Why Make This Recipe
Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops are a delightfully simple dish that brings a wonderful balance of sweet and savory flavors to your dinner table. This recipe is perfect for weeknight meals or weekend gatherings, and it showcases how easy it can be to create restaurant-quality meals at home. The combination of brown sugar and garlic creates a delicious glaze that clings to the pork chops, making each bite tender and juicy. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this tasty dish in no time.
How to Make Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Directions:
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place the pork chops in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the pork chops back to the skillet, spoon the glaze over them, and let them simmer for 5-7 minutes. Flip them halfway through to coat both sides.
- Check for doneness: The pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove from heat and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops
Serve the Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops hot right after cooking. They pair wonderfully with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. You can also drizzle extra glaze over the chops for added flavor.
How to Store Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops
Store any leftover pork chops in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a little broth or water to keep them moist.
Tips to Make Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops
- Make sure to pat the pork chops dry before seasoning. This ensures they get a nice crust during cooking.
- For extra flavor, let the pork chops marinate in the garlic and seasonings for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking the pork chops, which can make them dry.
Variations
For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze. You can also swap the chicken broth for apple cider for a slightly sweeter flavor or add a splash of soy sauce for an Asian twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use different cuts of pork?
Yes, you can use different cuts like pork loin or tenderloin, but adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or even water if you don’t have broth on hand.
3. Are there any side dishes that go well with this recipe?
Yes! Consider serving with roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Delightfully simple pork chops glazed with a sweet and savory sauce made of brown sugar and garlic, perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 pork chops (bone-in or boneless, about 1-inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place the pork chops in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar, minced garlic, and chicken broth. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the pork chops back to the skillet, spoon the glaze over them, and let them simmer for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to coat both sides.
- Check for doneness: The pork chops should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Remove from heat and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, let the pork chops marinate in the garlic and seasonings for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
