Marinated Baked Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients
This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 6 pork chops, trimmed
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
- In a small bowl, thoroughly combine vegetable oil, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and lemon juice until the sauce is smooth and well-mixed.
- Arrange the pork chops in a medium baking dish in a single layer.
- Pour half of the prepared sauce over the pork chops, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, flip each pork chop over and pour the remaining sauce over them.
- Continue baking the pork chops for another 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145F (63C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Calories | 166 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 9g (11% DV) |
| Saturated Fat | 2g (12% DV) |
| Cholesterol | 36mg (12% DV) |
| Sodium | 256mg (11% DV) |
| Total Carbohydrate | 7g (2% DV) |
| Total Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 15g (29% DV) |
| Vitamin C | 2mg (2% DV) |
| Calcium | 20mg (2% DV) |
| Iron | 1mg (4% DV) |
| Potassium | 262mg (6% DV) |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Origin Story
The Marinated Baked Pork Chops recipe draws inspiration from classic American home-cooking traditions. Pork, a staple in many kitchens across the world, has long been a go-to for hearty and satisfying meals. The use of simple, accessible ingredients such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup creates a marinade that brings out the natural flavor of the meat. The combination of savory, sweet, and tangy notes makes this dish popular for family dinners or gatherings. While pork chops themselves have been a part of culinary history for centuries, this particular marinade elevates them to a new level of flavor, appealing to modern tastes without being overly complicated to prepare.
Regional Variations
Though this recipe is common in many households across the United States, regional variations exist depending on local preferences and available ingredients. In the South, for instance, pork is often paired with sweeteners like honey or brown sugar, while in the Midwest, the dish might be served with mashed potatoes and a side of corn. The marinade can also vary, with some regions favoring a spicier kick by adding chili flakes or hot sauce. The versatility of the dish makes it adaptable to regional tastes, with some even substituting pork for chicken or beef, depending on whats available or preferred.
How It Differs From Similar Dishes
Marinated Baked Pork Chops set themselves apart from other pork chop recipes due to their unique marinade blend. Unlike traditional dry-rubbed chops or simple salt-and-pepper-seasoned cuts, the marinade incorporates a combination of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar, which not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with a complex flavor profile. This sweet-savory balance gives the dish a distinct taste compared to other baked or pan-fried pork chop recipes. Moreover, the baking method ensures the meat stays moist, avoiding the dry, tough texture that can sometimes result from grilling or frying.
Where It's Commonly Served
Marinated Baked Pork Chops are often served in casual, family-oriented settings. They are ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting Sunday meal. Common sides include mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. This dish is also a popular choice for barbecues or potlucks, as it is easy to prepare in large quantities. In restaurants, you might find it served with a drizzle of the leftover marinade as a sauce, paired with crispy fries or a fresh salad. Its versatility in terms of sides makes it a universal choice for a variety of occasions.
Interesting Facts
- Pork chops are one of the oldest cuts of meat consumed by humans, dating back to ancient civilizations where pork was considered a luxury meat.
- In some cultures, it is believed that marinating meat before cooking helps reduce potential carcinogens produced during grilling or frying, making this baked option a healthier alternative.
- The use of Worcestershire sauce in this recipe was inspired by the English sauce first created in the 19th century, known for its tangy and umami flavors that pair well with meats.
- The marinade can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week, making it convenient for meal prep or future meals.
FAQ about Marinated Baked Pork Chops Recipe
Comments
Meeshell83
10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM
I am not normally a pork eater--but these were great--very juicy! I made a few changes though. I marinated them all day in the full marinade recipe and added some minced garlic. Then right before baking, I made a 1/2 recipe of the marinade and as they were cooking continued to brush it on both sides. They were delicious! I will add this one to the "honey make again" pile!
ASHBETH
04/11/2008 02:05:12 PM
I'm going to do what I don't like to see other people do and tell you all the changes I made while giving this recipe 4 stars! I replaced the ketchup with chili garlic sauce, replaced the lemon juice with lime juice, and replaced all of the oil with just 1 Tbsp of sesame oil for a doubled sauce recipe. I also added 2 Tbsp of rice wine vinegar, again for a doubled recipe. I broiled the pork chops, six minutes per side and reduced the marinade to serve as a sauce. Everyone, kids included, loved this. The basic dish was a great jumping off place for us!
Allrecipes Member
09/18/2006 04:51:51 AM
This was a huge success in our house this evening although I did make a few minor changes. I added diced onion and then covered the baking dish with foil for the first half hour of cooking. I then removed the foil, drained the liquid and poured the remainder of the sauce over the chops and cooked uncovered for another 20 minutes. The result was succulent, tender and very tasty with all the family going back for seconds. Will definitely keep this recipe handy. Thank you to the original poster.
Claire K
04/03/2008 10:09:42 AM
Really good sauce recipe! The sauce was delicious. However, I made the full amount of sauce for 3 pork chops and there still was not enough. Next time I will double the amount of sauce.
jillian2563
02/10/2011 09:58:16 AM
My family really enjoyed these chops. I used boneless pork and didn't trim so next time I will use less oil. I had also added a pat of butter to the sauce just for extra flavor. I didn't have lemon juice so I used red wine vinegar instead. When I pulled them from the oven, I kept 1/4 of sauce with the pork chops and made gravy form the 3/4 of the sauce. It turned out great! I used the gravy for the chops and rice and served brussel sprouts with the meal. I almost had the leftovers for breakfast! But I waited for lunch and it was just as good!
chaoticcassie
03/30/2013 02:16:14 PM
These were great! I doubled the recipe for 6 chops and added a tablespoon more brown sugar to make the sauce a little thicker. Cover&cook for 30 minutes, strain pan, flip over chops, brush marinade all over them, cook uncovered for 25 min, and broil the last 5 minutes. PERFECT. I also make the marinade when I buy the chops, freeze it WITH the chops, in the same ziploc bag. Just put it in the fridge to defrost over night and bam, marinated pork chops.
hlbennett
04/18/2012 09:17:49 AM
This gets four stars for the following reasons: The pork should be covered while baking, and there needs to be a specification of what type of pork chops need to be used in order for you to have to bake them for an hour. I used boneless and they took 20 minutes.
lennele
11/30/2011 03:57:58 PM
I am only a beginner cook, but you made me look like a rock star! even my picky 6 year old ate the pork chops - the entire family loved them. I took the advice of others and cooked at 350 covered for a while and then poured out the runny juices, then topped with remaining sauce and put under the broiler for 5 minutes...delicious! The only thing I added was fresh garlic to the sauce. Thank you for posting this recipe!
CC
10/10/2007 04:07:37 PM
Great recipe the pork chops were so tender and juicy. I add some ground ginger to the mixture, reduced the amount of brown sugar to two teaspoons, and added some dice onions. I covered the pork chops baked them for 30 minutes, removed the foil and baked them for another 30 minutes.
Allrecipes Member
12/20/2020 08:43:58 PM
This recipe is wonderful! I am a household of one, so I had two inch thick bone in chops and everything else except lemons so I had to substitute Kikkoman citrus ponzu for the lemon juice. I made the full recipe of the sauce and put my chops in a freezer bag and added all the sauce to the bag and tossed it in the fridge to marinate overnight. The next afternoon I took one chop out of the bag and drained out all the sauce, then froze the other chop in the bag for another day with a fresh batch of sauce. After bringing the chop to room temperature I slice up an onion on a sprayed baking sheet, put the chop on top of the onion, added a partially cooked sweet potato, and finished the recipe as directed except that I only cooked the chop for a total of about 35 minutes, until my instant read thermometer said it was at 140. I turned off the oven, covered the pan with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes. While it rested I steamed some green peas and dinner was wonderful! When I cook the other one I will post a picture, too impatient to do that this time!
Nadia
08/30/2002 07:23:36 AM
Excellent! I scaled this to serve two and was very happy!! I also tripled the sauce and tried it on chicken drumsticks which was very good! The only thing I changed was the baking time, it only needed 10-15 minutes on each side as I was only cooking for two.
Ryan
08/03/2025 10:27:53 PM
I was honestly skeptical at first, because it's so easy for pork chops to dry out. But after 1 hour, they were still juicy and tender! I finished them with a mushroom gravy and scallions. Perfect chops!
Charlotte Pratt Wilson
06/01/2025 06:03:38 PM
This was surprisingly easy and very tasty. My husband liked it. I think soy sauce really adds a kick.
Cookin Sue
03/04/2025 04:22:50 AM
This is incredibly good. The chops always come out cooked perfectly and the sauce is amazingly good. I make it just like the recipe.
FeistyMalt7995
02/27/2025 01:38:10 AM
Good flavor. Next time I would bake for 50 minutes.
CARIEVANS
01/22/2025 04:24:38 PM
I followed the instructions exactly. Took this as a meal to someone and we have had it twice now (the third will be tonight). We absolutely love this. One time the store substituted pork shoulder steaks for the pork chops. It was even better!
Amanda Wright
11/20/2024 08:26:53 PM
It’s giving cozy comfort vibes.
ShinySpud4107
11/09/2024 12:16:09 AM
Just to remember how long it takes to cook
Dennis Rivera
10/11/2024 01:31:22 PM
This recipe blew my mind.
dawn1095455i
07/28/2024 02:30:31 AM
I tasted the marinade before cooking the chops, and added gochugaru,(Korean red pepper flakes) onion powder, mustard powder, and roasted garlic to it. These ingredients gave it the flavor I was looking for. Before it was too sweet and tasted like ketsup.