Imagine a dish that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy with just one bite - our Lemony Italian Pork Chops are exactly that culinary adventure! These succulent, tangy chops promise to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine, delivering restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen. Bursting with bright lemon, aromatic garlic, and classic Italian herbs, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that will have everyone asking, "What's your secret?"
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- 2 lemons (juiced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the ingredients: 4 bone-in pork chops, 2 lemons, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. If using a grill, ensure it's clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, combine the juice of the 2 lemons, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Place the pork chops in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the lemon marinade over the chops, ensuring they are well coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 10 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for up to 1 hour in the refrigerator will enhance the flavor.
- After marinating, remove the pork chops from the marinade and let any excess liquid drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the hot grill or skillet. Swirl to coat the surface evenly.
- Carefully place the pork chops on the grill or skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing a nice sear to form.
- Flip the pork chops and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the juices run clear.
- Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy chops.
- Serve the pork chops with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Enjoy your Lemony Italian Pork Chops with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your pork chops come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook pork chops in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and achieve a perfect sear.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Marinating Magic: The longer you can marinate (up to 1 hour), the more intense the flavor will be.
- Resting is Crucial: Always let your pork chops rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in those delicious juices.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
