High Protein Dinner: Grilled Pork Chops with Sweet Potato Recipe

Thick pork chops with a good char alongside roasted sweet potato — this high protein dinner is what clean eating looks like when it actually tastes good.

Cook 40 min Difficulty NORMAL 410 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • bone-in pork chops 2 pieces
  • sweet potato 2 pieces
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • kosher salt 1.5 tsp
  • black pepper 1 tsp
  • garlic powder 0.5 tsp
  • smoked paprika 0.5 tsp
  • fresh rosemary (finely chopped) 2 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 32 g 31%
Protein 37 g 36%
Fat 14 g 33%
Serving size 340g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 425°F. While oven preheats, pat pork chops dry and let them come to room temperature for even cooking.

  2. 2

    Rub sweet potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, half the kosher salt, and black pepper. Place on a lined baking sheet and roast for 35–40 minutes, turning halfway for even caramelization.

  3. 3

    Mix remaining olive oil, the rest of the salt and pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and rosemary; coat pork chops thoroughly.

  4. 4

    Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat until just smoking. Grill pork chops 4–5 minutes per side, adjusting heat to avoid burning while getting a deep char.

  5. 5

    Rest pork chops for 5 minutes, tented loosely with foil. Serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes split or sliced, spooning any pan juices over the top.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Thick, bone-in pork chops are the central ingredient, delivering the dish’s defining meaty flavor and robust texture. They’re paired with sweet potatoes for natural sweetness and a hearty, balanced meal.
Q. How do I get the best char on the pork chops without drying them out?
Patting the pork chops dry and allowing them to come to room temperature helps preserve juiciness. Preheat the grill pan until just smoking, then grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side, adjusting as needed for an even char while keeping the meat moist.
Q. How can I tell when the sweet potatoes are perfectly roasted?
Roast the sweet potatoes at 425°F, turning halfway for uniform caramelization. They’re done when fork-tender and deep golden; avoid over-roasting to maintain their soft but not mushy texture.
Q. What’s the protein-to-carb ratio per serving in this dish?
Each serving contains 37g protein and 32g carbohydrates, making it a high-protein option with a nearly 1:1 protein-to-carb ratio. About 36% of the calories are from protein.
Q. Are any herbs or spices essential for flavor?
Yes. Fresh rosemary, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper bring aromatic depth and a savory, smoky character that’s crucial for enhancing both the pork chops and the sweet potatoes.
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