Description
Delicious Brown Sugar Chops feature tender, juicy pork chops glazed with a sweet and savory caramelized brown sugar sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With simple ingredients and optional variations, these chops are versatile, flavorful, and sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
Optional Spices
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to build a foundational flavor.
- Make the Brown Sugar Glaze: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar with butter or olive oil and add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for brightness. Stir in any optional spices like cinnamon or smoked paprika if desired.
- Sear the Chops: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Sear the pork chops for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust, which locks in moisture and flavor.
- Apply the Glaze and Cook Through: Reduce heat to medium. Brush the brown sugar glaze over the chops, then continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes more. Flip the chops once during this time and brush on additional glaze. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chops from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy meat. Serve warm with your choice of sides and garnishes.
Notes
- Use fresh, thick-cut pork chops for the best texture and flavor.
- Rest pork chops after cooking to retain juiciness.
- Maintain medium heat to avoid burning the sugar glaze.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness accurately.
- Apply multiple coats of glaze for a shiny, flavorful finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: pork chops, brown sugar glaze, sweet and savory pork, quick pork dinner, caramelized pork chops, easy dinner recipe
