These pork chops are pan-seared to golden perfection and then coated in a sweet and tangy honey-balsamic glaze. A quick and easy weeknight meal that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops (about 1-inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- For the Honey-Balsamic Glaze:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic minced.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pork Chops:
- Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Season both sides of the pork chops evenly with the spice mixture.
- Sear the Pork Chops:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the pork chops to the skillet.
- Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- If you have thick chops, you may need to reduce heat to medium after searing, and cook a few minutes longer per side, until internal temperature reaches 145F.
- Make the Honey-Balsamic Glaze:
- While the pork chops are searing, prepare the glaze.
- In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, dijon mustard, and minced garlic.
- Glaze the Pork Chops:
- Once the pork chops are browned, reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Pour the honey-balsamic glaze over the pork chops.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, spooning the glaze over the pork chops occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly and the pork chops are cooked through.
- Ensure the pork chops reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare or 160°F (71°C) for well-done.
- Serve:
- Remove the pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Spoon the remaining glaze over the pork chops before serving.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- You can use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile.
- For a thicker glaze, you can create a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 teaspoon of water, and add that to the sauce during the last minute of cooking.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme for added freshness.
- If you have an oven safe pan, you can sear the pork chops, add the sauce, and then place the pan in a 375F oven for the last few minutes of cooking.