Pork Chops Pacifica
Juicy pork chops topped with caramelized onions and lemon slices, baked in a sweet and tangy chili sauce glaze, perfect for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onions in butter until soft, but not brown.
- Place pork chops on foil in a shallow cooking pan.
- Put onions and lemon slices on top of the pork chops.
- Combine brown sugar, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and chili sauce.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the pork chops.
- Seal the foil and cook at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Serve the juice over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For even more flavor, marinate the pork chops in the sauce mixture for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have chili sauce, you can substitute it with barbecue sauce for a different taste. Additionally, using fresh lemons instead of bottled juice enhances the flavor profile significantly. Ensure the pork chops are thick to keep them juicy during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables or a fresh salad, such as Fresh Broccoli Salad(Prepare Salad One Day Before Serving), make excellent side dishes. For a heartier meal, consider serving with garlic bread or mashed potatoes to complement the savory flavors of the pork chops.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Pork Chops Pacifica can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chops in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them, but be cautious not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pork Chops Pacifica contains roughly 288 calories, with 2g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1792mg per serving (78% 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 a different cut of meat instead of pork chops?
Yes, you can use pork loin or pork tenderloin as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, since these cuts may cook faster than thick pork chops. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F for safe consumption.
What can I serve alongside Pork Chops Pacifica?
This dish goes well with rice, which absorbs the flavorful juices. You might also consider serving it with a green salad or vegetables like roasted asparagus for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes can also be a hearty addition.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pork chops and sauce mixture a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate them until you're ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for an even more delicious meal.
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).