These Honey-Garlic Glazed Pork Chops are a delightful balance of savory and sweet, featuring tender and juicy pork chops coated in a luscious, sticky glaze. The subtle tang of garlic beautifully complements the natural sweetness of honey and a hint of soy sauce adds depth and umami. This dish is relatively quick to prepare, making it perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. The glistening glaze not only enhances the visual appeal but also locks in the moisture, ensuring each bite is flavorful and succulent. Serve these glazed pork chops with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad, for a complete and memorable dining experience. The aroma while cooking is simply irresistible, promising a truly delectable main course.
Ingredients:
For the Pork Chops:
- 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick (approximately 2-2.5 lbs total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For the Honey-Garlic Glaze:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional, but recommended for a zesty note)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Chops:
Begin by taking the pork chops out of the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before cooking. This allows them to come closer to room temperature, which helps them cook more evenly. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps to achieve a nice sear. Season both sides of the pork chops generously with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Ensure each chop is evenly coated with the seasonings.
2. Sear the Pork Chops:
Heat the olive oil (or vegetable oil) in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough so that when you add the pork chops, they sizzle immediately. Carefully place the seasoned pork chops in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the chops in batches to maintain proper searing temperature. Sear the pork chops for approximately 3-5 minutes per side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. The exact searing time will depend on the thickness of your chops and the heat of your stove. The goal here is to create a flavorful exterior while keeping the inside still slightly undercooked, as they will continue to cook in the glaze.
3. Make the Honey-Garlic Glaze:
While the pork chops are searing, prepare the honey-garlic glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), Dijon mustard, and grated fresh ginger (if using). If you desire a touch of heat, stir in the red pepper flakes. Set this glaze aside for now.
4. Glaze the Pork Chops:
Once the pork chops are nicely seared on both sides, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the tablespoon of unsalted butter to the skillet and let it melt. Pour the prepared honey-garlic glaze over the pork chops. Ensure that each chop is coated with the flavorful sauce.
5. Simmer and Glaze:
Allow the pork chops to simmer gently in the glaze for another 5-7 minutes, flipping them occasionally to ensure they are evenly coated and cooked through. The glaze will begin to thicken and caramelize, creating a beautiful, sticky coating on the pork chops. Keep a close eye on the glaze to prevent it from burning. If the glaze starts to reduce too quickly, you can add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to thin it out slightly. The internal temperature of the pork chops should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chop (avoiding the bone if using bone-in chops) to check for doneness.
6. Rest and Serve:
Once the pork chops are cooked through and beautifully glazed, remove them from the skillet and place them on a clean plate. Tent them loosely with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender and flavorful pork chops.
7. Finish and Garnish:
While the pork chops are resting, the glaze in the skillet might have thickened further. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth and stir to loosen it slightly. Spoon any remaining glaze from the skillet over the rested pork chops. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a touch of color and freshness. Serve these delectable Honey-Garlic Glazed Pork Chops immediately with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!