Saucy Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Tomato & Onion
Meats

Saucy Pan-Fried Pork Chops with Tomato & Onion

ML
By Marie Lefebvre · Updated October 26, 2026

Juicy pork chops marinated in citrus and spices, seared to a golden crust then simmered in a rich tomato-onion sauce. A hearty, budget-friendly dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Prep⏱️ 40 min
Servings👥 4 servings
Difficulty📊 Easy
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🛒 Ingredients

4 servings

4
  • 3 medium pork chops
  • 1 packet of meat seasoning (Sazón-style)
  • 1/2 lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 medium tomato
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • A drizzle of olive oil
  • Salt to taste

Directions

  1. 1

    Place the pork chops in a shallow dish. Sprinkle the seasoning generously over all sides and rub the chops together to coat evenly.

  2. 2

    Squeeze the lemon juice over the chops, add a pinch of salt, and rub again. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes at room temperature.

  3. 3

    Finely dice the tomato and onion into small, even pieces.

  4. 4

    Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the sugar. Cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.

  5. 5

    Add the pork chops and cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes per side until a golden crust forms.

  6. 6

    Scatter the diced onion and tomato around the chops. Mix the tomato paste with 3 tablespoons of water and pour into the pan.

  7. 7

    Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and the pork is cooked through.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately topped with the fragrant tomato-onion sauce alongside white rice or sautéed vegetables.

💡 Chef's Tip

For extra tender chops, marinate them in the fridge for up to 1 hour before cooking. The pinch of sugar in the pan creates a beautiful caramelized sear.