Sweet Savory Pork Chops

Name: Sweet Savory Pork Chops
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 bone-in pork chops; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/4 cup water

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 30 min

🍽 Serves: 4

★★★★★

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Sweet Savory Pork Chops are where comfort meets gourmet in your own kitchen. This dish combines the rich flavors of honey and soy with the tang of apple cider vinegar, creating an irresistible glaze. It’s a meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough for company.

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Ingredients for Sweet Savory Pork Chops

Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish shine. First, the pork chops: bone-in chops hold their shape and provide a richer flavor profile. Honey adds a natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Soy sauce brings umami depth and color to the glaze. Apple cider vinegar cuts through the richness, offering a subtle tang that balances the flavors. Olive oil is used for searing, giving the chops a beautiful golden crust. Garlic adds aromatic depth, while black pepper and salt enhance all the flavors. Finally, cornstarch and water are your go-to for thickening the glaze.

Tips & Tricks

For a deeper flavor, marinate the pork chops in the glaze for a couple of hours before cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches exactly 145°F for perfect juiciness.
If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the honey by a couple of tablespoons.

Serving Suggestions

These pork chops pair beautifully with mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf to soak up the extra glaze. A side of roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, adds a nice crunch and freshness to the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless pork chops?: Yes, but keep in mind they may cook faster, so check the internal temperature earlier.
Is there a substitute for apple cider vinegar?: White wine vinegar or rice vinegar can work in a pinch, though the flavor will vary slightly.
How do I store leftovers?: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the meat.

Sweet Savory Pork Chops Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F, ensuring it’s ready when you need it. While the oven heats up, combine the glaze ingredients: whisk together the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl until they’re well mixed.

Next, grab a large oven-safe skillet and heat it over medium. Once it’s hot, sear the pork chops for about 3 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that perfect golden brown color, which means flavor.

After searing, pour the honey glaze over the pork chops, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Then, carefully move the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chops for about 20 minutes, or until their internal temperature reaches 145°F. This ensures they’re cooked through but still juicy.

Once done, take the skillet out of the oven. Transfer the pork chops to a plate and cover them with foil to keep warm. Place the skillet back on the stovetop over medium heat. Mix the cornstarch with water in a small bowl, and stir this mixture into the glaze in the skillet. Keep stirring until the glaze thickens, which should take about 2 minutes.

Finally, serve the pork chops with a generous drizzle of the thickened glaze. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

A perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that tantalize the taste buds.
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings.
Uses pantry staples to create a restaurant-quality dish.
Minimal cleanup with one skillet from stovetop to oven.
The recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to taste preferences.

Ingredients

4 bone-in pork chops

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/4 cup water

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt until well combined.

3. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, sear pork chops for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

4. Pour the honey glaze over the pork chops, ensuring they are fully coated.

5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork reaches 145°F.

6. Remove the skillet from the oven, transfer pork chops to a plate, and cover with foil to keep warm.

7. Place the skillet back on the stove over medium heat. Mix cornstarch with water, then stir it into the glaze in the skillet.