
Florida Pork Chops combine the sweet citrus brightness of orange juice with the tang of dry mustard and the mellow depth of brown sugar. Likely originating from mid-century American kitchens influenced by Florida’s citrus industry, this dish offers a fresh, tangy contrast to traditional savory pork chop recipes. The simple prep and bold flavor made it a family dinner favorite, especially during the winter citrus season.
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops ( or 2 pork steaks, do not pre-brown, trim off excess fat)
- 1 cup orange juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- ¼ tsp ground pepper ( or lemon pepper)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together the orange juice, brown sugar, salt, dry mustard, and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble in Baking Dish
- Place pork chops in a baking dish in a single layer.
- Pour the prepared orange juice mixture evenly over the pork chops.
Step 4: Adjust Juice (Optional)
- Add more orange juice if necessary to cover the chops halfway.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the pork is tender and the sauce slightly thickened.
Tips
- Use bone-in pork chops for extra moisture and flavor.
- Add orange zest to intensify the citrus aroma without adding more liquid.
- Reduce the brown sugar for a less sweet, more tangy dish.
- Add sliced onions to the baking dish for extra depth.
- Replace dry mustard with Dijon for a smoother flavor.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Substitute lemon-pepper seasoning with fresh cracked pepper and a splash of lemon juice.
- Make a quick pan sauce from the baking juices by simmering and reducing after cooking.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to balance the sweetness.
Nutrition
Calories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 33gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 690mgPotassium: 610mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 90IUVitamin C: 31mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 1.2mg
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