Lemon Basil Freezer Meal Pork Chops
Tangy fresh lemon and garlic and the bright burst of flavour from chopped fresh basil work to create the perfect marinade for these Freezer Meal Pork Chops. With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly and can be eaten the same day or separated into freezer meals for the busy weeks ahead.
Lemon and Basil Freezer Meal Pork Chops
I hate to remind everyone but back to school is coming soon and while I am excited to get the kids out of the house I am not excited about the whole rigmarole that comes with this time of year. Lunches, homework and getting dinner on the table before rushing to hockey practice or wherever you kids need to be.
Freezer Meals can be a godsend!
What are Freezer Meals You Ask?
Well, the names practically say it all. Freezer Meals are meals that you can make ahead of time, freeze for later and unthaw and prepare quickly. You combine all the ingredients ahead of time for the recipe and freeze for later.
What Kind of Recipes Work Best For Freezer Meals?
Crockpot recipes, casseroles, and pre-marinated meats are all good examples of recipes that can be made into freezer meals. Combine the ingredients for a crockpot recipe and store in a freezer bag or container and then add to the crockpot before going to work so dinner is ready you get home.
Make a casserole ahead of time in a sealable freezer-safe casserole dish and pop in the oven when you get home.
Or create your favourite marinade for the meat or seafood of your choice and store in a freezer bag to thaw and grill or bake when you get home.
Quick meal prep. Minimal mess. A Tasty Meal in under 30 minutes!
How To Make Lemon Basil Freezer Meal Pork Chops
In order to really take advantage of any freezer meal recipe, it is important to think in bulk. The end goal here is to take the time now to make enough for later. At the end with a few recipes, you can have a freezer full of great meals at the ready after just one day of work.
Do the work now and reap the rewards later!
Start with buying enough ingredients for 3-4 meals worth of this or any recipe. Ensure you have 3-4 freezer bags or containers to hold each meal. And label each container with the date and name of the recipe so you can keep track of when you made the recipe. A freezer meal can typically last up to 3 months in the freezer so you will want to make sure you know when you made it.
For these Lemon Basil Freezer Pork Chops decide how many you need for your family. I have a family of four so I actually make 6 pork chops per meal. Why? Because again I am trying to make life easy and having extra means I now also have leftovers for lunch of a quick dinner the next night!
Place the pork chops into the freezer bag or container and be sure to wash your hands when done. Repeat this for the number of meals you plan to make.
Double or triple the measurements or amounts of recipe ingredients to match the number of meals you plan to make. Then get to work.
In a large bowl, add the oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and finely chopped garlic and basil. Mix well. Remember to multiply the ingredients by how many recipes you are making!
Then spoon even amounts of the marinade into each bag or freezer container. Seal and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
If making to eat the same day, let the pork marinate for 20 minutes and then grill at mid-high heat for about 6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
Any easy freezer meal that takes under 15 minutes to cook! This Cranberry & Apple Brussel Sprouts Salad goes great with this recipe and also makes enough for leftovers!
What Kind of Meats Are Best For Freezer Meals
Chicken, pork, beef, turkey and lamb work very well for freezer meals. I am not a huge fan of frozen seafood but firmer fish like basa, tilapia and shrimp can work well too. Be sure when using fish though that the fish is fresh and has not already been previously frozen.
Here are some other great freezer meal recipes you might want to try:
Cuban Style Baked Pork Tenderloin
What if you live alone? Can you Cook Freezer Meals For Yourself?
Yes of course!
If a recipe says, for example, it makes enough for 4 simply break that recipe up into 4 separate freezer containers and freeze for later. Or maybe just split the recipe in two and have enough from one meal and leftovers for the next day.
The beauty of freezer meals is that it really just comes down to breaking down the portions ahead of time and freezing them for later.
What Side Dishes Work Best For Freezer Meals?
Since the idea of having freezer meals in the first place is to make cooking faster you want side dishes that are either easy and quick to make or something already made as part of your weekly meal prep that can stay in the fridge for a few days.
Some of my favourite sides to eat with freezer meals are:
- Salad
- Brown Rice
- Cut Raw Veggies
- Green Beans
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
- Zucchini
Or make these dishes when you are meal prepping for the week. I meal prep on Sunday and make enough to last the week:
- Seasoned Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Easy German Potato Salad
- Zesty Quinoa Salad
- Mexican Bean Salad
- Tangy Homemade Coleslaw
- Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas
These Lemon Basil Pork Chops are one of my favourite recipes to make as a freezer meal. It is an inexpensive recipe to make, uses only a few ingredients and is packed with flavour.
Lemon Basil Freezer Meal Pork Chop Recipe
If you like this recipe please give it a 5-star rating and leave a comment … I would love to hear how it turned out for you!
Lemon Basil Freezer Meal Pork Chops
Equipment
- Freezer Bags or ContaiGrners
- BBQ or Grill Pan
- Large Bowl
- Knife
- Tongs
- Spoon
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 6 pork chops Approx 1 1/2 inches thick
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup fresh basil finely chopped
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Place pork chops in a freezer bag or freezer-safe storage container
- In a medium bowl add 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 4 cloves garlic minced, 1 cup of fresh basil finely chopped, 2 tsp sea salt and 1 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well.
- Pour into freezer bag or container with pork chops and seal well. Gently massage the marinade into meat to ensure evenly coated.
- Write on date and title of the recipe on freezer container and freeze for up to 3 months. Before using let thaw overnight in the refrigerator. If eating the same day, let marinate for 20 minutes.
- When ready to cook, preheat the BBQ to medium heat or cook in a grill pan over medium-high heat for about 6 minutes per side flipping only once or until pork reaches an internal temperature with a meat thermometer of 145 degrees F.
Nutrition
Notes
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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For the step-by-step version of this recipe, check out the How To Make Butter Smothered Green Beans & Cashews Story.
pin it for later!
I used bone in pork chops that were no where near 1.5 inches thick lol. So, I ended up marinating the pork for 1 hour and then cooked them on the stove top in a cast iron skillet. My family declared these were the best pork chops ever. We will definitely make again.
Yay! I am thrilled to hear this! I have cooked them stovetop before when it is too cold or snowy to BBQ as well. I should maybe add this cooking variation to the post. Thanks so much for sharing Karena!
These sound absolutely delicious, I can’t wait to make them!