Serve Up A Lemony Garlic Flavored Pork Feast With This Easy Platter

Looking for a delicious pork dinner that's full of bright, fresh flavor? This lemony garlic pork platter has it all - tender boneless pork chops and pork tenderloin seared to perfection and topped with a tangy, lemon garlic sauce that takes it over the top. Served alongside crispy roasted potatoes and seasoned vegetables, it makes for an incredible meal that looks impressive but comes together easily. Let's break it down step-by-step so you can make this tasty platter for your next special occasion.

Pick Your Favorite Cuts Of Pork

When it comes to the pork for this platter, you have options! Boneless pork chops and pork tenderloin are my top picks because they cook quickly and absorb all that fabulous flavor. Choose whichever you prefer or use a mix of both for variety.

Pork Chops

For chops, choose center cut boneless that are about 1 inch thick. The bone has been removed so they'll cook faster and be easy to slice and serve. 1 inch gives you that perfect balance between juicy and cooked through.

Pork Tenderloin

A pork tenderloin is very lean and tender, ideal for fast cooking. Look for one about 1-1.5 lbs. The tapered shape allows for even cooking since you can nestle the thinner end under the thicker end.

Season The Pork Lightly

You don't need much to bring out the flavor of the pork besides salt, pepper and maybe a little paprika. Keep the seasoning simple because the lemon garlic sauce will add so much flavor. Just be sure to pat the pork dry so the seasoning adheres.

Skip The Oil

There's no need to coat the pork in oil before cooking. A light brush of oil on the pan is sufficient. Keeping the pork dry leads to better browning.

Get A Good Sear

The first step is to sear the pork on all sides over high heat until browned. Use a large skillet or pan and work in batches if needed to avoid crowding. The sear gives you those beautiful brown exterior bits that are full of flavor.

Don't Fear The Fond!

The delicious browned bits left behind in the pan are called fond and are liquid gold for making pan sauces like our lemon garlic one. Embrace the fond!

Simmer The Pork In A Lemony Garlic Sauce

After searing, remove the pork from the pan and make the quick sauce right in the same pan. Sauté minced garlic in the fond then deglaze with chicken broth and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer until thickened then add the pork back in to finish cooking.

Adjust Sauce To Your Taste

Play around with the lemon and garlic amounts in the sauce. More lemon brings tang, more garlic brings punch. Find your perfect balance!

Crispy Roast Potatoes Are A Must

To round out this platter, you need a good starchy side. Crispy roasted potatoes are the perfect choice. Cut small potatoes into wedges, toss with oil, salt and pepper and roast in a hot oven until golden brown. So easy and so good!

Give Root Veggies A Whirl

For something different, try roasted turnips, parsnips, or carrots in place of the potatoes. Same method, just swap in any hardy root veg you like!

Add A Simple Green Vegetable

Balance out the meal with some greens! Roasted broccoli, brussels sprouts or asparagus would be right at home on this platter. Even a simple side salad will do. Play around and use what's fresh.

On Busy Nights, Take Shortcuts

If you're pinched for time, grab a bagged salad kit or use frozen roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts to round out your platter.

Put It All Together For A Showstopper

When it's time to serve, arrange the saucy pork chops and tenderloin over the potatoes and veggies on a large platter for an impressive presentation. The combination of savory, juicy pork, crispy potatoes, fresh lemon garlic flavor and greens makes for a balanced, delicious dinner.

Leftovers Are Your Friend

The great thing about a platter like this is that the components reheat beautifully for easy leftover meals. Reheat the pork, potatoes and veggies separately for maximum flavor and texture.

5 Frequently Asked Questions About Lemon Garlic Pork Platters

What drink pairs well with this pork platter?

A crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, is a great match for the bright lemon flavors. A Pilsner or lager beer would also complement the meal nicely.

Can I prepare the whole meal in advance?

Absolutely! Marinate the pork and prep all the veggies earlier in the day, then cook everything right before serving. The only thing you'll need to finish just before eating is making the pan sauce.

What kind of lemon is best for the sauce?

Regular yellow lemons have the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Meyer lemons can work too if you prefer a milder flavor.

Should I use fresh or jarred garlic?

Fresh garlic is always best! The flavor is so much brighter. But if you only have jarred, just use a bit more to compensate.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just use a very large skillet, roasting pan or cook the pork in batches to handle the extra volume. Make sure to increase the sauce ingredients too.

In Summary

With its fresh and zesty lemon garlic pork, crispy roasted potatoes, and easy veggie sides, this platter makes putting a crowd-pleasing meal on the table simple. The secret is choosing easy to cook cuts of pork, seasoning minimally, and letting a flavorful pan sauce do the work. Get creative with your veggie pairings based on preferences and seasonal produce. Just a few tips and tricks deliver an elegant pork dinner you can make anytime.