Spiced Honey-Glazed Pork Chops

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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Spiced Honey-Glazed Pork Chops are a flavorful, sticky delight that's perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The combination of sweet honey and warming spices creates a mouthwatering glaze that takes these chops to the next level. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is a fantastic option for a quick yet impressive meal.

Ingredients for Spiced Honey-Glazed Pork Chops

The star of this dish is the pork chops. Bone-in chops are ideal for retaining moisture and adding flavor. The honey provides a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky glaze. Soy sauce adds a savory depth, while apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness with its tangy acidity. For the spices, smoked paprika offers a subtle smokiness, ground ginger delivers warmth, and garlic powder enhances the savory notes. A touch of cayenne pepper gives just the right amount of heat. Finally, olive oil is used to sear the chops to perfection.

Tips & Tricks

  • If the glaze thickens too quickly, add a splash of water to loosen it.
  • Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the doneness of the pork.
  • For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork chops in the glaze for a few hours before cooking.

Serving Suggestions

These pork chops pair wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or a simple side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For a lighter option, serve them over a bed of mixed greens with a vinaigrette dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless pork chops?
Yes, but be aware they may cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
You can substitute white vinegar or rice vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Is there a substitute for cayenne pepper?
If you prefer less heat, you can use a pinch of red pepper flakes or omit it entirely.

Spiced Honey-Glazed Pork Chops Recipe Walkthrough

Start by making the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, ground ginger, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until smooth. This ensures that all the flavors are evenly distributed.

Next, prepare the pork chops by seasoning both sides with salt and black pepper. This simple step is crucial for enhancing the natural flavor of the meat.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the pork chops. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they're nicely browned. This creates a tasty crust that locks in juices.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour the honey mixture over the pork chops. Let them simmer for 5-7 minutes. During this time, occasionally spoon the sauce over the chops to ensure they are well-coated and the flavors meld beautifully.

Check the internal temperature of the pork chops. They should reach 145°F. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let the chops rest for 3 minutes. This short rest allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights.
  • The glaze is a delightful balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
  • Uses common pantry ingredients, so no need for a special trip to the store.
  • Impressive enough for guests, but simple enough for beginners.

Ingredients

4 pork chops, bone-in, about 3/4 inch thick
1/2 cup honey
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, ground ginger, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
2. Season both sides of the pork chops with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add pork chops to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and pour honey mixture over the pork chops.
6. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, occasionally basting the chops with the sauce, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F and the sauce has thickened.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 3 minutes before serving.

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