Juicy Brown Sugar Pork Chops Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Juicy brown sugar pork chops bring a delightful twist to weeknight dinners.

Sweet caramelization creates an irresistible glaze that makes taste buds dance.

Weeknight cooking becomes a breeze with this simple yet impressive dish.

Home cooks can easily master this flavor-packed recipe in minutes.

Tender meat meets a rich, sticky sauce that promises pure comfort.

Perfectly balanced between savory and sweet, these pork chops will make everyone at the table smile.

Grab your skillet and let the magic begin – you’re about to become a dinner hero.

Sweet Meets Savory – Here’s Why Brown Sugar Pork Chops Wow in 30 Minutes

• Speed Demon Dinner: Whip up a mouthwatering meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Create a restaurant-quality dish using just one pan, reducing cleanup and making cooking a breeze with simple ingredients you likely have in your kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Deliver a sweet and savory meal that pleases both kids and adults, with a kid-approved brown sugar glaze that transforms ordinary pork chops into something spectacular.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Easily adaptable side dish options mean you can pair these pork chops with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Brown Sugar Pork Chops (30 Min) Ingredients

• Pork Chops: Tender meat that absorbs the sweet and savory glaze, best when fresh and bone-in for maximum flavor.

• Brown Sugar, Soy Sauce: Sweet and salty base that creates a rich, caramelized coating for the pork chops.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy depth and helps balance the sweetness of the brown sugar.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute the glaze evenly and prevents sticking during cooking.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for basic seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the pork.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds a fresh finish and visual appeal to the dish.

Pork Chops One-Pan Prep Guide

Step 1: Prepare Pork Chops

Grab your fresh pork chops and give them a quick pat-down with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and black pepper, creating a delicious flavor foundation.

Step 2: Craft Irresistible Glaze

• Brown sugar
• Soy sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Olive oil
• Minced garlic

Stir the ingredients until they blend into a smooth, glossy mixture that promises incredible taste.

Step 3: Sizzle and Sear

Fire up a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the seasoned pork chops into the hot pan.

Listen for that satisfying sizzle as you cook each side for 3-4 minutes, developing a gorgeous golden-brown crust that seals in all the juicy goodness.

Step 4: Simmer and Glaze

Lower the heat to medium-low.

Pour the vibrant brown sugar glaze over the seared chops, allowing it to bubble and caramelize.

Gently spoon the sauce over the meat every few minutes.

Continue cooking until the pork reaches perfect doneness and the glaze transforms into a thick, sticky coating.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Pull the skillet off the heat.

Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Plate these gorgeous pork chops immediately and pair with your favorite side dishes for a truly memorable meal.

Skillet Tips for Brown Sugar Pork Chops

• Pat pork chops completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Whisk the brown sugar glaze thoroughly to create a smooth, even coating that caramelizes beautifully on the pork chops.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, aiming for 145°F for perfectly cooked, juicy pork chops every time.
• Spoon the glaze over the chops continuously while cooking to build layers of flavor and create a rich, sticky coating.
• Reduce heat to medium-low when adding the glaze to prevent burning and allow the sauce to thicken and caramelize gently.

Brown Sugar Pork Chops Again

• Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm chops in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Wrap cooled pork chops tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
• When reheating, check internal temperature reaches 145°F to ensure food safety and maintain juicy, delicious flavor.

Pork Chop Matches in 30 Minutes

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio with bright acidity to cut through the richness of the brown sugar glaze, creating a balanced flavor profile.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a side of caramelized root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes that echo the sweet and savory notes of the pork chops.
• Match with Tangy Slaw: Create a zesty coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs to provide a crunchy, acidic contrast to the sweet and tender pork chops.
• Pour Sparkling Hard Cider: Select a dry hard cider that offers a crisp, slightly tart accompaniment which enhances the brown sugar's sweetness and complements the pork's rich flavor.

30-Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops Pan-Fried Variations

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free and safe for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce carbohydrate content for keto dieters.
• Herb-Infused Version: Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze for an aromatic herb-enhanced flavor profile that complements the pork's richness.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Mix in red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the brown sugar glaze for those who enjoy a hot and sweet combination.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of sugar instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with white sugar or honey, but the flavor and caramelization will be slightly different from the original recipe.

• How do I know if the pork chops are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe and perfectly cooked pork chops.

• Is it possible to make this recipe in the oven?

Absolutely! After searing the pork chops, transfer them to a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 6-8 minutes, brushing the glaze periodically.

• Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the brown sugar glaze ingredients up to 2 days in advance and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Brown Sugar Pork Chops Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling 30-minute brown sugar pork chops deliver a delightful dance of sweet and savory flavors in this single-skillet sensation. Home cooks can savor restaurant-quality comfort with minimal effort and maximum taste.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops

Seasoning and Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously dry the pork chops using clean kitchen towels, ensuring surface moisture is completely removed for optimal caramelization.
2. Craft a luxurious glaze by whisking together brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and finely minced garlic in a ceramic mixing bowl until ingredients harmonize into a glossy mixture.
3. Activate a heavy-bottomed skillet over robust medium-high temperature, allowing the surface to reach an ideal searing heat.
4. Carefully nestle seasoned pork chops into the heated skillet, creating a golden exterior through precise 3-4 minute searing on each side, developing rich caramelized edges.
5. Reduce cooking temperature to gentle medium-low, cascading the prepared glaze directly over the seared chops, allowing the sauce to gently envelop and transform the meat.
6. Tenderly baste the pork chops with the bubbling glaze, creating a glistening coating that incrementally thickens and intensifies in flavor for approximately 4-5 minutes.
7. Confirm internal doneness through temperature or visual cues, ensuring meat remains succulent and perfectly cooked.
8. Elegantly transfer the glazed pork chops to a serving platter, embellishing with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
9. Present immediately alongside complementary side dishes, allowing the warm, caramelized glaze to tantalize dining companions.

Notes

• Swap out soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Pat the pork chops completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature – pork should reach 145°F for safe and juicy results, preventing overcooking and dryness.
• Transform this dish into a low-carb option by replacing brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol without compromising flavor intensity.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg