This baked bone-in pork chop recipe features a bright lemongrass and ginger marinade that brings out the best in the meat. Marinate the chops, quickly sear them to develop a flavorful crust, then finish in the oven for juicy, tender results.
Begin by mixing a simple four-ingredient marinade, coat the pork chops, and let them rest in the refrigerator to absorb the flavors. After marinating, sear the chops in an oven-safe skillet and bake until they reach the recommended internal temperature. The process is straightforward and yields a delicious dinner that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Marinated Chops = Tender and Juicy
Marinating transforms pork chops, making them more tender and infusing them with flavor. While rubs work well, a quick marinade is especially effective at producing juicy, aromatic chops. This recipe uses an Asian-inspired blend of soy, honey, fresh ginger, and lemongrass. It’s a short ingredient list that delivers bright, savory notes.
Bone-in Chops
I prefer bone-in pork chops for their deeper flavor and often greater thickness. The bone and surrounding fat help the meat stay juicy and can improve the overall taste. Choose thick, bone-in chops—about 1 to 1.5 inches—for best results with this method.
Lemongrass Ginger Pork Chop Marinade
To make the marinade, you only need a few simple ingredients. Fresh or paste forms of ginger and lemongrass work well when you want convenience. Here are the ingredients used in this recipe:
- Soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
- Fresh grated ginger (about 1 teaspoon)
- Honey (to balance the savory elements)
- Fresh grated lemongrass (about 1 teaspoon) or prepared lemongrass paste
Combine the soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and grated lemongrass in a bowl, and reserve a small portion of the marinade to brush on the chops after cooking.
How long should I marinate my pork chops?
Marinate the chops for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate. For deeper flavor and improved tenderness, marinate for up to 2 hours. Avoid extremely long marinades with high-acid ingredients, as they can change texture.
After marinating, remove the chops from the fridge and proceed to sear and bake.
How to Sear Pork Chops
Use an oven-safe cast iron skillet or another oven-safe pan. Heat about 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear the pork chops for roughly 1.5 minutes per side to form a golden, slightly crispy exterior. This quick sear locks in juices and builds flavor.
Note: If you don’t use cast iron, ensure whatever pan you use is oven-safe so it can go from stovetop to oven without issue.
How Long Do You Bake Pork Chops?
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10–15 minutes, depending on chop thickness. Thicker chops will need more time; thinner chops less. Because cast iron retains and distributes heat well, baking time may vary slightly if you use a different pan.
Ideal Pork Chop Temperature
Cook pork chops to an internal temperature between 145°F and 160°F. The USDA recommends 145°F followed by a brief rest for safe, juicy pork. 145°F yields a slightly pink, tender result, while 160°F is closer to well done.
Rest Before Serving
When the chops reach the desired temperature, remove the skillet from the oven and brush the meat with the reserved marinade for added glaze and flavor. Let the chops rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing; this helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
Suggested Sides for Pork Chops
Pork chops pair well with roasted or mashed potatoes, applesauce, roasted squash, and sweet potato preparations. Here are a few classic side options to complement the lemongrass-ginger flavors:
- Roasted red potatoes
- Homemade applesauce
- Roasted butternut squash
- Sweet potato tater tots or roasted sweet potatoes
More Pork Recipe Ideas
- Instant Pot pork roast
- Pork chop marinades and variations
- Instant Pot pork chops
- Slow-cooker carnitas or burrito bowls
- Instant Pot carnitas
Lemongrass Ginger Baked Bone-In Pork Chops
This simple, flavorful recipe yields two servings and takes about 40 minutes of active time with a total time of roughly 1 hour including marinating.
Author: Lee Funke
Prep: 40 mins • Cook: 20 mins • Total: 1 hr • Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 1 lb. bone-in pork chops (about two 1.5-inch chops)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemongrass (or lemongrass paste)
- Pepper, to taste
- 1.5 tablespoons olive oil for searing
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and grated lemongrass. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for brushing after cooking.
- Add the pork chops to the bowl and coat well on all sides with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant. Sear the pork chops for about 1.5 minutes per side to form a golden crust.
- Transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F.
- Remove from the oven, brush the chops with the reserved marinade, and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Notes
- Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve a good sear and even heat, but any oven-safe pan will work—adjust cooking time as needed.
- Marinating longer (up to 2 hours) enhances flavor and tenderness, but avoid excessively long exposure that could change texture.
- This recipe was updated with new photos and a refined method to emphasize searing and proper resting.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving: Calories: 520 kcal • Carbohydrates: 20 g • Protein: 2 g • Fat: 28 g • Fiber: 0 g • Sugar: 18 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.