Saucy Pork Chop
A savory pork chop topped with a flavorful mushroom and vegetable sauce, perfect for a quick, comforting meal with rich, aromatic flavors that satisfy any palate.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 small tomato, peeled and finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp ground oregano ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp dried whole thyme ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1 (1/2 to 3/4-inch) pork chop ⓘ
- hot cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Place butter in a shallow 1-quart casserole dish.
- Microwave at high for 20 seconds, or until melted.
- Add sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper; cover and microwave at high for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring once, until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in chopped tomato, water, lemon juice, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place the pork chop over the vegetable mixture and spoon a small amount of the vegetable mixture over the pork chop.
- Cover and microwave at medium (50% power) for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Turn the pork chop over, cover, and microwave at medium for 5 to 10 minutes until the meat next to the bone loses pink color.
- Serve the pork chop over hot cooked rice, garnished with a green pepper ring if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the pork chop in lemon juice and herbs for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have fresh mushrooms, canned or dried mushrooms can work in a pinch. You can also replace the pork chop with chicken breast for a lighter option. Don't overcook the pork to keep it juicy; use a meat thermometer for best results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the saucy pork chop over a bed of hot cooked rice for a comforting meal. Sautéed green beans or a fresh garden salad make excellent side dishes to balance the richness of the sauce. For a complete dinner, consider pairing it with New Orleans Style Spaghetti for a delightful flavor combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover saucy pork chop in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork chop and sauce in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Saucy Pork Chop contains roughly 382 calories, with 10g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (151% of the Daily Value), vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2339mg per serving (102% 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 frozen pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen pork chops, but it's best to thaw them completely before cooking for even results. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, or use the defrost setting on your microwave, then follow the recipe as usual.
What can I substitute for the green pepper?
If you don't have green pepper on hand, you can use red or yellow bell pepper for a sweeter taste. Alternatively, diced zucchini or celery can work well, adding different textures without compromising the flavor of the dish.
How do I know when the pork chop is cooked through?
The best way to ensure your pork chop is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Additionally, the meat should lose its pink color next to the bone. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving for juiciness.
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).