Tender and Tangy Oven Pork Chops: A Family Recipe
Oven Pork Chops are a cherished dish that has graced our family table for generations, steeped in tradition and simplicity. This easy-to-follow recipe, inspired by my motherโs award-winning creation, promises a delightful meal that brings everyone together. The combination of brown sugar, salt, and zesty lemons results in pork chops that are not only tender but also tantalizingly tangy, making them a hit with dinner guests and family alike. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a festive gathering.
Ingredients
To prepare these delicious Oven Pork Chops, gather the following ingredients. Please note that the quantities are approximate, reflecting the essence of my motherโs cooking, which always relied on taste rather than precise measurements.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brown Sugar | 8 tablespoons |
| Salt | ยฝ teaspoon |
| Lemons | 1 large, thinly sliced |
| Onion | 2 medium, thinly sliced |
| Catsup | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here is the nutritional breakdown per serving. This information is approximate, as ingredient variations and portion sizes can affect the final counts.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 607.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 28.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 150.1 mg |
| Sodium | 1063.4 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 43.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g |
| Sugars | 34.9 g |
| Protein | 46.6 g |
Cooking Time
The total time to prepare this dish is approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes, which includes 5 minutes of prep time and a cooking time of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, letโs delve into the preparation of these mouthwatering Oven Pork Chops. Follow the instructions carefully to ensure the best results.
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a low temperature of approximately 325ยฐF (about 165ยฐC). This gentle heat will help the pork chops cook slowly and evenly, ensuring they remain moist and flavorful.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Choose one or two shallow baking pans, depending on the size of your pork chops and how many you are cooking. Arrange the pork chops in a single layer within the pans, allowing some space between each chop for even cooking.
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Season the Chops: Generously sprinkle the brown sugar and salt over the pork chops, ensuring an even distribution. The brown sugar will caramelize during baking, adding a beautiful sweetness to the dish.
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Add the Aromatics: Layer thin slices of lemon over each chop, aiming for at least one slice per chop. The acidity from the lemons will not only enhance the flavor but also help tenderize the meat. Next, scatter the thinly sliced onion rings over the chops, adding another layer of flavor and aroma.
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Apply the Catsup: Drizzle catsup over each chop, taking care not to completely cover them. This step adds a tangy richness to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
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Add Water: Carefully pour water into the pans until the pork chops are just covered. This will create a steamy environment during baking, helping to keep the chops moist.
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Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 1ยฝ hours. The low temperature allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping the pork tender and juicy.
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Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, remove the pans from the oven and transfer the pork chops to a serving platter. Be sure to discard the excess liquid left in the pans, as the chops are best enjoyed on their own.
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Enjoy: Serve the Oven Pork Chops hot, perhaps alongside some roasted vegetables or a light salad to complement the rich flavors. Your guests will surely be impressed by this delightful dish that brings back fond memories of family meals.
Conclusion
These Oven Pork Chops embody the essence of home cooking with their simple yet delicious flavors. Whether youโre cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to please. The combination of sweetness from the brown sugar and the zest from the lemons creates a delightful balance that enhances the natural flavor of the pork. Try this recipe, and it may just become a favorite in your family too, just as it has in ours.
