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–+ servings
Florida Pork Chops
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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 345 kcal

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
Keyword citrus glaze, comfort food, heirloom recipe, pork chops, retro cooking, vintage recipe
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