BROWN SUGAR PORK CHOPS
Brown Sugar Pork Chops are a delicious and easy dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender pork chops are pan-seared or baked and then coated in a sweet and savory brown sugar glaze. It's a simple recipe with big flavor, and the brown sugar adds a touch of caramelization that makes the pork chops extra special.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops about 1-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for pan-searing or 1 tablespoon melted butter (for baking)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Brown Sugar Glaze:
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Instructions (Pan-Seared):
- Prepare pork chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper.
- Make brown sugar glaze: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and water. Whisk well.
- Sear pork chops: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Add brown sugar glaze: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the brown sugar glaze over the pork chops. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, basting the pork chops with the glaze, until they are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for medium. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to a safe temperature.
- Rest: Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve the Brown Sugar Pork Chops immediately, spooning any remaining glaze over the top.
Instructions (Baked):
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare pork chops and glaze: Follow steps 1 and 2 as above for pan-seared pork chops.
- Bake: Place the pork chops on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the brown sugar glaze evenly over the pork chops. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to a safe temperature. You may want to brush with additional glaze halfway through cooking.
- Rest: Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Serve the Brown Sugar Pork Chops immediately.
Notes
- Pork Chops: Use boneless pork chops that are about 1-inch thick for best results. Thicker chops will require longer cooking times.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar can be used. Dark brown sugar will give the glaze a richer flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory element to the glaze.
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked pork chops will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to the proper internal temperature.
- Resting: Resting the pork chops before serving is important for keeping them juicy.