Savory Pork Chops with Zesty Lemon Breadcrumbs
Indulge in this delightful 30-minute meal featuring tender, thin-cut pork chops topped with a crispy, zesty breadcrumb mixture infused with sage and lemon. This dish not only offers an explosion of flavors but is also easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option. Pair it with freshly steamed green beans and a refreshing arugula salad drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice for a complete meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided for cooking)
pork chops
8 (thin cut)
kosher salt
3 teaspoons (divided)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
pasta sauce
2 cups (prepared)
dry breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (fresh)
fresh sage
2 tablespoons (chopped)
lemon
1 (grated rind)
garlic clove
1 (crushed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large ovenproof frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
3
While the oil is heating, season the pork chops with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper on both sides.
4
Once the oil is shimmering, add the pork chops to the pan. Sear them for about 2 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned, but not cooked through.
5
Remove the pan from heat and carefully spoon the pasta sauce over the browned pork chops, ensuring they are well covered.
6
In a small mixing bowl, combine the dry breadcrumbs, chopped fresh sage, grated lemon rind, crushed garlic, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Mix well to incorporate the flavors.
7
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta sauce and pork chops.
8
Transfer the frying pan to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the pork is cooked through.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Savory Pork Chops with Zesty Lemon Breadcrumbs.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
This is a quick 30-minute meal perfect for weeknights.
What type of pork chops are used?
This recipe uses 8 thin-cut pork chops.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of olive oil, divided for different stages of cooking.
What kind of salt is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 teaspoons of kosher salt, divided.
How much pasta sauce is needed?
You will need 2 cups of prepared pasta sauce.
What is in the breadcrumb mixture?
The mixture consists of dry breadcrumbs, chopped fresh sage, grated lemon rind, crushed garlic, kosher salt, and pepper.
How long should I sear the pork chops in the pan?
Sear them for about 2 minutes on each side until they are nicely browned.
Should the pork chops be cooked through during the searing phase?
No, they should be browned on the outside but not cooked through before going into the oven.
What herb provides the primary flavor in the breadcrumbs?
Fresh sage is the primary herb used in the breadcrumb topping.
How do I prepare the lemon for this recipe?
You should grate the rind of one lemon to include in the breadcrumb mixture.
How is the garlic prepared?
One garlic clove should be crushed and mixed with the breadcrumbs.
Where is the pasta sauce applied?
The pasta sauce is spooned over the browned pork chops once the pan is removed from the heat.
How long do the pork chops bake in the oven?
They bake for approximately 10 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the pork is cooked through.
What kind of pan should I use?
Use a large ovenproof frying pan so you can transfer it directly from the stove to the oven.
What side dishes are recommended?
It is recommended to serve this with steamed green beans and a refreshing arugula salad.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is considered a one-dish meal because the primary cooking happens in a single ovenproof pan.
How many pork chops are in one batch?
The recipe is designed for 8 thin-cut pork chops.
Can I use fresh breadcrumbs?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of fresh dry breadcrumbs.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It offers an explosion of flavors including zesty lemon, aromatic sage, and savory pasta sauce.
When should I season the pork chops?
Season the pork chops with salt and pepper on both sides while the oil is heating in the pan.
What should the oil look like before adding the meat?
The oil should be shimmering and heated over medium-high heat before adding the pork chops.
Is this recipe suitable for a beginner?
Yes, it is described as easy to prepare and perfect for a quick dinner.
How much fresh sage is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh sage.
What provides the zest in the recipe?
The grated rind of one lemon provides the zesty flavor profile.
Is the pasta sauce homemade or store-bought?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of prepared pasta sauce, which can be your favorite store-bought variety.
What is the final step before baking?
The final step is to sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta sauce and pork chops.
How do I know when the dish is finished?
The dish is ready when the sauce is bubbling and the pork is fully cooked through after about 10 minutes of baking.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 9 primary ingredients used in this recipe.