Johanna'S Tasty Pork Chops

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Cuisine: American

Sweet and savory pork chops simmered in a tangy mandarin orange sauce with cinnamon, cloves, and mustard, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 3 thick pork chops
  • 3 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 3 whole cloves
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. prepared mustard
  • 1/4 c. catsup
  • 1 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges

Instructions

  1. Brown the pork chops in a skillet.
  2. Drain off the fat from the skillet.
  3. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, salt (if using), prepared mustard, catsup, vinegar, and mandarin oranges.
  4. Pour the mixture over the pork chops.
  5. Cover and simmer in an electric frypan for 45 minutes or until the chops are tender, adding a bit of water if necessary.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter glaze, you can increase the brown sugar or add a splash of orange juice to the sauce. If you don’t have whole cloves, ground cloves can be used as a substitute, but reduce the amount to 1/4 teaspoon. For a spicier flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. Be sure to use thick pork chops to keep them juicy during cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the pork chops with a side of fluffy rice to soak up the flavorful sauce, or consider pairing them with Supper On The Porch Salad for a refreshing contrast. Steamed vegetables or roasted potatoes also complement this dish well, enhancing the overall meal experience.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover pork chops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chops in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Cover the skillet to retain moisture and heat until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Johanna'S Tasty Pork Chops contains roughly 460 calories, with 4g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2045mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).

460 kcal 23% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.5g 9% DV
Total Fat 20.3g 26% DV
Carbs 62.3g 23% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 42.5g 85% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2045mg 89% DV
Potassium 218.3mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 4.7mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 81mcg 9% DV
Vitamin C 4.8mg 5% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 190.2mg 15% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless pork chops instead of thick pork chops?

Yes, boneless pork chops can be used, but keep in mind they may cook faster. Monitor them closely to prevent overcooking and drying out. Adjust the simmering time accordingly, checking for tenderness.

Is it possible to make this dish in the oven?

Absolutely! You can brown the pork chops in a skillet and then transfer them to a preheated oven at 350°F. Bake covered for about 30-35 minutes or until tender, basting occasionally with the sauce.

What can I serve as a side dish?

This dish pairs beautifully with Georgia'S Baked Beans for a hearty meal. Additionally, cornbread or a simple green salad can balance the flavors nicely, making it a well-rounded dinner.

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).

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