Juicy Brown Sugar Pork Chops in 30 Mins

Okay, so you know those nights when you’re just wiped, and the thought of cooking feels, well, *exhausting*? I totally get it. For years, my kitchen was the last place I wanted to be after a long day at my old corporate gig. Dinner was a grab-and-go situation, and I was convinced I just wasn’t a “kitchen person.” Then, one day, I decided to tackle a simple loaf of bread, and when it actually came out perfect? Pure joy! It sparked this whole passion for turning everyday ingredients into something amazing – and that’s exactly what these brown sugar pork chops are all about. They’re ridiculously quick, super flavorful, and wonderfully juicy, proving that incredible food doesn’t have to be hard. You can totally find that same happiness in your kitchen, too! I share more about my journey from burnout to baking over on my about page, if you’re curious!

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Why You’ll Love These Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Okay, let me tell you why you are going to absolutely FALL IN LOVE with these brown sugar pork chops. Seriously, they’re a total game-changer for busy weeknights:

• Ready in a flash: We’re talking about 30 minutes from start to finish. Yes, really!
• Crazy easy: Just a few simple steps and minimal cleanup – perfect for when you’re tired.
• That glaze though! The sweet, savory, slightly tangy brown sugar glaze? It’s a flavor explosion that makes these pork chops irresistible. No fancy restaurant can beat this quick glaze!
• Seriously juicy: We’re all about that tender, moist texture. These aren’t dry, boring pork chops, count on it!

Ingredients for Juicy Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up these amazing brown sugar pork chops. It’s a pretty straightforward list, all easy-to-find stuff! You’ll want to grab:

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for that perfect sear!)
• 4 (6-ounce) boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick (key for juiciness!)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (don’t skip this!)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground is best!)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (you can never have too much garlic, right?)
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (this makes our magic glaze)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for that savory depth)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (just a little tang!)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (to balance the sweetness)

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Mastering the Skillet: How to Make Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these ridiculously delicious brown sugar pork chops is all about mastering the skillet. Trust me, it’s super straightforward and totally worth it. Forget complicated steps; this recipe is all about getting that perfect sear and a glossy, flavorful glaze. It’s what makes these brown sugar pork chops taste like a million bucks, and it’s way easier than you think. Think of it as your new favorite skillet pork chop trick!

Preparing Your Pork Chops

First things first, grab your pork chops. The secret to a gorgeous brown crust is to pat them super dry with paper towels. Seriously, get them as dry as you can! Then, season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This is where the magic starts – don’t be shy with the seasoning!

Creating the Savory Brown Sugar Glaze

Now, pop those seasoned chops out of the pan and set them aside for a sec. Lower the heat a bit, toss in your minced garlic, and let it get fragrant for about 30 seconds – careful not to burn it! Then, it’s time for the star of the show: dump in the packed brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Stir it all up constantly until that sugar dissolves and you get this beautiful, bubbly, thick glaze. It smells amazing already!

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Finishing the Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Okay, here’s the final touch. Put those gorgeous pork chops back into the skillet, right on top of that glorious sauce. Spoon some of that quick glaze over them. Pop a lid on the skillet, and let them simmer gently for about 5 to 7 minutes. This is where they really get infused with all that flavor and become perfectly tender. You want to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). That temperature is your golden ticket to super juicy pork chops without them being overcooked.

Tips for Perfectly Juicy Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Okay, so we want these brown sugar pork chops to be utterly perfect, right? Juicy is the name of the game! My biggest tip? Don’t overcook them! Seriously, this is the number one way pork chops go from delicious to dry. Grab yourself a meat thermometer – they’re lifesavers! You’re looking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). As soon as they hit that, they’re D-O-N-E. That little bit of pink inside is actually perfect and what keeps them wonderfully tender. Trust me on this one, it’s a total game-changer for guaranteed juicy pork chops every single time!

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Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Let’s chat about a few key players in this recipe! That brown sugar is non-negotiable for that signature caramel-y sweetness, but if for some wild reason you don’t have any, dark brown sugar works great too – it just adds a deeper molasses flavor. For the soy sauce, if you need to keep things gluten-free, tamari is your best friend! Coconut aminos are another fantastic option for a slightly different, sweeter vibe. And the Dijon mustard? It adds a little zing that cuts through the sweetness, but if you’re not a fan, a little bit of yellow mustard or even a tiny splash of Worcestershire sauce can work in a pinch. These little tweaks make the recipe super adaptable!

Serving Your Delicious Brown Sugar Pork Chops

So, you’ve got these incredible brown sugar pork chops ready to go – they smell amazing, right? Now, what to serve them with? We want to build a full, satisfying meal that still feels easy for a weeknight, so think comforting and classic. My absolute go-to is a side of fluffy garlic mashed potatoes; they are just perfection for soaking up any extra glaze! Another winner is some simple parmesan roasted broccoli – that little bit of crispiness and savory cheese is a fantastic contrast to the tender pork.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Sugar Pork Chops

Got questions about whipping up these delicious brown sugar pork chops? I’ve got answers! People always ask me a few things, so let’s clear them up:

Can I make garlic brown sugar pork chops?

Absolutely! If you’re a big garlic fan like me, you can totally amp up the garlic flavor! Just add an extra clove or two when you’re sautéing the garlic for the glaze. Easy peasy!

Are these 30 minute pork chops?

Yep, you bet! These fantastic garlic brown sugar pork chops are designed to be ready in about 30 minutes total, making them a perfect go-to for a quick weeknight dinner. You get amazing flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, these numbers are approximate and can totally change depending on the exact ingredients you use, like the fat content in your pork chops or the specific brands of soy sauce and sugar. But generally, one serving of these juicy brown sugar pork chops comes in around:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 25g

It’s a good chunk of protein with a nice savory-sweet balance!

Share Your Pure Cooking Joy!

Now that you’ve hopefully tried these amazing brown sugar pork chops, I’d absolutely LOVE to hear all about it! Did you make them? How did they turn out? Did you add any fun twists? Please, please leave a comment below and tell me all about your experience – your feedback genuinely makes my day! And hey, if you shared a pic on social media, tag me! You can find me over on Facebook. Sharing the joy of simple, delicious food is what this is all about. Be sure to check out the rest of the blog for more easy weeknight dinners and inspiration!

Juicy Brown Sugar Pork Chops

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Make these simple, juicy brown sugar pork chops for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. A sweet and savory glaze coats tender pork, ready in about 30 minutes.

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

Ingredients

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• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 (6-ounce) boneless pork chops, about 1-inch thick
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pork chops and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove pork chops from the skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in the brown sugar, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Return the pork chops to the skillet. Spoon the glaze over the pork chops.
6. Cover the skillet and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the pork chops are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Serve the pork chops immediately, spooning extra glaze over the top.

Notes

• For extra juicy pork chops, do not overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 145°F.
• You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat.
• Serve with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 pork chop
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg