Amazing Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops in 30 Mins

Sometimes, you just need a dinner that feels a little fancy but doesn’t actually take hours to make, right? That’s exactly how I feel about these Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops! Seriously, they’re like a magic trick for your weeknight dinner. You take some pretty standard pork chops, and with a few pantry staples and a little sizzle in the pan, you end up with this incredible sweet and savory glaze that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. It reminds me of how I used to think cooking was too hard – all stress and no reward. But then I discovered that simple ingredients, treated right, can create pure joy, just like baking that first loaf of bread. This recipe is all about that – big flavor, totally approachable, and perfect for bringing everyone to the table. You can even follow along on our Facebook page for more kitchen adventures!

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Why You’ll Love These Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops

Super Easy Weeknight Win: Ready in about 30 minutes, they’re perfect for busy nights!

Incredible Sweet & Savory Flavor: That sticky brown sugar garlic glaze is just divine.

Restaurant-Quality Taste: You’ll feel like a chef without all the fuss.

Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters usually gobble these up.

Minimal Cleanup: Mostly just one pan!

Ingredients for Delicious Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops

You probably have most of these on hand already! For these amazing pork chops, you’ll need:

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick – the bone adds great flavor!)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (your go-to for searing)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (don’t be shy with the garlic!)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark, either works!)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (for that essential salty, umami kick)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (it adds just the right tang)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (a little secret for depth)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust based on your soy sauce!)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (just for a pretty green garnish)

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Tips for Perfect Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops

Okay, so these pork chops are pretty foolproof, but a few little tricks can make them absolutely sing! First off, try to grab bone-in chops, about an inch thick if you can. That bone just infuses so much flavor and helps keep the meat tender. And please, *please* pat your pork chops really dry with paper towels before you sear them. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear, and we want that beautiful golden-brown crust, right? Speaking of searing, don’t crowd the pan! Cook them in batches if you have to. This lets them get properly browned instead of steamed. When you’re making that glaze, keep an eye on the garlic – it goes from fragrant to burnt super fast! And for the glaze consistency, you’re looking for something that’s thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, but not so thick it’s like candy. A little simmer time is all it takes. Trust me, these little details make a massive difference. For more tips and tricks, check out our blog!

How to Make Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops: Step-by-Step

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Alright, let’s get these amazing pork chops into the pan! Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a dinner winner in no time.

Prepare and Sear the Pork Chops

First things first, grab those pork chops and give them a good pat-down with paper towels. Seriously, get them as dry as you can; this is key for getting a beautiful golden-brown sear. Once they’re dry, season both sides generously with your salt and pepper. Now, get a big skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat with your olive oil. Carefully lay the pork chops in the skillet—they should sizzle right away! Let them get a gorgeous crust, about 2-3 minutes per side. We’re not cooking them all the way through here, just giving them a head start and a lovely color. Once they’re nicely browned, just take them out of the skillet and set them aside for a minute. We’ll bring them back later!

Make the Brown Sugar Garlic Glaze

Now, turn the heat down to medium so we don’t burn anything. Toss your minced garlic into the same skillet – there’s already some yummy pork flavor in there! Let it sizzle for just about 30 seconds until you can really smell it. Be quick; burnt garlic is no fun! While the garlic is doing its thing, quickly whisk together your packed brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a little bowl. Pour this smooth mixture right into the skillet with the garlic. Give it a stir, and let it bubble and simmer for a couple of minutes. You’ll see it start to thicken up just a bit, coating the back of your spoon. That’s exactly what we want!

Simmer and Finish the Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops

It’s time to bring those beautiful pork chops back into the picture! Nestle them right back into that glistening glaze in the skillet. Now, spoon some of that sticky, sweet glaze right over the top of each pork chop. Once they’re all sauced up, pop a lid on the skillet. Let them simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes. This steam and sauce combination will finish cooking the pork chops perfectly, making them super tender and infused with all that amazing flavor. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) – a meat thermometer is your best friend here to avoid overcooking!

Rest and Serve Your Glazed Pork Chops

Once they’ve reached that perfect temperature, carefully take the pork chops out of the skillet. Let them rest on a plate for just a few minutes. This little rest is super important; it lets all those delicious juices redistribute throughout the meat, so every bite is super moist. While they’re resting, you can spoon any extra glaze from the pan over them. Oh, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top adds such a pretty pop of color! Now, plate them up and get ready for the compliments.

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Serving Suggestions for Your Brown Sugar Pork Chops

These sticky brown sugar garlic pork chops are amazing on their own, but they really shine when paired with the right sides! Since the glaze has that perfect sweet and savory thing going on, I love balancing it out. A side of fluffy garlic mashed potatoes is always a hit – they soak up any extra glaze like a dream! If you want something green, try these simple Parmesan roasted broccoli florets. Or, for something super light and refreshing, a simple butter lettuce salad with your favorite vinaigrette works wonders. Honestly, almost anything you pair them with will be delicious!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Glazed Pork Chops

I love how this recipe uses everyday ingredients to create something so special! Let’s chat a little about a couple of them. The apple cider vinegar is key here – it gives the glaze that little bit of tanginess that balances out all the sweetness from the brown sugar. But hey, if you don’t have it? No worries! Regular white vinegar works just fine, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right at the end can add that much-needed brightness. And about the brown sugar – either light or dark will give you that delicious caramelization, just a different depth of flavor. Don’t stress if you’re out of Dijon mustard, either; a little bit of regular yellow mustard can still add that subtle zing!

Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops

Got questions about these amazing brown sugar garlic pork chops? I’ve got answers! Keep reading to find out more.

Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?

You absolutely can use boneless pork chops! Just keep in mind they might cook a bit faster than bone-in ones. You’ll want to sear them well and then simmer them for maybe just 4-5 minutes, always checking that internal temperature to make sure they don’t overcook and get dry.

How do I prevent my pork chops from drying out?

The biggest trick is not to overcook them! Using a meat thermometer is your best friend here. Aim for that 145°F (63°C) internal temperature. Also, letting them rest for a few minutes after cooking is super important – it locks in all those juicy flavors. The glaze also helps keep them moist!

Can I make the brown sugar garlic glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you totally can! Just whip up the glaze mixture (brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, mustard, garlic stirred in when it’s warm) and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to cook, just reheat it gently on the stovetop before adding the pork chops. How easy is that for some pure cooking joy?

Nutritional Information for Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops

Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, as cooking can always vary a bit! But for a typical serving of these delicious Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops, you’re looking at around 350 calories, about 18g of fat (with 6g saturated), 25g of protein, and 28g of carbs. There are about 25g of sugar and 800mg of sodium in there too. For the full breakdown, make sure to check out our nutritional disclaimer!

Brown Sugar Garlic Pork Chops

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Transform ordinary pork chops into a restaurant-quality meal with this easy recipe for brown sugar garlic pork chops. A simple glaze creates a delicious sweet and savory flavor that your family will love.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Total Time: 30 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Pan-Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 bone-in pork chops (about 1 inch thick)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the pork chops for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
5. Pour the brown sugar mixture into the skillet with the garlic. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Return the pork chops to the skillet. Spoon the glaze over the pork chops.
7. Cover the skillet and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through (internal temperature reaches 145°F or 63°C).
8. Remove pork chops from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon any extra glaze over the top.
9. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the pork chops in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or even a squeeze of lemon juice can be used as a substitute.
• This recipe pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 pork chop
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg