Quick And Sassy Pork Chops
A quick, flavorful pork chop dish with lemon, herbs, and a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut lemon in half and rub lemon pulp on pork chops.
- Rinse lemon pulp off and dry pork chops with paper towel.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan.
- Season chops with salt, pepper, sage, and garlic.
- Place chops in the pan and sear for 3 minutes on each side.
- Add chopped onions and peppers and cook for 2 minutes on each side.
- Add tomato paste and sugar to the pan.
- Let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a zesty twist, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the tomato sauce. If you don't have powdered sage, fresh sage can be used—just double the amount. Additionally, if you prefer a bit of heat, red pepper flakes could complement the dish beautifully. Always ensure pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F for safety.
Serving Suggestions
These Quick and Sassy Pork Chops pair wonderfully with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or steamed green beans. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a light salad sprinkled with feta cheese. You might also enjoy them alongside a tangy Old Fashioned Chow Chow for a delightful burst of flavor.
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 skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist, covering to retain steam. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Sassy Pork Chops contains roughly 1179 calories, with 9g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 116g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1044mg per serving (45% 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 boneless pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used, but be mindful of the cooking time as they may cook faster than bone-in chops. Check for doneness at 5 minutes per side to avoid drying them out.
What can I substitute for tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute. Just reduce the amount slightly since these options are more liquid. Add a touch more sugar to balance the acidity.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
To make this dish healthier, you can use leaner cuts of pork, such as tenderloin, and reduce the amount of olive oil. Additionally, consider adding more vegetables, like zucchini or mushrooms, to enhance the nutritional value while keeping the flavors vibrant.
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).