Spiced Brown Sugar Pork Chops

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Spiced Brown Sugar Pork Chops are a delightful twist on the classic pork chop dish. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spice, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something truly special. Whether you're serving family or impressing guests, these pork chops are sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients for Spiced Brown Sugar Pork Chops

The secret to these pork chops is the flavorful glaze. Brown sugar adds sweetness and caramelizes beautifully during baking. Soy sauce brings umami and enhances the savory notes. Olive oil keeps the chops moist while cooking. Apple cider vinegar adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness. Cinnamon and smoked paprika provide warmth and smokiness, respectively, while garlic powder adds depth. A touch of cayenne pepper gives it a gentle kick, and salt and black pepper round out the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • For even more flavor, marinate the chops in the glaze for a few hours before cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, reduce it in a saucepan before pouring over the chops.

Serving Suggestions

These pork chops pair wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For a starch, consider serving with mashed potatoes or a hearty wild rice pilaf. A crisp apple cider or a light white wine complements the flavors beautifully, making the meal feel special.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, but keep an eye on the cooking time as they may cook quicker.
What if I don't have smoked paprika?
You can substitute with regular paprika, though the smoky flavor will be less pronounced.

Spiced Brown Sugar Pork Chops Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab a small bowl and combine your glaze ingredients: brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.

Next, take your pork chops and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze stick better. Place the chops in a baking dish that has enough room for them to lie flat without overlapping. Pour the glaze over the chops, making sure each one is well-coated on both sides.

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll want to check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfectly cooked pork. While they bake, it’s a good idea to occasionally baste the chops with the glaze, using a spoon or a basting brush. This keeps them juicy and flavorful.

Once done, let the pork chops rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and delicious.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup.
  • Perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
  • Uses pantry staples you likely already have.
  • Quick cooking time, ready in under 45 minutes.

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops (1-inch thick)
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, soy sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to form a glaze.
3. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels, then place them in a baking dish.
4. Pour the glaze over the pork chops, ensuring they are well-coated on both sides.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, basting occasionally with the glaze.
6. Allow the pork chops to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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