These are so good, they disappear as soon as they're out of the oven!

Baked Hoisin and Orange Pork Chops are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. This dish brings together the rich, umami taste of hoisin sauce with the bright, citrusy notes of orange juice, creating a marinade that tenderizes and flavors the pork beautifully. It's a dish that feels a little fancy but is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy professionals like me who love to cook but don't always have hours to spend in the kitchen.

These pork chops pair wonderfully with a side of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. For a pop of color and freshness, consider serving them with a simple green salad or some roasted asparagus. If you're feeling adventurous, a side of stir-fried vegetables with a hint of garlic and soy sauce would complement the flavors perfectly.

Servings: 4

4 pork chops
1/2 cup hoisin sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 tablespoons orange juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions, sliced, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and prepare a baking tray with foil and cooking spray.

In a bowl, mix together the hoisin sauce, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, ground ginger, and orange juice to create a marinade.

Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.

Place the pork chops on the prepared baking tray and coat them with the marinade.

Fold the foil around the chops to keep the juices in.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the pork chops are tender.

Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a caramelized finish.

Let the pork chops rest for a few minutes before serving.

Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

For a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili paste to the marinade. If you prefer a more citrusy flavor, increase the amount of orange juice and add some freshly grated orange zest. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also try this recipe with chicken breasts or thighs for a different protein option.