Brown Sugar Pork Chops are a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender, juicy pork chops coated in a caramelized brown sugar glaze. This dish is easy to prepare and makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Great for weeknight dinners or special gatherings
- Pairs well with a variety of side dishes
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pork chops
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Olive oil
- Water (optional, for sauce consistency)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Season the pork chops with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and mix in the brown sugar until it forms a thick glaze.
- Place the seared pork chops in a baking dish and pour the brown sugar glaze over them.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145ยฐF (63ยฐC).
- Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the brown sugar glaze.
- Garlic Butter Flavor: Increase the garlic powder and add minced garlic to the butter mixture.
- Honey Alternative: Replace brown sugar with honey for a slightly different sweetness.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or in the oven at 300ยฐF (150ยฐC) until warmed through. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked pork chops in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
How do I keep pork chops from drying out?
Cook them to an internal temperature of 145ยฐF (63ยฐC) and let them rest before serving to retain juices.
Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, but bone-in pork chops tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
What sides go well with brown sugar pork chops?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad pair beautifully with this dish.
Can I make this on the stovetop only?
Yes, simmer the pork chops in the brown sugar glaze on low heat until cooked through.
Is there a substitute for brown sugar?
You can use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar as alternatives.
Can I use a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the glaze at the beginning.
Whatโs the best cut of pork for this recipe?
Thick-cut, bone-in pork chops work best for a juicy result.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Use a sugar substitute and reduce the amount of butter.
Can I marinate the pork chops beforehand?
Yes, marinate for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
How do I know when the pork chops are done?
Use a meat thermometer and check for an internal temperature of 145ยฐF (63ยฐC).
Conclusion
Brown Sugar Pork Chops are a simple yet delicious dish that brings the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Whether youโre making them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it with different variations and side dishes to suit your taste!
Print
Brown Sugar Pork Chops
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Servings: 4
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Brown Sugar Pork Chops are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly caramelized. With a simple blend of brown sugar, garlic, and spices, this dish is a quick and delicious dinner option. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or rice for a complete meal!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) if you plan to finish cooking in the oven. Pat pork chops dry with a paper towel.
- Make the Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
- Season the Pork Chops: Rub the pork chops with olive oil, then coat both sides with the brown sugar spice mix.
- Sear the Chops: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and let it melt. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust.
- Finish Cooking:
- Stovetop Method: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 145ยฐF (63ยฐC).
- Oven Method: Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until the pork chops are cooked through.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from heat and let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with apple cider vinegar for extra depth of flavor.
Notes
- Use bone-in pork chops for extra juiciness; they may need 2-3 extra minutes of cooking time.
- For a grilled version, cook over medium heat on a grill for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
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