregano
1 teaspoon (n/a)
Olive Oil
2 teaspoons (for marinating and cooking)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops
4 (4-ounce) (n/a)
Lemon
1/2 (for squeezing over chops)
Sea Salt
1 dash (n/a)
Instructions
1
In a zip-top plastic bag, combine red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, olive oil, and minced garlic. Add the pork chops to the bag, seal it, and gently massage the marinade into the chops. Marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
2
After the initial marinade, gently 'smoosh' the bag again to redistribute the marinade, then marinate for an additional 20 minutes.
3
Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
4
Remove the pork chops from the marinade and discard the marinade. Generously sprinkle both sides of the chops with sea salt.
5
Place the pork chops in the hot skillet and cook for 4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
6
During the last minute of cooking, squeeze half a lemon over the chops, allowing the lemon juices to infuse into the meat and create a flavorful finish.
7
Remove the pork chops from the pan and let them rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
2.5g
Carbs
30g
Protein
125mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Marinated Pork Chops?
This dish consists of succulent pork chops marinated in a blend of red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic, then pan-seared to golden perfection.
What type of pork chops are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 (4-ounce) boneless center cut pork chops.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 2 people.
What are the main ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade is composed of red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, olive oil, and minced garlic.
How long should the pork chops be marinated?
The pork chops should be marinated for a total of 40 minutes at room temperature, divided into two 20-minute sessions.
Do I need to marinate the pork in the refrigerator?
No, this recipe specifically instructs to marinate the chops at room temperature for the 40-minute duration.
What is the purpose of 'smooshing' the bag during marination?
Gently massaging or 'smooshing' the bag helps to redistribute the marinade and ensure the meat is evenly infused with flavor.
How should the pork chops be cooked?
The chops should be pan-seared in a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil.
How long do I cook each side of the pork chop?
Cook the pork chops for approximately 4 minutes per side, or until they reach your preferred level of doneness.
When should I add the fresh lemon juice?
During the final minute of cooking, squeeze half a lemon over the pork chops to infuse them with a flavorful finish.
What should I do with the leftover marinade?
After removing the pork chops for cooking, you should discard the remaining marinade.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
Each serving of Mediterranean Marinated Pork Chops contains 240 calories.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, each serving provides 30g of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
One serving contains 11g of fat.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 2.5g of carbohydrates.
How much sodium is in this pork dish?
There is approximately 125mg of sodium per serving.
What kind of vinegar is used for the marinade?
Red wine vinegar is used to provide a tangy base for the marinade.
What herb is featured in the Mediterranean seasoning?
Dried oregano is the primary herb used to give the dish its earthy Mediterranean flavor.
Should I salt the pork before or after marinating?
The pork chops should be generously sprinkled with sea salt after they are removed from the marinade, just before cooking.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is it necessary to let the pork chops rest after cooking?
Yes, it is recommended to let the pork chops rest for 2 minutes after removing them from the pan before serving.
What is the recommended heat level for the skillet?
The skillet should be preheated to medium-high heat.
How much olive oil is used for the cooking process?
You should drizzle 2 teaspoons of olive oil into the skillet for cooking.
Are these pork chops suitable for a Mediterranean diet?
Yes, featuring olive oil, lemon, garlic, and lean pork, this recipe aligns with Mediterranean flavors and ingredients.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 8 ingredients total: red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, olive oil, garlic, pork chops, lemon, and sea salt.
Can I grill these pork chops instead of pan-searing?
Yes, 'grilling' is listed as one of the tags for this recipe, making it a viable alternative cooking method.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, this recipe contains 0g of sugar.
What type of salt should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for a dash of sea salt.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
This recipe contains 0g of fiber.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include pork chops, greek style, mediterranean, marinated, grilling, dinner, and easy recipe.