Sweet Maple Pork Chops

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're craving a sweet and savory combination that elevates the humble pork chop, you're in for a treat. These Sweet Maple Pork Chops are glazed to perfection, bringing a delightful balance of flavors straight to your dinner table. Easy to make and impressive to serve, this dish is sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients for Sweet Maple Pork Chops

The star of the show is our boneless pork chops. They cook quickly and soak up the flavors beautifully. The brown sugar provides a deep caramelized sweetness, while maple syrup adds a rich, earthy note. Dijon mustard brings a subtle tang, perfectly balancing the sweetness. A hit of soy sauce introduces a savory umami depth. The combination of garlic powder and onion powder adds aromatic warmth, and a sprinkle of black pepper gives a gentle kick. Finally, olive oil ensures a nice sear, locking in all those delicious juices.

Tips & Tricks

  • For even cooking, try to select pork chops of similar thickness.
  • If your skillet isn't ovenproof, transfer the chops to a baking dish after searing.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature without cutting into the chops.
  • Try using real maple syrup for the best flavor; it makes a difference!

Serving Suggestions

These pork chops pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a warm quinoa salad. The sweet and savory glaze also complements a fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in pork chops?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as bone-in chops can take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?
Yellow mustard or a grainy mustard can substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying them out.

Sweet Maple Pork Chops Recipe Walkthrough

First off, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s ready to go once the pork is seared. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to create a smooth glaze. Make sure everything is well combined.

Next, heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the pork chops. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re browned. This step locks in the moisture and starts building that delicious crust.

Pour your prepared glaze over the seared pork chops, making sure each chop is generously coated. Then, carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C). This ensures they’re cooked through but still juicy.

After baking, let the pork chops rest in the skillet for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping each bite tender and flavorful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Rich, flavorful glaze that transforms simple ingredients.
  • Minimal cleanup with a one-pan method.
  • Satisfies both sweet and savory cravings.

Ingredients

4 boneless pork chops
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper to form the glaze.
3. Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
4. Pour the glaze over the pork chops, ensuring each one is well-coated.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F (63°C).
6. Let the pork chops rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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