Tangy Orange-Glazed Pork Chops with Herbed Carrots
This delectable dish features succulent pork chops, perfectly seared to create a golden crust, infused with aromatic spices. The tangy orange glaze complements the rich flavor of the meat, while the sautéed carrots, tossed with fresh thyme and olive oil, add a delightful crunch and brightness. Perfect for lunch or a cozy dinner, this recipe is versatile enough to substitute with other cuts like NY Strip, Ribeye, or T-Bone steaks. A heartfelt shoutout to our Zaar friend PaulaG for her invaluable assistance in refining this recipe! For the best results, brine the pork chops in a mixture of milk and salt prior to cooking to ensure tenderness and moisture.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork chops (center cut)
2 (1/2-inch thick)
Salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Paprika
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Onion powder
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Thyme
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Vegetable oil or peanut oil
2 tablespoons (for frying)
Carrots
2 (sliced thinly)
Fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon (for the carrots)
Olive oil
to taste (for the carrots)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (for the carrots)
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for the carrots)
Orange
1 (juiced)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a bowl, combine the salt, paprika, onion powder, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and cayenne. Dredge the pork chops in this spice mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Allow the seasoned chops to sit for approximately 30 minutes to fully absorb the flavors.
3
Heat a medium-sized oven-safe frying pan over medium-high heat and add the vegetable or peanut oil. Once hot, carefully place the pork chops in the pan and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
4
While the chops are searing, slice the carrots thinly and place them in a bowl. Toss the carrot slices with the fresh thyme, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
5
After the chops have seared, add the seasoned carrots to the pan. Transfer the entire pan to the preheated oven and roast for approximately 10 minutes, or until the pork chops are fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C).
6
Once done, remove the pan from the oven and transfer the pork chops to serving plates, leaving the carrots in the pan. Pour the fresh orange juice into the pan to deglaze, stirring to incorporate any flavorful brown bits.
7
Top each pork chop with the roasted carrots and drizzle with the orange glaze for a finishing touch.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
15g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangy Orange-Glazed Pork Chops with Herbed Carrots?
It is a dish featuring seared pork chops with a spice rub, roasted with thyme-seasoned carrots, and finished with a fresh orange juice glaze.
What cut of pork is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for center-cut pork chops that are approximately 1/2-inch thick.
Can I substitute the pork chops with other meats?
Yes, you can substitute the pork chops with NY Strip, Ribeye, or T-Bone steaks.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What spices are used in the pork rub?
The rub consists of salt, paprika, onion powder, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
How long should the pork chops sit after being seasoned?
Allow the seasoned chops to sit for about 30 minutes to ensure they fully absorb the flavors.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
What type of oil is best for searing the pork?
You can use either vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying.
How long should I sear the pork chops in the pan?
Sear the pork chops for about 5 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be sliced thinly and tossed with fresh thyme, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
When do I add the carrots to the cooking process?
Add the seasoned carrots to the pan after the pork chops have been seared on both sides.
How long does the dish need to roast in the oven?
Roast the pan in the oven for approximately 10 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the pork?
The pork chops are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
How is the orange glaze created?
The glaze is made by pouring fresh orange juice into the hot pan to deglaze it, stirring to incorporate the brown bits.
What is the secret to tender and moist pork chops?
For the best results, brine the pork chops in a mixture of milk and salt prior to cooking.
How much protein is in this recipe?
This dish provides 22.5g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
This recipe contains 15g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many carrots are needed?
The recipe requires 2 carrots, sliced thinly.
What kind of frying pan is required?
You should use a medium-sized oven-safe frying pan.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is described as perfect for either lunch or a cozy dinner.
Who assisted in refining this recipe?
The recipe description gives a shoutout to a Zaar friend named PaulaG for her assistance.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried thyme for the carrots?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 teaspoon of fresh thyme for the carrots.
How much orange juice is used?
The juice from one whole orange is used for deglazing and creating the glaze.
How much cayenne pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon, though it can be adjusted to taste.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 15 ingredients in this recipe.
How do you finish the dish for serving?
Top each pork chop with the roasted carrots and drizzle with the orange glaze.
What is the role of garlic powder in this recipe?
It is part of the spice rub used to dredge and flavor the pork chops.
Should the carrots be cooked separately?
No, they are added to the same pan as the pork and roasted together in the oven.
Is black pepper used on the pork or the carrots?
Black pepper is specifically listed as a seasoning for the carrots.