Here’s a Brown Sugar Pork Chop recipe that’s simple yet full of flavor. It’s a great combination of sweet, savory, and tender pork, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (1-inch thick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for an extra umami flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Pork Chops:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C).
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. Tent with foil to keep them warm.
3. Make the Brown Sugar Glaze:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the butter and let it melt.
- Stir in the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and soy sauce. Stir to combine and create a smooth glaze.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the glaze thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Glaze the Pork Chops:
- Return the cooked pork chops to the skillet, spooning some of the glaze over the top of each chop.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes, flipping the chops halfway through, to allow the glaze to caramelize slightly.
5. Serve:
- Serve the pork chops with the remaining glaze spooned over the top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color, if desired.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the pork chops in a little soy sauce, garlic, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can serve these pork chops with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
- If you prefer your glaze to be thicker, let it simmer for a little longer to reduce down to your desired consistency.
Enjoy Your Sweet and Savory Brown Sugar Pork Chops!
These chops are tender, juicy, and have that perfect balance of sweetness and tang. They’re sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation!