If you’re looking for a quick yet delicious dinner option, these Easy 30-Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops are the perfect choice. With just a handful of ingredients, you can prepare juicy, tender pork chops that are coated in a savory-sweet glaze, making them the ultimate weeknight meal. The brown sugar creates a caramelized crust on the pork, while the seasoning adds a depth of flavor that will have everyone at the table asking for more.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, these brown sugar pork chops will become a staple in your recipe collection!
🧂 Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 170-200 g each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for added richness)
- 3 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky depth)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Chops
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear.
- Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt and pepper, along with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Step 2: Sear the Pork Chops
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pork chops to the pan.
- Sear the pork chops for about 3–4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned. The goal is to develop a flavorful crust, so don’t move the pork chops around too much during this step.
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar and soy sauce. Stir to combine, allowing the sugar to dissolve and form a smooth sauce.
- Continue cooking the glaze for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly. You should see the glaze start to bubble gently.
Step 4: Coat the Pork Chops
- Return the pork chops to the skillet, spooning the brown sugar glaze over them.
- Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 5–6 minutes, or until the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) for medium-rare or 71°C (160°F) for well done. You can use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- While cooking, occasionally spoon the glaze over the pork chops to ensure they’re evenly coated.
Step 5: Serve
- Once the pork chops are fully cooked, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
- Spoon any remaining glaze over the pork chops and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Use bone-in or boneless pork chops: Both types work well for this recipe, but bone-in pork chops tend to be juicier due to the bone providing moisture during cooking.
- Don’t skip the searing step: Searing the pork chops creates a flavorful crust and locks in moisture, ensuring the pork remains juicy and tender.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the glaze to suit your taste.
- Add a kick: For a touch of heat, sprinkle a little red pepper flakes into the glaze or rub some cayenne pepper on the pork chops before cooking.
- Make it a one-pan meal: To make cleanup easier, cook your vegetables (like asparagus or green beans) in the same skillet after removing the pork chops. They’ll soak up all that tasty glaze!
👩🍳 From My Kitchen
I absolutely love making these Easy 30-Minute Brown Sugar Pork Chops for a quick, satisfying dinner. The sweet brown sugar glaze perfectly complements the savory pork, and the dish always comes together so easily. I often serve it with roasted potatoes or a simple salad to balance out the richness of the pork. It’s a hit with my family every time, and the best part is that it doesn’t take long at all to prepare!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes
- ✅ Sweet and savory glaze that adds incredible flavor
- ✅ Perfectly juicy, tender pork chops
- ✅ Minimal cleanup required
- ✅ Great for busy weeknights or a special weekend dinner
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