Juicy Oven-Baked Pork Chops for a Single Serving
Dive into the world of juicy oven-baked pork chops, a recipe that stands out with its blend of simplicity and robust flavors. This recipe offers versatility in herbs and side pairings, perfect for personalizing to your taste. Quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious, it’s a must-try for any pork chop enthusiast!
This oven-baked pork chops is the ideal choice whether you’re planning a swift lunch or a cozy dinner at home.
This recipe stands out with its simplicity and common ingredients, ensuring that you spend more time enjoying your meal than preparing it.
With a mere 5-minute prep time, these baked pork chops for one person are a testament to efficiency in the kitchen. The flavors meld beautifully, giving you a dish that’s both satisfying and effortlessly chic.
From the busy young professional to the culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises a flavorful and efficient cooking solution, perfect for your dynamic lifestyle.
🌟 Recipe Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For baked pork chops for one, selecting the right cut is crucial. Look for bone-in pork chops, as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful after baking. The thickness should be about ¾ to 1 inch, ideal for ensuring even cooking without drying out.
- Season Generously: Don’t shy away from seasoning. The combination of onion, garlic, tomatoes, and Italian herb mix should be generous to infuse the meat with robust flavors. Let the pork chops sit with the seasoning for a few minutes before baking to enhance the taste.
- Preheat Your Oven: Ensure your oven is preheated to the right temperature before you put the pork chops in. This helps in cooking them evenly and achieving a perfectly juicy texture.
- Avoid Overcooking: Pork chops can quickly become dry if overcooked. Stick to the 20-minute baking time guideline, but start checking for doneness after 15 minutes. The ideal internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F.
- Rest Before Serving: After baking, let the pork chops rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring that every bite is succulent.
- Scalability: Remember, this recipe is perfectly scalable. If you’re cooking for more than one, simply double the ingredients and follow the same steps.
🥘 Ingredients & Substitutes
- Pork Chops are the star of this dish, providing a rich, meaty flavor and essential protein. If pork isn’t your preference or it’s not available, chicken breasts are a fantastic substitute. They bake well and absorb flavors just as effectively.
- Onions add a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish, enhancing the overall savoriness. In case you’re out of onions, shallots are an excellent alternative. They offer a similar flavor profile but with a slightly more refined taste.
- Tomatoes contribute to the moisture and tanginess of the dish, balancing the flavors. If fresh tomatoes aren’t an option, canned diced tomatoes can be used. They’re convenient and bring a similar acidic brightness to the dish.
- Garlic is key for its pungent, aromatic qualities that infuse the pork chops with a distinctive flavor. If fresh garlic isn’t handy, garlic powder can be used. It’s less intense but still delivers that essential garlic taste.
- Italian Herb Mix brings together a melody of herbs, adding complexity and aromatic undertones. No Italian herb mix in your pantry? You can create a blend using dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Mixing these individually gives you control over the flavor balance.
👩🍳 Directions
To begin, start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, thoroughly wash and dry the meat and vegetables.
Peel the onion and garlic and slice them into pieces about ⅓-inch thick. Next, season them with an Italian herb mix and stir well.
Place half of the onion and garlic mixture at the bottom of the baking dish.
Lay the meat on top and season it with salt and pepper.
Then, add the remaining onion and garlic mixture and cherry tomatoes over the meat.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the onions start to brown and the meat is well-cooked. Serve it hot with your favorite salad or side dish.
🍴 How to Double the Recipe:
Doubling this recipe for juicy oven-baked pork chops is straightforward and efficient. Simply use two pork chops instead of one, ensuring they are of similar size for even cooking.
Double the quantities of onions, tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herb mix, maintaining the balance of flavors. When arranging the pork chops in your baking dish, give them ample space to ensure they cook evenly. Monitor the oven as cooking times may vary slightly with more ingredients.
This adjustment allows you to cater to an additional guest or enjoy a second serving later, without compromising on taste or quality.
🍽️ Servings
Mediterranean-Inspired Salad
- Components: Complement your pork chop with a fresh Mediterranean salad consisting of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Drizzle with a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Presentation: Place the pork chop on one side of the plate, and on the other side, lay out the salad. The vibrant colors of the salad contrast beautifully with the golden hue of the pork chop. Add a lemon wedge for an extra zesty touch.
- Occasion: Perfect for a light yet fulfilling lunch, especially during warmer months or when you desire a meal that’s both nutritious and flavorful.
Rustic Roasted Vegetables
- Components: Pair your pork chop with a side of roasted vegetables. Choose a mix of carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onions. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and a touch of rosemary or thyme before roasting.
- Presentation: Serve the pork chop alongside a hearty portion of the roasted vegetables. Arrange the vegetables in a cascading manner next to the pork chop for a rustic, appetizing look.
- Occasion: Ideal for a cozy dinner, especially in colder seasons. This combination is great when you’re looking for a comforting yet healthy meal.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Components: Offer a side of creamy mashed potatoes, made with peeled and boiled potatoes, butter, milk, and a hint of garlic for added flavor.
- Presentation: Scoop a generous portion of mashed potatoes beside the pork chop. You can use a piping bag for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with a sprinkle of chives or parsley.
- Occasion: Suitable for a classic dinner setup, especially on occasions when you’re looking to indulge in traditional comfort food.
🍽️ Variations
Spicy Mexican Twist
- Variation: Infuse a Mexican flair into your pork chops by using a blend of chili powder, cumin, and a small amount of cayenne pepper in place of the Italian herb mix. Add a side of black beans and corn salsa to complement the spicy flavor.
- Why Try It: This variation is perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their meals. The spices bring a lively character to the dish, making it ideal for a festive dinner or a bold culinary adventure.
Creamy Mushroom Sauce
- Variation: Top your pork chop with a creamy mushroom sauce. Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter, add a splash of white wine, and finish with a touch of cream. Pour this sauce over the baked pork chop for a rich, luxurious twist.
- Why Try It: The creamy mushroom sauce adds a gourmet touch, transforming a simple baked pork chop into a sophisticated meal. It’s great for a special occasion or when you want to treat yourself to something extra decadent.
Herb-Crusted Delight
- Variation: Create a herb crust by mixing breadcrumbs with finely chopped rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Coat the pork chop in this mixture before baking to achieve a crispy, herbaceous outer layer.
- Why Try It: The herb crust adds a delightful crunch and enhances the flavors with aromatic herbs. This variation is a fantastic choice when you’re in the mood for a dish that’s both texturally and flavorfully dynamic.
Asian-Inspired Glaze
- Variation: Brush your pork chop with an Asian-inspired glaze made from soy sauce, honey, garlic, and a hint of ginger. Bake as usual and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Why Try It: This glaze introduces a sweet and savory element, lending an Asian twist to your meal. It’s perfect for when you crave something different from the usual flavors and want to explore global cuisines.
❄️ Storage
Refrigeration
- Duration: Store cooked pork chops in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Ensure they’re cooled to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Method: Place the pork chops in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. This helps retain moisture and flavor.
- Considerations: To prevent drying out, try to store the pork chops with some of their cooking juices or sauce.
Freezing
- Duration: For longer storage, pork chops can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months.
- Method: Wrap each pork chop individually in freezer-safe wrap or store them in airtight freezer bags. Label the bags with the date to keep track of storage time.
- Considerations: Freezing may slightly alter the texture of the pork chops, but they will still be enjoyable.
Thawing
- Method: Thaw frozen pork chops in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature as it can lead to bacterial growth.
- Considerations: Once thawed, do not refreeze the pork chops. Plan to consume them within 24 hours of thawing for optimal quality.
Reheating
- Method: Reheat the pork chops in the oven or in a skillet over medium heat. In the oven, cover them with foil and heat at 350°F until warmed through (about 10-15 minutes). In a skillet, add a bit of oil or broth to keep them moist.
- Considerations: Be careful not to overcook the pork chops during reheating, as this can make them dry. Heating them gently will help retain their juiciness.
🤔 FAQs
What Should I Do with Leftover Ingredients?
Leftover ingredients can be creatively used in other dishes. Extra onions, tomatoes, and garlic are great for making a quick pasta sauce or an omelet the next day. Any unused Italian herbs can be stored in airtight containers and used in various other recipes, like soups or stews.
Is This Recipe Suitable for Meal Prepping?
This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can cook multiple servings and store them as directed. Just reheat a single serving when you’re ready to eat. It’s a time-saver and ensures you have a healthy, home-cooked meal ready on busy days.
What Is the Best Way to Ensure the Pork Chops Don’t Dry Out?
To prevent the pork chops from drying out, don’t overcook them. The ideal internal temperature for pork chops is 145°F (around 63°C). Letting them rest for a few minutes after baking also helps redistribute the juices inside, keeping them moist.
How Can I Add More Flavor to This Dish?
For added flavor, consider marinating the pork chops for an hour or so before cooking. You can use a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for the marinade. This extra step infuses the meat with more depth and zest.
📔 Recipe Card:
Juicy Oven-Baked Pork Chops for a Single Serving
Effortless and tasty, this Oven-Baked Pork Chops recipe is a single-serving delight. Perfect for a swift and savory lunch or dinner.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz Beef
- 1 Onion small
- 4 Tomatoes
- 2 cloves Garlic
- ¼ teaspoon Italian Herb Mix
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash and dry meat and vegetables. Peel onion and garlic. Slice them into ⅓-inch thick pieces.8 oz Beef, 4 Tomatoes, 2 cloves Garlic, 1 Onion
- Season: Toss onion and garlic with Italian herb mix.¼ teaspoon Italian Herb Mix
- Layer in Dish: Place half of the seasoned onion and garlic in a baking dish.
- Add Meat: Lay meat over onion and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with Veggies: Add the remaining onion, garlic, and cherry tomatoes on top of the meat.
- Bake: Cook in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until onions brown and meat cooks thoroughly.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with your preferred salad or side.
Notes
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs besides the Italian mix. For instance, a blend of rosemary and thyme can offer a more aromatic flavor profile, suitable for those who enjoy earthy tastes.
- Wine Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of white wine. A Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the savory flavors of the pork chops and enhances the overall dining experience.
- Using a Meat Thermometer: For best results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops. This ensures they are perfectly cooked to 145°F (around 63°C) without the guesswork.
- Leftover Ideas: If you have leftovers, consider slicing the pork chops and using them in sandwiches or wraps the next day. They can add a flavorful protein boost to a simple lunch.
Nutrition
Calories: 764kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 47gFat: 51gSaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 159mgSodium: 141mgPotassium: 2046mgFiber: 8gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 4110IUVitamin C: 77mgCalcium: 109mgIron: 7mg
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