Sweet Sour Orange Pork Chops
Sweet and tangy orange pork chops are coated in a flavorful glaze with spices, perfect for a comforting dinner that combines citrusy brightness with warming spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pork chops in margarine.
- Transfer the chops to a casserole dish and cover with sliced onions.
- Combine water, concentrated orange juice, poultry seasoning, cinnamon, allspice, brown sugar, and ginger, then pour over the chops.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the pork chops in the orange juice mixture for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have margarine, butter or olive oil can be good substitutes. For a different twist, add some chopped bell peppers to the casserole for extra color and flavor. This dish is also great with slightly less brown sugar if you prefer it less sweet.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Sweet Sour Orange Pork Chops with fluffy rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, make a great side, adding freshness to the meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Ham And Pea Salad for a complete dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pork chops in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Sour Orange Pork Chops contains roughly 207 calories, with 5g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value), calcium (11% of the Daily Value), and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1204mg per serving (52% 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 chicken instead of pork chops?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts or thighs for the pork chops. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked, usually around 30-40 minutes at 350°F, depending on thickness.
What can I use instead of frozen concentrated orange juice?
If you don’t have frozen concentrated orange juice, fresh orange juice can work as a substitute. You may need to adjust the sweetness since fresh juice is less concentrated. Consider adding a bit more brown sugar to balance the flavors.
Is there a way to make this dish less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute. Adding a bit of vinegar or lemon juice can help balance the flavors without making the dish overly sweet.
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).