Lemon pepper pork chops are a breeze to prepare, and can be grilled indoors or outdoors. Additionally, they make delicious baked dishes too.
To guarantee your pork is juicy and not dry, follow basic cooking instructions and use a meat thermometer. Remove the chops when their internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Easy Grilled Lemon Pepper Pork Chops
Pork chops are an incredibly straightforward meal to prepare – only requiring a few ingredients and ready in no time! For an even faster summer dinner, grill these lemon pepper pork chops over the grill for everyone’s approval!
To keep these grilled lemon pepper pork chops juicy and tender, adhere to basic cooking times and use an accurate meat thermometer. You can find great ones at your local grocery store at a great price!
These pork chops are marinated in a zesty marinade of soy sauce, olive oil, garlic and lemon pepper seasoning. Not only does this keep the chops juicy and tender during cooking, but you can make this marinade up to two weeks ahead of time for maximum convenience.
Start by preheating your outdoor BBQ or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Place pork chops in the pan and sear one side until 3-5 minutes are completed, then flip and continue cooking until an instant-read thermometer registers 145 degrees F inside.
Once the pork chops have reached this temperature, remove from the pan and transfer to a serving plate. Serve with rice, steamed vegetables or fresh green beans as an accompaniment.
For an added layer of flavor, add in some freshly squeezed lemon juice and minced garlic before transferring the vegetables to the pan. This will provide a pleasant citrus taste and is an easy way to brighten up the dish!
Another option is to create a low-sodium marinade for the chops in the same way you would for steaks. Simply combine soy sauce, oil, water, lemon pepper seasoning and garlic in a sealed container before adding the chops to it. This marinade can be made up to two weeks ahead and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook the pork chops.
You can reheat leftovers in the oven, on the stovetop or an air fryer. Alternatively, you can freeze them and thaw them out in the fridge before cooking.
Easy Baked Lemon Pepper Pork Chops
Pork is an ideal protein to have on hand and often overlooked as an affordable and tasty choice. These quick baked lemon pepper pork chops make for a delicious weeknight dinner! Serve them up with some salad or bread for a healthy, flavorful meal in no time!
To maximize the flavor of your pork chops, marinate them in a mixture of lemon juice and garlic. This will make them extra tender and juicy! For added flair, add some spices to the marinade as well.
Another effective way to make your pork chops tender is by dry brining. Similar to a salt crust, you simply sprinkle salt and seasonings onto the meat then let rest for several hours before cooking.
Dry brining meat allows it to absorb seasonings better and helps prevent it from drying out when cooking. Just be sure to use a dry brine that contains salt, not just any old rub or seasoning mix!
Once your pork chops have marinated, it’s time to bake them. Be sure they reach a high enough temperature so they are fully cooked but not overcooked or dry. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; make sure it reaches 145 degrees F and no longer pink inside.
Once the pork has finished baking, take it out of the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. Doing this allows the pork to retain some of its cooking heat as it rests, creating an incredibly juicy, tender dish!
You could also try baking the pork chops straight from the refrigerator; this will keep them moist and juicy without needing a marinade, though they may not be as flavorful.
For optimal results, cook your pork chops to a minimum temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum of 160 degrees F. This temperature range is ideal for most cuts of pork and guarantees they’re cooked through without becoming overcooked or dry.
Easy Lemon Pepper Pork Chops with Garlic Butter Sauce
Lemon pepper pork chops are an irresistibly flavorful, quick, and easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Made with storecupboard ingredients, they can be served with salad, bread, veggies and potatoes or even pasta!
If you want to make these delicious lemon pepper pork chops without grilling them, baking is an alternative option. This method is similar to grilling but requires less time and ensures your pork has reached an internal temperature safe for consumption.
Place the pork chops on a foil-lined baking sheet, and coat both sides with True Lemon Pepper Seasoning and olive oil. Let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking to allow the flavor to fully penetrate into the meat.
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the pork chops on a baking pan in an even layer and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer registers 145 degrees F. Remove from the oven and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Make the garlic butter sauce next. This straightforward sauce can be served over top of your breaded pork chops or added directly into the skillet while they bake for extra flavor!
Start by mixing together lemon juice, wine, whipped cream, shallots, garlic and butter in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook until the sauce thickens slightly (approximately 15 minutes). You may need to add more butter or cream as it cooks down; just be careful not to overdo it!
Next, brown the pork chops on both sides to achieve a golden brown hue and to fully release the flavors of lemon pepper.
Once the pork chops have browned, set them aside. You may also keep them in a cool spot until you’re ready to serve with garlic butter sauce.
This recipe is the perfect way to use up leftover pork chops or chicken breasts! The sauce can be tailored for almost any protein type, while the breading makes it a delicious appetizer or main course. Plus, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to four days!
Easy Lemon Pepper Pork Chops with Rice
If you’re a fan of lemon pepper pork chops, this straightforward recipe is for you! All the ingredients needed for the dish can be found in your pantry and it takes only 30 minutes to prepare – perfect for a weeknight dinner that everyone will love!
This straightforward recipe calls for pork chops coated in a delicious mixture of olive oil, butter and lemon pepper. You can use boneless or bone-in chops to make it work!
Begin by prepping the pork chops according to the package instructions. This is an effective way to keep the meat tender and juicy while cooking.
Next, sprinkle kosher salt and lemon pepper onto the pork chops before placing them on a baking pan and placing in the oven. After they are browned, cover with foil and bake for around 20 minutes more.
Once the pork chops are cooked through, remove them from the oven and allow them to rest for 3 minutes. This allows juices to seep back into the chops and create a brine-like liquid. Salt from this brine will draw out natural meat juices from within, giving the meat even more flavor.
Once the pork chops have rested, you can begin prepping the rice. Additionally, you could prepare a side salad or sauteed vegetables to go along with this dish.
To prepare the rice, mix equal amounts of Jasmine rice and water. You can also use cooked rice.
Once the rice is done, layer on top the pork chops and pour in the sauce. You can also garnish with some lemon zest for extra flair!
You can serve this dish with either mashed potatoes or pasta for a complete dinner. Alternatively, you could pair it with some grilled veggies or simply have salad and bread as the main course.
This recipe is one of the easiest and tastiest I’ve ever made! The pork chops are lightly seasoned with lemon pepper before being served over rice – an effortless dinner that’s great for busy weeknights!