When dinner needs to happen fast without sacrificing flavor, these 30-Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops are the answer. Juicy, tender pork chops caramelized in a rich brown sugar glaze—made in just one pan and ready in no time! This recipe will save you time and win you compliments every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Quick & Easy: On the table in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- One Pan: Less mess, fewer dishes—what’s not to love?
- Family-Friendly: Sweet, savory, and a little tangy—perfect for picky eaters.
- Impressive Results: Tender pork chops with a caramelized glaze that feels gourmet but is deceptively simple to make.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick preview of what you’ll need (find the full list below):
- Bone-in or boneless pork chops for that tender, juicy bite.
- Brown sugar for a sweet, caramelized glaze.
- Dijon mustard and garlic for a touch of tang and depth.
- Butter to create a rich, glossy sauce.
Directions
- Season the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear to Perfection: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops on each side until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Glaze: In the same pan, melt butter and stir in brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a splash of water or chicken stock. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.
- Coat and Cook: Return the pork chops to the pan, spoon the glaze over them, and let them cook through, about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Pick the Right Pork Chops: Thicker pork chops work best as they stay juicy and don’t overcook quickly.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: A good sear locks in juices and creates a delicious crust.
- Taste and Adjust: Balance the sweetness of the glaze with a touch of acidity, like a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar, if needed.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a sweet-and-spicy flavor.
- Herbaceous Touch: Stir in fresh rosemary or thyme for an earthy note.
- Honey Mustard Glaze: Replace brown sugar with honey for a different sweet-tangy profile.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Pair these juicy pork chops with:
- Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes.
- A side of sautéed green beans, asparagus, or a simple salad.
- Crusty bread to soak up every drop of that delicious glaze.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftover pork chops in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
FAQs
1. Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, boneless works well, but keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
2. What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?
Yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard are great alternatives.
3. Can I bake the pork chops instead?
Absolutely! Sear the pork chops first, then bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, spooning the glaze over them occasionally.
4. How do I know when the pork chops are done?
Use a meat thermometer—145°F (63°C) is the perfect internal temperature for juicy pork chops.
Conclusion
Dinner doesn’t get easier—or tastier—than these 30-Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops. With a caramelized glaze that’s equal parts sweet and savory, this one-pan recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Bon appétit!
Print
30-Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops: One-Pan Wonder
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, One-Pan Meals
- Method: Pan-searing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These 30 Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops are quick, flavorful, and made in just one pan! The savory pork chops are coated in a sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze, then pan-seared to perfection. A perfect weeknight dinner that’s easy to make and full of flavor!
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Make the Brown Sugar Glaze: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and minced garlic. Stir until well mixed.
- Sear the Pork Chops: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear each side for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown.
- Coat with Glaze: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the brown sugar glaze over the pork chops and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chops occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and the glaze thickens.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Cooking Tip: If the pork chops are very thick, consider finishing them in the oven after searing to ensure they cook through.
- Flavor Variation: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the glaze for a tangy twist.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with mashed potatoes or a side of roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pork chop
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg