Florida Pork Chops
Florida Pork Chops feature tender pork steaks glazed with a sweet and tangy orange and brown sugar marinade, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal for family or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim fat from pork chops and place them into a shallow baking dish.
- Combine orange juice, salt, pepper, dry mustard, and brown sugar; pour over the chops.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour, basting every 15 minutes.
- If necessary, add water to the pan to prevent burning.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the pork chops in the orange juice mixture for a few hours before baking. If you don't have dry mustard, Dijon mustard can be a suitable substitute. For a sweeter glaze, consider adding a splash of honey or maple syrup to the marinade. Ensure even cooking by flipping the chops halfway through the baking process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Florida Pork Chops alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They pair beautifully with Boston Bean Salad (Perfect For A Potluck) or rice pilaf to soak up the delicious juices. For an added touch, garnish with fresh parsley or orange zest before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, covering to retain moisture. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Florida Pork Chops contains roughly 104 calories, with 2g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1182mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in pork chops. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as they may take a bit longer to cook through. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
What can I do if I don't have orange juice?
If you don't have orange juice, you can substitute it with apple juice or a mixture of lemon juice and water for a tangy flavor. Alternatively, a citrus soda can provide a sweet and zesty base for the marinade.
How can I make this dish more spicy?
For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. You can also serve the pork chops with a side of spicy pickled vegetables to enhance the heat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).