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Delicious Brown Sugar Chops

Delicious Brown Sugar Chops

Delicious Brown Sugar Chops combine tender, juicy pork chops with a rich caramelized brown sugar glaze, balancing sweet and savory flavors perfectly. This easy-to-make recipe yields succulent meat with a beautifully glazed crust, ideal for family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 bone-in or boneless pork chops
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

Optional Variations

  • Pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes (for spicy kick)
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped (for herb infusion)
  • Tamari or coconut aminos (for gluten-free glaze if soy sauce is used)
  • Thick-cut tofu or seitan (for vegan adaptation)
  • Chopped pineapple or orange zest (for fruit twist)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pork Chops: Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to build a flavorful crust.
  2. Make the Brown Sugar Glaze: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, and any optional seasonings like cayenne pepper or fresh herbs. Stir until the sugar is moistened and the glaze is well combined.
  3. Sear the Chops: Heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat in a skillet. Add the pork chops and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
  4. Apply the Glaze: Lower the heat to low. Spoon the brown sugar glaze over each chop in the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the sugar to melt and caramelize into a sticky, luscious coating.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chops from heat and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness before serving.

Notes

  • Choose thicker pork chops to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Don’t rush searing; a well-browned crust adds tremendous flavor and texture.
  • Adjust the amount of brown sugar to control sweetness according to your preference.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chops are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145°F.
  • Always rest the chops after cooking to keep them juicy and tender.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Searing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 pork chop
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: brown sugar pork chops, sweet and savory pork chops, quick pork chops recipe, glazed pork chops, easy dinner recipes