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Keto Baked Pork Chops with Asparagus 🥩

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The Baked Pork Chops recipe is a one-pan wonder with a terrific combo of delicious pork chops and crispy asparagus. And the best part? It only needs 4 simple ingredients.

Aesthetic arrangement of keto baked pork chops with asparagus on a cast iron baking dish on kitchen table.
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Preparation and cooking overview

Creating this satiating dish is easy and takes only 30 minutes! Yes, you heard it right! All it takes is to marinade the bone-in chops and bake them, along with asparagus. The result? Juicy tender meat that melts in your mouth.

Chef's note

Want a bit of spiciness? Just sprinkle some red pepper flakes. Or, add some fresh rosemary if you're in the mood for a herby taste. And hey, a dash of smoked paprika can take these chops to the next level.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Bake Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

🥩 Ingredients for this baked pork chops recipe

  • 1 ¼ pound bone-in pork chops
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
  • 0.33 pound asparagus
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground cracked pepper, to taste
Keto baked pork recipe served with baked asparagus.

Ingredient substitutions

  • Bone-in pork chops: Consider trying boneless pork chops or pork tenderloin as an alternative to bone-in pork chops. They have a tender and lean meat texture, allowing for quicker and more even cooking.
  • Olive oil: You can use coconut oil or butter if you don't have olive oil. Coconut oil adds a distinct coconut flavor, while butter brings a rich and creamy taste.
  • Ranch seasoning: If you're out of ranch seasoning, whip up a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and dried chives. This homemade seasoning mix is keto-friendly and flavorful!

Additional ingredients

  • Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle some grated parmesan over the asparagus before popping it in the oven. It adds extra flavor.
  • Lemon zest: A sprinkle of fresh lemon zest over the finished dish can add a zingy freshness that lightens the meal.
  • Garlic: Consider adding minced garlic cloves or a teaspoon of garlic powder to the meat before baking. The garlic will provide a delicious taste that complements the dish perfectly.
  • Butter: Pat some butter on each cut before baking. This makes the meat extra juicy.
Keto pork chops recipe.

Cooking tools required

To make this Baked Pork Chops recipe, you need the following tools:

  • Plastic container or a zip lock bag
  • Oven-safe baking dish
  • Foil
  • Tongs

Tools substitute options

  • Tongs: If you don't have tongs, you can use a spatula or a sturdy fork to flip the meat.
Pork chops on a cast iron dish.

How to make Baked Pork Chops: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Oven-baking

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all your ingredients.
  2. Wash asparagus under cold water.
  3. Prepare the baking tools.

Cooking instructions

  1. First, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Then, in a container or zip lock bag, combine pork chops, oil, and ranch seasoning, coating them evenly.
  3. Next, place the pork chops in an oven-safe dish and put them in the preheated oven. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
  4. Remove the baking dish from the oven and flip the pork chops.
  5. Next, arrange the asparagus evenly over the meat and return it to the oven for 5 minutes.
  6. Remove from the oven and serve!
Combining pork chops, oil, and ranch seasoning in a ziplock bag.
Pork chops arranged in a baking dish for baking.
Baked pork chops on a cast iron baking dish.

Chef's pro tip

One common hiccup when making this recipe is overcooking pork chops, which results in tough, dry meat. How to prevent this? Well, keep a close eye on the cooking time. And use a meat thermometer at the thickest part of the cut. We want an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Also, let the pork chops rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows them to soak in the juices and enhances their overall flavor and tenderness.

What to serve with baked pork chops?

  • Roasted vegetables: Serve the pork chops with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus. Season the veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting them in the oven.
  • Side salad: Pair the pork chops with a salad made with leafy greens, cherry tomatoes, and sliced avocado. Dress it in a simple vinaigrette made with vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard.
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts: Double up on your greens! Roasted Brussels sprouts are flavorful and full of fiber.
Keto baked pork chops served with asparagus on a cast iron baking dish.

How to make it healthier

  • Use lean protein: Opt for lean pork.
  • Lower sodium: Make your own ranch seasoning at home. Prepackaged seasonings can often contain a lot of sodium.

Time-saving tips

  • Buy pre-chopped pork: Get the pre-chopped bone-in pork meat.
  • Skip broiling: If time is tight, skip the broiling step and bake the cutlets for 20 minutes. The result will still be flavorful and tender.
Homemade keto pork recipe.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Pork chops: Trim excess fat from the meat. Marinade the meat in oil and ranch seasoning for a few hours.
  • Asparagus: Wash the asparagus and trim the ends. Store it in the refrigerator in a produce bag or container until you're ready to cook.
  • Seasoning: Make ranch seasoning at home and store it in a cool, dark place.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage tips

If you have any leftover pork chops, first let them cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate in an airtight container or a zip-lock bag for 3 days.

Low carb pork chops with asparagus.

Reheating best practices

  • Oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, put the leftovers on a baking sheet and securely cover them with foil. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to the dish before reheating to help prevent the pork chops from drying out.
  • Microwave: Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high heat for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
  • Stovetop: Heat a small amount of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chops and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

This keto Baked Pork Chops with Asparagus recipe is a simple, delicious, and complete meal. With just four ingredients and effortless preparation, this dish offers simplicity without compromising the taste. Elevate your weekend dinners or streamline your meal prep routine with these tender and juicy pork chops. And let us know how it turned out!

Freshly baked pork chops and asparagus.

Frequently asked questions

Look for a similar blend of herbs like dill, parsley, chives, garlic, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. You can create your own mix or find a store-bought option. You can even use Italian seasoning.

Ideally, it's best to use a container with a tight-fitting lid or cover to seal the flavors during the marinating process. If you don't have a suitable lid, you can use plastic wrap as a cover.

Chops that are about 1 to 1.5 inches thick work best. This thickness ensures even cooking and helps prevent them from drying.

Hold the stalk at both ends and gently bend until it breaks. It will naturally snap at the junction of the tough and the tender part. Alternatively, you can use a knife to trim off an inch from the bottom of the stalks.

Yes, flip the pork chops to ensure even cooking. Additionally, flipping the pork chops helps achieve a nice, even browning.

Remove the pork chops and continue baking the asparagus until it reaches the desired tenderness. Thicker stalks might require more cooking time.

📖 Recipe

Baked Pork Chops with Asparagus.

Keto Baked Pork Chops with Asparagus

In under 30 minutes, you can have oven-baked pork chops and crisp asparagus ready on your table.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pork, pork chops
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 302kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ pound bone-in pork chops
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
  • 0.33 pound asparagus
  • Sea salt
  • Freshly ground cracked pepper to taste

Instructions

  • First, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Then, in a container or zip lock bag, combine pork chops, oil, and ranch seasoning, coating them evenly.
  • Next, place the pork chops in an oven-safe dish and put them in the preheated oven. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the baking dish from the oven and flip the pork chops.
  • Next, arrange the asparagus evenly over the meat and return it to the oven for 5 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and serve!

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Baked Pork Chops with Asparagus
Amount Per Serving
Calories 302 Calories from Fat 180
% Daily Value*
Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 5g31%
Trans Fat 0.1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 11g
Cholesterol 73mg24%
Sodium 622mg27%
Potassium 440mg13%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 23g46%
Vitamin A 289IU6%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 29mg3%
Iron 2mg11%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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