Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops

Imagine transforming ordinary pork chops into a gourmet masterpiece with just a few simple ingredients and techniques.

By skillfully combining 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, you create a glaze that caramelizes to perfection.

Season the chops with 1 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder, then sear them until golden.

Curious about achieving that tender, juicy finish? Let’s explore further.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 skillet
• 1 meat thermometer
• 1 mixing bowl
• 1 whisk

Ingredients

• 4 pieces pork chops, bone-in or boneless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops, follow this timeline:

Preparation and Cooking Timeline

Pre-Cooking Preparation: 10 Minutes

1. Read the Recipe: 2 Minutes
   • Quickly go through the recipe to familiarize yourself with the process and guarantee you have all ingredients and equipment ready.
2. Gather Ingredients and Equipment: 3 Minutes
   • Collect all ingredients: pork chops, olive oil, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
   • Gather equipment: skillet, meat thermometer, mixing bowl, and whisk.
3. Season Pork Chops: 2 Minutes
   • Season the pork chops with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Prepare Glaze Mixture: 3 Minutes
   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.

Cooking: 15 Minutes

1. Preheat Skillet and Sear Pork Chops: 8 Minutes
   • Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
   • Sear the pork chops for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
2. Cook with Glaze: 7 Minutes
   • Reduce the heat to medium and pour the glaze mixture over the pork chops.
   • Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Resting Time: 5 Minutes

1. Rest the Pork Chops: 5 Minutes
   • Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest to guarantee juiciness.

Recipe Instructions

Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.

Season pork chops with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Sear the pork chops in the skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.

Reduce the heat to medium and pour the glaze mixture over the pork chops.

Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Tips

• Roasted Vegetables: Pair the pork chops with a medley of roasted carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts for a hearty and colorful side.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the sweet glaze, providing a comforting and classic side dish.
• Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans add a fresh and crunchy contrast to the rich flavors of the pork chops.
• Rice Pilaf: A fluffy rice pilaf with herbs and spices can soak up the delicious glaze, enhancing each bite.
• Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the sweetness of the glaze and add a revitalizing touch.

Storage

To store Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days.

Reheat gently to maintain juiciness and flavor.

Freezing

To freeze Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops, cool them completely.

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store in an airtight container.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops, use an oven at 325°F.

Cover them with foil, and heat for 10-15 minutes.

Make certain the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out.

Final Thoughts

Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops are a delicious and easy-to-make main course.

With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, they make for a quick weeknight dinner.

The key to perfect pork chops is ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 145°F for ideal juiciness.

Pair these chops with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to complete your meal.

Remember not to overcook them, as this can lead to dryness.

If time allows, marinating the pork chops in the glaze for 30 minutes before cooking adds depth to the flavor.

Enjoy this American cuisine staple with your family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pork Chops Be Substituted With Chicken in This Recipe?

You can substitute chicken for pork chops in this recipe. Adjust cooking time, as chicken requires thorough cooking to 165°F. Use boneless thighs or breasts for even cooking. Ascertain proper seasoning absorption by marinating longer, enhancing flavor.

What Wine Pairs Well With Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops?

Pair these with a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir for its balanced acidity and fruitiness. Alternatively, a Chardonnay with subtle oak notes complements the sweetness. Serve at 55-60°F for reds, 45-50°F for whites.

Is This Recipe Suitable for a Low-Carb Diet?

You might find this recipe challenging for a low-carb diet due to the brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Consider substituting with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol and reducing vinegar to maintain flavor without compromising your dietary goals.

How Can I Make the Glaze Spicier?

To spice up the glaze, add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Incorporate 1 tablespoon of finely chopped jalapeños for a fresh kick. Adjust the heat level by experimenting with the quantities to taste.

Can I Use Honey Instead of Brown Sugar for the Glaze?

Yes, you can substitute honey for brown sugar in the glaze. Use a one-to-one ratio. Remember, honey adds distinct floral notes and more moisture, so allow extra time for the glaze to thicken to desired consistency.

Brown Sugar Glazed Pork Chops

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 Skillet
• 1 Meat thermometer
• 1 Mixing bowl
• 1 Whisk

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 pieces pork chops bone-in or boneless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

 

• Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
• Season pork chops with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Sear the pork chops in the skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
• Reduce the heat to medium and pour the glaze mixture over the pork chops.
• Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
• Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

To ensure the pork chops are juicy, do not overcook them; use a meat thermometer to check for doneness accurately. For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork chops in the glaze for 30 minutes before cooking. Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.