These brown sugar pork chops are sweet, juicy, and so easy to make! With a yummy glaze that caramelizes as they cook, they’re sure to please everyone at the table.
I love how quick this recipe is—perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time. Just toss them in the pan, and let the sweet smell fill your kitchen. Yum! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pork Chops: Choose bone-in chops for juiciness and flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use boneless pork chops, but keep an eye on cooking time since they may cook faster.
Brown Sugar: This gives a lovely sweetness. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses—about one tablespoon of molasses for every cup of white sugar. Alternatively, honey or maple syrup can work, but adjust the amount for sweetness.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and paprika add great flavor. You can replace cinnamon with nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice for a change. If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Butter: Using butter adds richness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, olive oil can replace it entirely in this recipe.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Pork Chops?
Caramelizing your pork chops is all about the cooking technique. Here’s how to get that beautiful, caramelized crust:
- Start with dry pork chops—pat them with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps them brown better.
- Heat your skillet until the oil is shimmering. This means it’s hot enough for that golden crust.
- Add the pork chops and let them cook without moving them for about 4-5 minutes. This allows the sugars to caramelize.
- When flipping, add butter to enhance flavor. Spoon the melted butter over the chops as they finish cooking.
Resting is equally important! Let the chops rest for a few minutes after cooking for juicy results. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Brown Sugar Pork Chops Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as rosemary or thyme), optional
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes to cook, making it a total of around 20-25 minutes. Perfect for a quick yet fulfilling meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Spice Mix:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until evenly combined. This sweet and savory mix will create the glaze for your pork chops!
2. Season the Pork Chops:
Using paper towels, pat the pork chops dry. This will help them brown better in the skillet. Rub the brown sugar spice mixture all over both sides of each pork chop, pressing down a little to ensure it sticks well. Your chops should look flavorful and ready to cook!
3. Heat the Skillet:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil shimmers in the pan, indicating it’s hot enough for cooking. This step is key to achieving that perfect caramelization!
4. Cook the First Side:
Carefully add the seasoned pork chops to the skillet. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on the first side, or until they are nicely browned and caramelized. Try not to move them too much, so they can achieve a nice crust.
5. Flip and Add Butter:
Flip the pork chops over and add the butter to the pan. As it melts, spoon the butter and pan juices over the chops occasionally. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until they are fully cooked (to an internal temperature of 145°F/63°C).
6. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This helps the juices settle and keeps them deliciously juicy!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your sweet and savory pork chops hot, garnished with fresh herbs if you like. Spoon the tasty pan sauce over the top for extra yumminess. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Boneless Pork Chops Instead?
Yes, you can definitely use boneless pork chops! Just be aware that they may cook faster than bone-in chops, so check the internal temperature after about 3-4 minutes on each side. They should still reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
What Can I Substitute for Brown Sugar?
If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses (about 1 tablespoon of molasses for each cup of white sugar). Alternatively, honey or maple syrup can work, but reduce the amount a bit since they’re sweeter.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, or in the microwave, making sure not to overcook to keep the chops moist.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or green beans to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking!
