Zesty Mandarin Orange Pork Chops
Elevate your dinner experience with these Zesty Mandarin Orange Pork Chops, a vibrant dish that has transformed the traditional 'Double Orange Glazed' concept. Not only are these succulent pork tenderloin medallions infused with a rich blend of orange juice and marmalade, but the addition of juicy mandarin oranges adds a delightful burst of sweetness. Finished with a hint of lime zest and garnished with toasted coconut and fresh parsley, this meal is a stunning combination of flavors and colors. Perfectly paired with fluffy white rice and roasted vegetables, it's a feast for the senses—ideal for family dinners or special occasions!
4
Servings
180
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Orange juice
1 cup (Freshly squeezed)
Orange marmalade
1/3 cup (N/A)
Butter
3 tablespoons (Unsalted)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (N/A)
Pork tenderloin
20 ounces (Cut into 4, 1.5-inch thick medallions and slightly flattened)
Seasoning salt
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
Cayenne pepper
1 dash (N/A)
Lime zest
1 tablespoon (Freshly grated)
Mandarin oranges
8 ounces (Drained)
Toasted coconut
1 tablespoon (Lightly toasted)
Parsley
1 tablespoon (Chopped)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the orange juice and orange marmalade, mixing until well incorporated.
2
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Season the pork medallions with seasoning salt, fresh ground black pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
3
Add the pork chops to the hot skillet and sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. Transfer the cooked pork to a serving platter and cover loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
4
Carefully pour off all but 3 tablespoons of the drippings from the skillet. Pour in the orange juice and marmalade mixture. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring continuously to scrape up the flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly for about 6-8 minutes.
5
Stir in the lime zest and adjust the seasonings with additional salt, pepper, or cayenne if desired.
6
Return the pork chops to the skillet, gently turning them in the sauce to coat well. Allow them to heat through for another minute.
7
At the very last moment, add the drained mandarin oranges to the skillet, gently folding them into the sauce without breaking them apart.
8
Plate the pork chops and drizzle generously with the orange sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut and chopped parsley for a fresh touch before serving.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
14g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Mandarin Orange Pork Chops?
A vibrant dish consisting of succulent pork tenderloin medallions infused with a rich blend of orange juice, marmalade, and mandarin oranges.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 180 calories.
What cut of pork is recommended?
Pork tenderloin, cut into 4 medallions that are 1.5 inches thick and slightly flattened.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 15 grams of protein per serving.
What ingredients are needed for the citrus sauce?
The sauce requires orange juice, orange marmalade, lime zest, and mandarin oranges.
How much orange juice should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
What type of butter is used for searing?
3 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How long should I sear the pork chops?
Sear the medallions for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
How much fat is in this recipe?
Each serving contains 9 grams of fat.
What seasoning is used for the pork?
Seasoning salt, fresh ground black pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
How do I thicken the orange sauce?
Simmer the mixture of orange juice and marmalade for 6-8 minutes until it reduces slightly.
What is the purpose of the lime zest?
The lime zest adds a fresh, zesty hint to the sauce.
When do I add the mandarin oranges?
Add the drained mandarin oranges at the very last moment to prevent them from breaking.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Garnish the dish with 1 tablespoon of toasted coconut and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 14 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much olive oil is required?
3 tablespoons of olive oil are used in the skillet.
What should I do with the pan drippings?
Pour off all but 3 tablespoons of drippings before making the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick meal suitable for family dinners.
What side dishes go well with these pork chops?
It is perfectly paired with fluffy white rice and roasted vegetables.
How much orange marmalade is needed?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of orange marmalade.
How do I keep the pork warm after searing?
Transfer the cooked pork to a platter and cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
How much lime zest is included?
1 tablespoon of freshly grated lime zest.
What amount of mandarin oranges is used?
8 ounces of drained mandarin oranges.
Does the recipe have any spicy elements?
Yes, a dash of cayenne pepper provides a subtle kick.
How many total ingredients are in this dish?
There are 12 ingredients in this recipe.
Should the coconut be toasted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of lightly toasted coconut.
How do I prepare the pork tenderloin?
Cut the tenderloin into 1.5-inch medallions and flatten them slightly.
What temperature should I use to reduce the sauce?
Increase the heat to medium-high to bring the sauce to a simmer.
How long is the final heating step?
After returning the pork to the skillet, allow it to heat through for one minute.