Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly juicy, tangy pork chop that bursts with bright citrus flavor and tender, succulent meat. These lemon marinade pork chops are about to transform your ordinary dinner routine into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! With just a few simple ingredients and an easy marinade technique, you'll create restaurant-quality pork chops that are guaranteed to impress.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Whisk ingredients together until well blended.
- Place pork chops in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the pork chops, ensuring each chop is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Remove pork chops from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature, which helps ensure even cooking.
- Preheat grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove pork chops from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard remaining marinade to prevent cross-contamination.
- Cook pork chops for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Let pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh lemon wedges or chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Marinating Magic: Don't over-marinate! Citrus can start breaking down meat proteins if left too long, so stick to the 30-minute to 2-hour window for optimal flavor and texture.
- Temperature is Key: Always let meat come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent tough, dry pork.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: Cooking pork to exactly 145°F ensures juicy, safe-to-eat meat without overcooking.
- Resting Period: Those crucial 3-5 minutes after cooking allow meat juices to redistribute, guaranteeing maximum tenderness.
- For Extra Flavor: Consider adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or rosemary to your marinade for additional depth.
- Grilling Alternative: If you don't have a grill, a cast-iron skillet works perfectly and can create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 487kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 80mg
