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This quick and easy Grecian Pork Chops Recipe is a delicious, fast way to prepare perfect pork your family will love! The pork marinates a few hours to overnight for a rich, developed flavor and moist and tender meat.
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
Table of contents
Easy Greek Pork Chops
Grecian pork chops bring the aromatic and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your dinner table, creating a meal that’s both delightful and satisfying. The dish typically features thick-cut pork chops marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, and other herbs, capturing the essence of Greek cuisine. The acidity in the lemon juice helps to tenderize the meat, ensuring that each bite is succulent and full of flavor. The garlic adds a pungent kick, complemented by the earthy and floral notes of the oregano, creating a harmonious balance of tastes.
Cooking Grecian pork chops can be done on the grill, in the oven, or on the stovetop, offering versatility depending on your preference and available tools. When grilled, the pork chops develop a beautiful char and smokiness that enhances the marinade’s flavors. If baked or pan-seared, the meat retains its juiciness, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Regardless of the cooking method, allowing the pork chops to rest for a few minutes before serving ensures that the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful final product. Paired with a side of Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or a lemony rice pilaf, Grecian pork chops make for a Mediterranean feast that is sure to impress.
Tips and Tricks for Greek Pork Chops
Creating the perfect Grecian pork chops requires attention to detail, from the marinade to the cooking process. Here are some tips and tricks to help you perfect this Mediterranean delight:
Choose the Right Cut: Opt for thick-cut, bone-in pork chops as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful than their boneless counterparts.
Marinate Well: Ensure that the pork chops are well-coated in the marinade and let them soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours, or even overnight for an enhanced taste.
Room Temperature: Before cooking, let the pork chops sit out for about 20-30 minutes to come to room temperature; this ensures even cooking.
Preheat Your Cooking Surface: Whether you are grilling or pan-searing, make sure your cooking surface is well-preheated. This helps to achieve a nice sear and lock in the juices.
Don’t Overcrowd: If cooking in a pan, avoid overcrowding to ensure each chop gets a good sear.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Pork chops are safe to eat once they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), but you can pull them off the heat at around 140°F (60°C) as the temperature will continue to rise as they rest.
Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the pork chops rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Don’t Skip the Garnish: Garnish with fresh herbs like oregano or parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving to enhance the flavors.
Pair Wisely: Serve with Mediterranean sides like Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or lemon rice to complement the flavors of the marinade.
Balance the Flavors: Ensure that your marinade has a good balance of acidity, fat, and aromatics to infuse the pork chops with a well-rounded flavor.
Experiment with Herbs: While oregano is classic, feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or marjoram.
Adjust the Salt: Be mindful of the salt content in your marinade, as the lemon juice and herbs already impart a lot of flavors.
FAQs
Pork chops are safe to eat once they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), but you can pull them off the heat at around 140°F (60°C) as the temperature will continue to rise as they rest
Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer, let the meat come to room temperature before cooking, and ensure a proper rest time after cooking.
While lemon is a key ingredient for Grecian flavors, you could use other citrus like orange or lime for a different twist.
Yes, you can use dried oregano; just use a third of the amount as dried herbs are more potent than fresh.
You can substitute avocado oil or another light, neutral-flavored oil.
What to Enjoy with Pork Chops
Pork chops pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Here are some options to consider:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make for a classic side, offering a soft texture contrast to the meat.
Roasted Vegetables: Vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus can be roasted for a caramelized flavor.
Apple Sauce: A sweet and tangy apple sauce complements the savory taste of pork chops.
Green Beans: Sautéed or steamed green beans provide a crunchy and fresh element.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve with a side of rice or quinoa for a hearty addition.
Grilled Corn: Corn on the cob, especially when grilled, adds a smoky and sweet flavor.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a slightly sweet taste and smooth texture.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw can provide a refreshing and tangy contrast.
Sautéed Mushrooms: Mushrooms sautéed in butter and garlic can enhance the umami flavors.
Caesar Salad: A Caesar salad adds a creamy and tangy touch to the meal.
Garlic Bread: For those not watching their carb intake, a slice of garlic bread is always a hit.
Spinach or Kale Salad: A leafy green salad can add a light and healthy element.
Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad, perhaps with a vinaigrette, can be a flavorful side.
Bread Rolls: Soft, warm bread rolls are perfect for mopping up any sauce or juices.
Broccoli or Cauliflower: Steamed or roasted, these vegetables offer a healthy and flavorful option.
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Grecian Pork Chops
Equipment
- Premium Garlic Press with Soft Easy-Squeeze Ergonomic Handle, Sturdy Design Extracts More Garlic Paste Per Clove, Garlic Crusher for Nuts & Seeds, Professional Garlic Mincer & Ginger Press – by Zulay
Ingredients
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 10 cloves garlic, diced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 6 pork chops, about 1/2″ thick- add more time in the oven for thicker chops
- 2 tbsp ghee or clarified butter
Instructions
- Add juice of one lemon, diced garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper into a bag with pork chops.
- Marinate at least 3 hours, up to one day before making.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Heat a heavy cast iron pan on medium high until very hot.
- Add ghee until melted.
- Add in pork chops, without crowding the pan.
- Cook until well seared on each side- about 3 minutes.
- Add to oven and cook until internal temperature reaches 145-150 degrees. If you go by the older guidelines, it used to be 160 degrees, but the USDA now says 145 is good. Note that pork can still sometimes look a touch pink even when fully cooked, so go by the temperature.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’d love to try your yummy recipe sometime. My family loves pork chops. It’ll be great to have another recipe in the rotation.Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight Party. Pinned & shared.
This looks amazing!!! Seriously.. YOU ROCKED IT THIS WEEK! Thank you for linking up at the Creative K Kids’ Tasty Tuesdays! I have pinned your post to our Tasty Tuesdays Pinterest Board!! I hope to see you again this week! xo